Geospatial Sciences Major, B.S.

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Background and Mission Statement

The Geospatial Sciences Major provides students with the theoretical knowledge and technical training to develop proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), cartography and database systems in order to define and solve problems in the management, conservation, and improvement of natural and human environments. GIS education has become an integral part of many academic disciplines and professions, including natural resources, environmental science, geography, geology, planning, anthropology, civil engineering, criminal justice, business, biology, health sciences, social sciences, and others. A grade of “C-” or better is required for all Geospatial Sciences coursework. Students must complete 120 hours or more of coursework of which 40-hours or more must be upper division course work (3000 & 4000 level). The degree is an extended major that does not require a minor.

Program Goals

To prepare students for applied opportunities in an array of geospatial sciences, such as geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), remote sensing, cartography, and geovisualization;
To develop student competency in oral communication, scientific writing, and visualization; and
To build critical learning proficiencies regarding geospatial data, quantitative analysis, technologies, and advancements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

Demonstrate understanding of map projections and scale.
Create quality cartographic products.
Create and manage spatial data, metadata, and databases.
Determine analysis needs, conduct spatial analysis and modeling, and develop scientific reports.
Initiate, manage, and implement geospatial projects.

Required Prerequisite Courses

ENG 1010 - Composing Arguments Credits: 3 ¹
ENG 1020 - Research and Argument Writing Credits: 3 ¹
MTH 1120 - College Trigonometry Credits: 3
OR
MTH 1400 - Precalculus Mathematics Credits: 4
OR
MTH 1410 - Calculus I Credits: 4
MTH 1210 - Introduction to Statistics Credits: 4 ²
Subtotal: 13-14 credits

Recommended Prerequisite Courses

MTH 1400 - Precalculus Mathematics Credits: 4 *
PHY 2010 - College Physics I Credits: 4 ³ *
PHY 2030 - College Physics I Laboratory Credits: 1 ³ *
OR
PHY 2311 - General Physics I Credits: 4 ³ *
PHY 2321 - General Physics I Laboratory Credits: 1 ³ *
MTH 1410 - Calculus I Credits: 4 *
OR
CHE 1800 - General Chemistry I Credits: 4 ³ *
CHE 1801 - General Chemistry I Laboratory Credits: 1 ³ *
Subtotal: 9-13 credits
¹ Satisfies the General Studies Written Communication Requirement² Satisfies the General Studies Quantitative Literacy Requirement³Satisfies the General Studies Natural and Physical Sciences Requirement

In addition to prerequisite coursework, students must fulfill General Studies and Global Diversity requirements, as well as the University Multicultural requirement. Some courses can be used to meet General Studies categories, as well as Multicultural and Global Diversity requirements. Students may also use unrestricted electives to satisfy these requirements. Students should meet with an academic advisor for clarification.

Geospatial Sciences Required Courses

GEG 1100 - Introduction to Physical Geography Credits: 3
GIS 1220 - Introduction to Geospatial Sciences Credits: 3
GIS 2250 - Geographic Information Systems Credits: 3 *
GIS 3250 - Cartography Credits: 3 *
GIS 4840 - Remote Sensing Credits: 3 *
GIS 4850 - Spatial Modeling in Raster Credits: 4 *
GIS 4860 - GIS Applications Credits: 4 *
GIS 4870 - Spatial Databases Credits: 3 *
GIS 4810 - GIS Programming Credits: 3 *
Subtotal: 29 credits

Geospatial Sciences Elective Courses

Students are required to select at least 12 semester hours from the list below.

CS 1050 - Computer Science 1 Credits: 4 *
CSS 1247 - Introduction to Programming: Visual Basic Credits: 4 *
GIS 2710 - Global Positioning Systems Credits: 2 *
GIS 3000-4999 GIS Upper Division Electives*
MTH 1410 - Calculus I Credits: 4 *
MTH 3240 - Environmental Statistics Credits: 4 *
MTH 2520 - R Programming Credits: 4 *
Subtotal: 12 credits

Area of Interest

Because of Geospatial Sciences focus on using computer analysis and applications, students are required to develop competency in an area of interest. The plan may be modeled after existing minors and/or customized to meet unique student goals. Some examples of areas of interest include courses that focus on the Environment, Meteorology, Geography, Sustainability, Planning, Computer Science, Business, Marketing, Criminology, etc. The plan must be developed and approved in consultation with an advisor by the time 90 credit hours are completed. Transfer students with 90 credits need to meet with an advisor as soon as possible after admittance.

Advisor Approved Area of Interest

Subtotal: 18 credits

Internship Course

Students are required to complete at least 3 semester hours of internship credit.

GEG 4950 - Internship in Geography Credits: 2-15
Subtotal: 3 credits

Senior Experience Course

Students are required to select 3 semester hours of senior experience credit.

GIS 4890 - Advanced GIS Project Credits: 3 *
GIS 4910 - Satellite Image Processing and Analysis Credits: 3 *
GIS 4920 - Advanced Directed Study in Geospatial Sciences Credits: 3 *
Subtotal: 3 credits
* Course requires additional prerequisites or corequisites

Summary of Requirements

Requirements	Credits
Required Prerequisite Courses	17
Recommended Prerequisite Courses	9-13
Geospatial Sciences Required Courses	29
Geospatial Sciences Elective Courses	12
Area of Interest	18
Internship Course	3
Senior Experience Course	3
Total for Major	65
Total for Degree	120