Geography: Geographic Information Science Emphasis

Program Overview

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Geography: Geographic Information Science Emphasis

Bachelor of Science

Overview

Are you a natural problem-solver? Do you "get" spatial patterns? Become an innovator in one of the fastest growing professions: geographic information science. The Bachelor of Science in Geography with a Geographic Information Science emphasis offers courses in cutting-edge GIS and geographic information systems technology (GIST) to fill the growing worldwide demand for skilled geospatial professionals. The program offers courses in remote sensing, cartography, spatial modeling, and the application of GIS for land assessment, wildlife conservation, transportation and the social sciences. Students also gain skills in mathematical and computational thinking, problem-solving, and oral and written communication. Students pursuing a Geography major with a GIS emphasis have access to courses that will help them become technologically proficient in GIS programming, project management, spatial data integration and management, and the production of spatial data visualizations for print, multimedia and mobile environments.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of core principles of physical geography in climatology, biogeography, landscapes, and/or water resources
• Exhibit ability to develop research questions, critically understand data sources & bias, integrate scholarly literature, & conduct research using primary and/or secondary source material
• Demonstrate ability to create, refine, and interpret graphical data to compare/contrast spatial patterns & structures
• Recognize the key factors influencing global and regional climate in the past, present, and future
• Identify and utilize appropriate geography methods to provide a systematic framework for examining environmental and social problems and apprehend their roles, individual and collective
• Demonstrate ability to engage in independent high-order critical thinking and synthesize, process, & present geographic concepts, methodologies, & applications in oral, written, & visual forms

Program Details

Sample Courses

• GIST 214: Introduction to Map Science
• GIST 314: Cartographic Design and Production
• GIST 482: Integrated Geospatial Technologies

Career Fields

• Geography information systems
• Cartography
• Land surveying
• Photogrammetry
• Urban planning

Level of Math

Moderate Knowledge

The M-strand is for students who require mathematical facility at the level of at least MATH 112 (College Algebra Concepts) or 108 (Modeling with Algebraic and Trigonometric Functions). This strand involves reasonable facility with algebra and algebraic functions, graphs, and simple modeling. Students who choose the M-strand are prepared for further mathematical work. This work may include MATH 107 (Exploring and Understanding Data), MATH 113 (Elements of Calculus), MATH 116 (Calculus Concepts for Business), MATH 119A (Mathematics of Biological Systems: A Calculus Based Approach), or a statistics class from outside the Mathematics Department, such as ISTA 116 (Statistical Foundations for the Information Age) or SBS 200 (Statistics for the Social Sciences).

Level of Second Language

2nd Semester Proficiency

Second-semester skill level in a second language is required. Non-B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options: 1. Scoring the equivalent of second-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona. 2. Completion with a C or better of a second semester course at the post-secondary level. 3. An AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate) or CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) language score determined by the individual language department. 4. In the College of Engineering by a method determined within the College; however, all students in the college must also take a language placement examination on entrance to the University.

Pre-major Required?

No

This Major's College

College of Social & Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Sample Plans

2025, Geography: Geographic Information Science Emphasis

• 4-Year Sample Plan
• Map Transfer Coursework
• Plan Ahead with a Transfer Pathway

First Year

1st Semester

• ENGL 101 First-Year Composition
• MATH
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• Second Language
• Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course)

2nd Semester

• ENGL 102 First-Year Composition
• Major Foundation Math: GEOG 222 or SBS 200
• Introduction to Human Geography
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• Second Language

Second Year

3rd Semester

• GEOG 220 Our Diverse Biosphere
• GEOG 417 Geographic Info Systems
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections

4th Semester

• GEOG 230 Our Changing Climate
• Major Methods
• Geography Department Elective
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• General Education Portfolio (Exit Course)

Third Year

5th Semester

• GEOG 330 Intro to Remote Sensing
• GIS Coursework
• Minor
• Elective
• Elective

6th Semester

• GIS Coursework
• Major Methods
• Minor
• Elective
• Elective

Fourth Year

7th Semester

• GIS Coursework
• Minor
• Minor
• Elective
• Elective

8th Semester

• GIS Coursework
• Minor
• Minor
• Elective
• Elective

Map Transfer Coursework

Enter your coursework from Arizona universities or community colleges to see how they can map to this major.

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About the Transfer Mapping Categories

Maps to One Requirement

A transfer course with this designation matches a UAZ course that maps to one requirement for this major.

Can Map in Multiple Ways

A transfer course with this designation matches a UAZ course that maps to more than one requirement for this major. This means that the transfer course could meet any of the matching requirements but does not mean it fulfills all matching requirements.

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A transfer course with this designation matches a UAZ course that has not yet been mapped to a requirement for this major, or it means that the transfer course was input incorrectly.

Pathways

See the pathway agreement in place between Arizona in-state community colleges and The University of Arizona.

Program Outline

• The program offers courses in remote sensing, cartography, spatial modeling, and the application of GIS for land assessment, wildlife conservation, transportation and the social sciences.
• Students also gain skills in mathematical and computational thinking, problem-solving, and oral and written communication.
• Students pursuing a Geography major with a GIS emphasis have access to courses that will help them become technologically proficient in GIS programming, project management, spatial data integration and management, and the production of spatial data visualizations for print, multimedia and mobile environments.