Geographic Information Science Major

The Geographic Information Science (GIS) major prepares technically skilled graduates for advanced geospatial analysis and for supporting GIS applications across a wide range of private and public sector settings.

A man in the woods looking at a tablet

The program was developed through collaboration between the Department of Geography and Environmental Planning and the Department of Computer and Information Sciences.

Students build expertise across spatial data analysis, data management and programming, cartographic visualization, and applied problem-solving — gaining the tools to tackle real-world socioeconomic, environmental, and planning challenges through the power of geospatial technology.

About the Program

Graduates of the BS in Geographic Information Science will demonstrate competency in the following areas:

Spatial Data Analysis

Graduates will be able to perform comprehensive analyses of geospatial data using professional geospatial software, spatial analysis techniques and statistical methods.

Data Mining and Management

Students learn to apply information systems and data science techniques — including programming, big data processing, database management and workflow automation — to manage, analyze and visualize geospatial data.

Data Visualization and Cartography

Students learn to visualize and communicate geospatial data and results using maps, web mapping applications, story maps, charts and professional presentations.

Problem-Solving Skills

Students will learn to integrate geospatial data with other data types to address socio-economic, environmental, planning, and real-world challenges in support of decision-making.

Course Requirements

The BS in Geographic Information Science requires 53–54 credits in the major, drawn from geography, computer science, computer information science, and mathematics — plus electives and core curriculum credits to reach 120 total credits.

Required Courses

  • GEOG 101: Physical Geography (3)
  • GEOG 221: Introduction to Geospatial Technology (3)
  • GEOG 321: Introduction to Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry (3)
  • GEOG 322: Introduction to Geographic Information Science (4)
  • GEOG 323: Cartography and Graphics (3)
  • GEOG 414 GIS Applications or GEOG 465 Advanced Techniques in GIS (3)
  • GEOG 416: Advanced Remote Sensing (3)
  • COSC 236: Introduction to Computer Science (4)
  • CIS 211: Fundamentals of Information Systems and Technology (3)
  • CIS 328: Introduction to Data Analytics (3)
  • MATH 231: Basic Statistics (3)
  • MATH 211: Calculus for Applications (3) or MATH 273 Calculus I (4)
  • 9 credits in upper-level electives in Geography
  • 6 credits in upper-level electives in COSC, CIS, and Mathematics

Degree Requirements

For complete and current degree requirements, consult the Undergraduate Catalog. The proposed major allows students to fulfill both major and TU Core Curriculum requirements within 120 total credits.