Program Overview

Environmental Studies — Geographic Information Science Concentration

The Geographic Information Science (GIS) emphasis provides students with in-depth training in GIS theory and techniques. Students gain advanced skills in the creation, development, management, analysis, and visualization of spatial data. The program teaches students how to use GIS for a wide range of environmental applications, from modeling climate change impacts to identifying inequitable patterns of exposure to pollutants to prioritizing land for renewable energy installations or conservation easements.

Sample Careers

• GIS Technician
• GIS Analyst
• GIS Manager
• Geospatial Analyst
• Cartographer
• Geographer

Requirements (20 credits)

Many classes are offered only once per year and must be taken in sequence, so careful planning with an advisor is recommended. Geographic Information Science Concentration majors are encouraged to consider also completing the Advanced Geographic Information Science Certificate. Classes used to complete the certificate may also be used to meet this major’s Depth and Specialization requirements.

Core Courses (14 credits)

• ENVS 320 - GIS I: Introduction to Geographic Information Science Credits: 4
• ENVS 418 - GIS II: Cartography and Geovisualization Credits: 5
• ENVS 420 - GIS III: Analysis and Modeling Credits: 5

Electives (6 credits minimum)

Additional credits from the list below to bring your total concentration credits to at least 20:

• ENVS 419 - Applications in GIS Credits: 3
• ENVS 421 - GIS IV: Geospatial Data Creation and Management Credits: 5
• ENVS 423 - GIS Processing and Analysis Credits: 3
• ENVS 495 - Teaching Practicum Credits: 1-3 (Teaching Practicum must be for a GIS class approved by a faculty advisor)
• ENVS 499O - Professional Geographer Seminar Credits: 1
• ENVS 499Q - Topics in Geographic Information Science Seminar Credits: 1 (ENVS 499Q repeatable when GIS seminar topic changes.)
• ESCI 442 - Introduction to Remote Sensing Credits: 5
• MATH 246 - Introduction to R Credits: 2

University Information

Western Washington University's main campus is situated on the ancestral homelands of the Coast Salish Peoples, who have lived in the Salish Sea basin, all throughout the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades watershed from time immemorial. The university expresses its deepest respect and gratitude to its Indigenous neighbors, for their enduring care and protection of the shared lands and waterways.