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Submitter's Information
Adrian Youhanna
Professor of Geography/GIS
Los Angeles
LA Pierce College
CTE Dean
Mon Khat
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Program Details
Geographic Information Systems
Program Modifications (formerly substantial changes)
Geographic Information Systems (220610)
01/02/23
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
This program gives students skills and knowledge needed to either enter, or advance ,their careers in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in today’s job market. The GIS program at Pierce offers students the opportunity to learn technical skills that can be applied in a multitude of occupations, such as crime analysis, agriculture, business and marketing.
PROGRAMLEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this program, successful students will be able to:
- Plan, organize, and present a GIS research project to solve a real-world problem.
- Apply and analyze spatial relationships between varying sets of geospatial data layers.
- Apply principles of advanced cartographic designs and GIS map productions.
- Integrate the use of the hand-held GPS unit to determine location and collect and analyze data in a GIS.
PROGRAM GOALS
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has stated that geospatial-based occupations are expected to grow faster than average for all occupations over the coming years, with the need for geographic information being a main source for such growth. The Certificate of Achievement in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will expand the program and offer an option for students looking to update their geospatial skills and enhance their marketability in the workforce.
In collaboration with industry, the department has revised the program which will offer students the opportunity to learn technical skills that can be applied in a wide variety of fields, including federal, state, and local government, forestry, public health, biology, environmental studies, and law enforcement.
It is anticipated that 15-20 students will earn the certificate annually.
Program Proposal Attributes
- Certificate of Achievement: 8 to fewer than 16 semester (or 12 to fewer than 24 quarter) units (B)
Geospatial technologies, which include Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems(GPS) are revolutionizing the way that we do business, the way that we govern, and the way that we live. These technologies are used in a wide variety of fields, including federal, state, and local government, forestry, public health, biology, environmental studies, and law enforcement.
One of Pierce College’s missions is to train students for the workforce. GIS does exactly that. Our certificate program has been designed to provide students with cutting-edge technical knowledge and skills using state-of-the art GIS technology. A wide variety of businesses and industries collect and utilize data in their everyday operations: sources of raw materials, markets, labor force, all of which have spatial aspect. Due to the integrative and interdisciplinary nature of GIS these marketable skills can be applied in a multitude of occupations, such as crime analysis, agriculture, business and architecture.
According to the United States Department of Labor, the demand for students with GIS skills will continue to increase in the future. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that GIS related jobs are among the fastest-growing new or emerging fields in the United States.
Upon completing our program, students are well- positioned to enter the workforce or advance their GIS careers.
Course Units and Hours
15
n/a
n/a
Course Report
The minimum time for completion of this certificateis 2-3 semesters; completion time will vary based on student preparation andnumber of units completed per semester.
The program consists of six courses, beginning with an Introduction to GIS, following by intermediate GIS applications, such as raster analysis, geocoding, and 3D Analysis. Students will then progress to coursework covering cartographic design and visualization, global positioning systems, and spatial analysis and automation. Upon completion of GIS courses 25, 33, 36, 37, and 38, students are eligible to enroll in the GIS applied course (an independent GIS project).
| Course | Title | Units | Year/Semester (Y1 or S1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GIS 25 (same as Geography 25) | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Laboratory | 4 | Y1/S1 |
| GIS 33 (same as Geography 33) | Intermediate GIS Applications | 3 | Y1/S1 or S2 |
| GIS 36 (same as Geography 36) | Cartographic Design and Visualization | 3 | Y2/S1 or S2 |
| GIS 37 (same as Geography 37) | Introduction to Global Positioning Systems (GPS) | 1 | Y1/S1 or S2 |
| GIS 38 (same as Geography 38) | Spatial Analysis and Automation | 3 | Y2/S1 or S2 |
GIS 40 Applied GIS 1 Y2/S2
Supporting Documents
Los Angeles Regional Questions
Los Angeles Community College District
Los Angeles Pierce College
Mon Khat
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Program Modification
Technology, Information Systems
Submission Details
02/22/23 - 04:59 PM
Informational
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Please list the reason(s) for returning "Geographic Information Systems". to Adrian Youhanna's drafts. This message will be sent to youhana@piercecollege.edu
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