Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems
Program Overview
Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems
The Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program at the University of Redlands prepares students to become specialists capable of advanced skills in GIS through a curriculum of four key competencies: spatial data acquisition, spatial data management, spatial analysis, and information presentation.
Degrees Offered
- Bachelor of Science
Program Types
- Undergraduate, Major, Minor
Mode of Study
- On Campus
Department
- Geographic Information Science
School / College
- College of Arts and Sciences
What is a Geographic Information Systems Degree?
The Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program prepares students to become specialists capable of advanced skills in GIS through a curriculum of four key competencies: spatial data acquisition, spatial data management, spatial analysis, and information presentation. The B.S. GIS differs from the B.A. GIS in that the B.S. GIS offers more advanced skills in GIS without the exposure to interdisciplinary applications contained in the B.A. GIS.
Why Major in Geographic Information Systems at Redlands?
GIS is a spatial system that connects data to a map, integrating location data with all types of descriptive information. The demand for GIS professionals is increasing as GIS technology continues to yield benefits for virtually every field. With this degree from the University of Redlands, students will harness the power of GIS to make maps that communicate, perform analysis, share information, and solve complex problems in the world around them. Students can easily bridge their GIS skillset across many industries. GIS specialists are often employed by various levels of government, utilities, and in the private sector, including with corporate partners at ESRI, the global leader in GIS headquartered locally in Redlands.
Classes You'll Take
The Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems (BSGIS) program teaches students to think, communicate, reason, and solve real-world problems spatially — through a curriculum of four key competencies: spatial data acquisition, spatial data management, spatial analysis, and information presentation.
Spatial Data Acquisition
- Working with spatial needs a sound understanding of how spatial data are represented and how they can be acquired using various methods.
- Students will learn how to represent spatial data in coordinates, how to calculate coordinates from field measurements, how to use images to get GIS data, and how GPS is used in GIS on different platforms.
Data Management
- GIS data has a large volume and every GIS system involves different types of data.
- Students will learn how to model real-world problems with spatial data and manage such data for efficient data creation, update, and retrieval for use.
Spatial Analysis
- The core of GIS is spatial analysis.
- Students will learn various concepts and knowledge of how to solve problems spatially.
- Upon a sound understanding of the concepts, students will learn how to use GIS technology to solve spatial problems, including customizing workflows under a GIS platform.
Information Presentation
- Students will learn how to represent spatial data under different contexts and understand the issues with the different representations.
Core Courses
- Required
- GIS110: Introduction to Spatial Analysis & GIS
- GIS167: Introduction to Python Programming
- GIS210: Advanced Spatial Analysis & GIS
- GIS325: Spatial Data Acquisition and Representation
- GIS326: Cartography
- GIS362: Spatial DBMS
- GIS465: Geospatial Analysis
- GIS496: Capstone Project
- Electives
- GIS267/DS201: Introduction to Data Science
- GIS361: Advanced Topics in GIS
- GIS363: Applied Data Analysis with Python
- GIS368: Advanced Cartography
- GIS369: Web GIS Application
- GIS425/SPA425: Introduction to Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry
- GIS467: Advanced Geospatial Analysis with Python
- MATH233: Introduction to Machine Learning
- Math
- MATH118: Integrated Calculus I
- MATH120: Brief Calculus
- MATH121: Calculus I
What You'll Learn
- Data management: GIS data has a large volume and every GIS system involves different types of data. Students will learn how to model real-world problems with spatial data and manage such data for efficient data creation, update, and retrieval for use.
- Spatial data acquisition: Working with spatial needs a sound understanding of how spatial data are represented and how they can be acquired using various methods. Students will learn how to represent spatial data in coordinates, how to calculate coordinates from field measurements, how to use images to get GIS data, and how GPS is used in GIS on different platforms.
- Spatial analysis: The core of GIS is spatial analysis. Students will learn various concepts and knowledge of how to solve problems spatially. Upon a sound understanding of the concepts, students will learn how to use GIS technology to solve spatial problems, including customizing workflows under a GIS platform.
- Information presentation: Students will learn how to represent spatial data under different contexts and understand the issues with the different representations.
Graduates Pursue Careers As
- GIS Analysts: Analyzing spatial data to support decision-making and solve geographical problems.
- Cartographers: Creating detailed maps and visual representations of geographic information.
- Urban Planners: Utilizing GIS technology to design and develop efficient and sustainable urban spaces.
- Environmental Consultants: Using GIS data to assess environmental impact and guide conservation efforts.
Featured Faculty
- Mark Kumler: Professor
- Ruijin Ma: Professor, Department Chair
- Douglas Flewelling: Professor
Admissions
- Undergraduate application deadlines:
- Fall Term - First Year: Early Action 1 (November 1), Early Action 2 (December 1), Regular Decision (January 15*)
- Fall Term - Transfer: Priority Deadline (March 1*)
- Spring Term - Transfer: Priority Deadline (November 1*)
University of Redlands
Overview:
The University of Redlands is a private university located in Redlands, California. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including arts and sciences, business, education, and theology. The university is known for its commitment to academic excellence, personalized education, and fostering a close-knit community.
Services Offered:
The university provides a variety of services to its students, including:
Academic Calendar:
Access to the academic calendar for important dates and deadlines.Bookstore:
A bookstore for purchasing textbooks and other academic materials.Campus Map:
An interactive map of the campus for navigation.Employment:
Resources for students seeking on-campus or off-campus employment.MyRedlands:
A portal for accessing student information, grades, and other resources.New Student Experience:
Programs and support for new students transitioning to university life.Residence Life and Housing:
Options for on-campus housing and residence life services.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Redlands can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university fosters a close-knit community where students can connect with peers and faculty. Students have access to a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities, including:
Athletics:
Participation in NCAA Division III athletics.Community Service:
Opportunities for community engagement and service learning.Student Organizations:
A wide range of student clubs and organizations catering to diverse interests.Social Events:
Regular social events and activities organized by the university and student groups.Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
The university is recognized for its high-quality academic programs and dedicated faculty.Personalized Education:
The university emphasizes personalized learning and provides individual attention to students.Community Focus:
The university fosters a strong sense of community and belonging among students, faculty, and staff.Affordability:
The university offers financial aid and scholarships to make education accessible to a diverse student body.Career Outcomes:
The university prepares students for successful careers and lifelong learning.Academic Programs:
The University of Redlands offers a wide range of academic programs, including: