Geographic Information Systems

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a combination of hardware, software, data, people, and protocols, and is primarily used for the acquisition, maintenance, and analysis of geospatial data and information.  GIS was founded in the art and science of geography, and more specifically was born from forestry and its associated applications (i.e., natural resources). Its main purpose is to serve as a tool for analyzing geospatial phenomena, via various data overlay operations, to provide information in the form of visualizations (i.e., maps), which ultimately provide greater insight into such phenomena from the perspective of geospatial patterns and real-world feature relationships.  The end goal of a GIS is to provide meaningful analysis results to better understand real-world situations and help end-users of such information make better decisions regarding how best to handle geospatial phenomena.

Many pathways can be realized for students who complete the GIS Certificate, which is designed to prepare students for employment following graduation or for transfer to a four-year institution of higher learning.  Curriculum covers the foundation of three core components of GIS: Desktop GIS, Online GIS, and Mobile GIS.  With Desktop GIS, students are exposed to history of GIS, the foundation of what a GIS is and how it works, geospatial data (i.e., structures, models, acquisition, creation, editing, storage, and retrieval), basic geospatial data overlay analyses, and data and information display (i.e., maps, figures, charts, graphs, tables).  Online GIS is like Desktop GIS, with one key difference.  Online GIS will cover the foundation of disseminating GIS through a web-based environment.  Mobile GIS will involve a basic understanding of Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and field data collection using concepts surrounding latest trends in mobile GIS applications, via hardware, software, and protocol perspectives.

Career positions for GIS professionals are numerous.  A GIS practitioner can choose to work in a career position that directly involves GIS, as major form of function and operation, or perhaps supplement another chosen career opportunity with the power of GIS, which can make for a very solid technical combination in many different career-based fields.  GIS positions can be had in both private and public sectors.  A huge area of private-based GIS practice is in consulting.  City, local, county, state, and federal governments all employ GIS professionals as well.  Furthermore, 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.

As a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) major, you will:

• Study the history of GIS, learn what it is and how it is used, and discover the foundational concepts that allow it to be a successful system.

• Develop skills in using hardware and software applications, in conjunction with relevant data and information, to learn how to approach and help solve potential real-world geospatial phenomena.

• Acquire critical thinking skills that will allow you to view and analyze geospatial patterns and feature relationships from a scientific perspective.

• Gain knowledge in the dissemination of geospatial information to web-based data and information delivery environments, as well as exposure to ancillary geospatial technologies such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Remote Sensing, and Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD)data and their respective applications.

Career Options:

• GIS Technician for private entity or government agency

• Supplemental GIS education to add to existing or future education in another field, which will help to strengthen overall knowledge from a technical standpoint

Career Preparation:

The Geographic Information Systems Certificate prepares the student for local employment upon graduation or transfer to a four-year institution of higher learning.

Program Highlights:

• Lassen Community College offers its Geographic Information Systems Certificate as an entirely online program of study.  No physical classroom involvement is required.

• The Geographic Information Systems Certificate can be completed in just two semesters; ideally fall, and then spring semesters.

• The Geographic Information Systems Certificate is well suited to provide individuals with the education necessary to enter the workforce as an entry-level GIS Technician, or add to an existing or future bachelor’s degree education to help strengthen and solidify the technical nature of said degree.  For example, a combination of a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology and a certificate in GIS can be a very valuable and powerful combination to potential employers.

Certificate: Geographic Information Systems

Total Units for the Certificate: 16 Units

Required Core Courses: 16 Units

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of what a GIS is, how it can be used, and how the technology has come to be.

2. Explain, in detail, the nature of geospatial data and associated systems – types, formats, structures, models, acquisition,maintenance, manipulation, and display.

3. Apply critical thinking skills to the approach of establishing a basic GIS and using said GIS to analyze pertinent data and information to derive results that can or may help to better understand a perceived real-world geospatial phenomenon.

4. Use the latest, basic GIS-based software technologies on the market with effective and efficient application.

5. Be academically prepared to obtain an entry-level position directly in GIS, or to greatly supplement and enhance another chosen career field that can benefit from the technical nature of GIS knowledge.

Estimated at least 20 certificate completers with a maximum class size of 35.

• Complete online certificate program for students.

• The Geographic Information Systems Certificate can be completed in just two semesters; ideally fall, and then spring semesters.

• The Geographic Information Systems Certificate is well suited to provide individuals with the education necessary to enter the workforce as an entry-level GIS Technician, or add to an existing or future bachelor’s degree education to help strengthen and solidify the technical nature of said degree.  For example, a combination of a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology and a certificate in GIS can be a very valuable and powerful combination to potential employers.

Program has no prerequisite requirements for entering the certificate program. Students will successfully complete all 5 of the required courses in order to receive the Certificate of Achievement.  The Fundamentals of GIS (GIS1) and GIS Data Concepts (GIS 2) are prerequisites for GIS 3, 4, and 5.