Geographic Information Systems

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate provides students the geospatial problem-solving skills and knowledge needed to either enter, or advance, in a variety of careers including urban planning, emergency services, resource extraction, environmental science, agriculture, business development. In the program, students work with ESRI ArcGIS software to develop their skills.

	<Year 1>	<Year 2>
Course Code	Course Title	# of Sections	Enrollment Total	# of Sections	Enrollment Total
GEOG 120	Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)	1	24	1	24
GEOG 121	Intermediate Geographic Information Systems (GIS)	1	24	1	24
GEOG 130	Data Acquisition and Management in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)	1	24	1	24
GEOG 131	Remote Sensing	1	24  We expect 15-20 students to complete the certificate, annually.	1	24

A. Program Goal: CTE

i. Purpose: The purpose of the GIS certificate is to serve as workforce skills preparation and workforce skills advancement.

Geographic Information System (GIS) is a visual interpretation of geospatial data and applicable in many areas, including geologic and natural hazards, vegetation management, wildfire management, agriculture, vineyard management, public safety, urban planning, environmental impact analysis, surface and groundwater management, disaster management and mitigation, public safety, and more.

The courses in this certificate can serve and support other NVC programs such as geology, viticulture, ecology, political science, EMT/EMS, andarchaeology.

The courses can serve as a supplementary skillset for students and/or belisted as electives in program GE patterns.

The certificateprogram will be housed in the Department of Earth Sciences under the supportand requirements of the Career Technical Education Division.

GIS is a widely used analyticaltool in many fields. Community members in the North Bay have inquired about GIStraining at NVC, and LMI data support demand for GIS skills. Local need for GISanalysts and skillset include fields in: agriculture, wildfire management,landslide risk, ground and surface water management, and public safety. SolanoCC and Santa Rosa JC do not offer a GIS certificate.

The facilities and equipment toinitiate the GIS certificate program have been acquired or are in progress. The1833 GIS Computer Lab is equipped with new computers and monitors and a 3-yearESRI license has been purchased. The purchase of equipment needed to begin theprogram is in progress and funded by Workforce Funds.

Future funding to sustain theprogram will be requested through Workforce Funds.

The courses will be taught byadjunct faculty and a community member has been identified as first choice.

Finally, the GIS certificate program alsocreates a natural opportunity to partner with the Napa Community, includingcounty, city, and local organizations. Discussions and meetings have alreadytaken place between Cari Roughley and Napa County GIS Coordinator, NapaRCD, andSuscol Intertribal Council Director in relation to the Spring STEM/MESA GISInternship lead by Cari Roughley.

Requirements	Course Code	Course Title	Units	Sequence  (Year, Term)
Required Courses   (12 units)	GEOG 120	Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)	3	Year 1, Fall (9 weeks)
	GEOG 121	Intermediate Geographic Information Systems (GIS)	3	Year 1, Fall (9 weeks)
	GEOG 130	Data Acquisition and Management in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)	3	Year 1, Spring
	GEOG 131	Remote Sensing	3	Year 1, Spring

We are grateful for this new offering and advancement of this work collectively at NVC.

The nearest community colleges that offer a similar certificate program is Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill and Contra Costa College in San Pablo. Santa Rosa Junior College, Solano Community College, and Marin College do not offer a GIS certificate program. Napa Valley College will be the only community college offering a GIS certificate in the North Bay.