Geographic Information Systems Minor
Will Kochtitzky, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, School of Marine and Environmental Programs
wkochtitzky@une.edu
Minor Description
Geospatial Technology is a growing field, involving geographic information systems (GIS), global navigational satellite systems (GNSS/GPS), unoccupied ariel vehicles (UAV/drone), remote sensing, and more. In the GIS minor you learn about these tools and get hands-on experience using them in an internship and/or research. GIS has applications related to health care, ecology and conservation, marine science, engineering, business, urban planning, sociology, politics and more. A GIS minor gives you practical skills that current employers are seeking and will significantly enhance your ability to gain employment because you become competent in skills that have application to dynamic fields. With GIS, you can track the spread of disease, find optimal sites to locate a new business, map endangered plant and animal habitat, find the best site for solar panels, analyze growth patterns of cities, and so much more.
Curricular Requirements
Any student may minor in Geographic Information Systems with the approval of the Director of the School of Marine and Environmental Programs. A minimum of eighteen (18) hours of approved course credit in the following courses is required:
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| GIS 161 – GIS I: Fundamentals of Geospatial Science and Technology | 3 |
| GIS 210 – GIS II: Application of Geospatial Science and Technology | 3 |
| Three (3) credits* minimum of GIS 495 – GIS Internship or GIS 410 – GIS Research | 3–4 |
| Eight (8) credits* minimum of Advanced Courses (see below) | 8–9 |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 18 |
|---|
*Advanced courses and research/internship courses must total twelve (12) credits between the two (2) areas.
| Advanced Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| GIS 324/324L – Remote Sensing w/Lab | 4 |
| GIS 398 – Special Topics | 3 |
| GIS 399/399L – Special Topics w/Lab | 4 |
Please note: While some courses can fulfill both core and program requirements, the credits earned do not count twice towards the minimum total required credits for the degree.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply GIS analysis to address geospatial problems and/or research questions.
- Effectively communicate and present project results in oral, written, and graphic forms.
- Demonstrate an ability to undertake new analyses, troubleshoot, and seek help to solve problems in GIS.
- Demonstrate technological competence in modern GIS technology.