Geospatial Information Science Technology
- AAS - Career Program
- Department of Chemistry and Geosciences
FIND OUT HOW THIS 2-YR PROGRAM POSITIONS YOU FOR A FASCINATING CAREER IN A GROWING FIELD!
Geospatial Information Science and Technology (G.I.S.T.) is used virtually everywhere. It is the map on your smart phone, the maps in the news, and is used behind the scenes for analysis purposes in science and business. It converts remote sensing imagery provided by satellites into digital data that helps drivers find their destinations, warns us of approaching storms, locates energy resources, tracks global warming and provides intelligence for national security. The ability to collect and analyze geospatial data is a valued skill set for businesses, urban planning, agriculture, scientific research, the military and a wide-range of organizations throughout the world.
BUILD THE ADVANCED KNOWLEDGE EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR NOW.
Through classroom and computer lab experiences, you’ll learn to use specialized software to collect, convert, and integrate geographical data into digital form. You’ll become proficient at using geospatial data to produce data layers, maps, tables and reports, and conduct spatial analysis.This two-year degree program takes your skills up a notch through courses developed in conjunction with NYS GIS professionals and the National GeoTech Center of Excellence. You'll also have the flexibility to attend a mix of in-person and online courses, or complete your degree entirely online.
Upon completion you can apply for entry-level positions such as:
- Remote Sensing Scientist and Technologist
- Precision Agriculture Technician
- Mapping Technician
- Urban Planner
- Geoscientist
- Cartographer
- Geographer
GIST graduates often work on projects with people in related fields. For example, they could work with civil engineers, legislators, businesses or real estate developers to determine the best location for a new public transportation infrastructure.
Our graduates find promising career and internship opportunities at organizations like these:
- American Red Cross
- Con Edison (NYC)
- EagleView
- Esri
- Genesee Land Trust
- MRB Group
- New York State Department of Health
- Oswego County
- Soil, Food and Healthy Communities (Malawi)/Cornell University
- Town of Penfield
- Water for South Sudan
OPEN THE DOOR TO FUTURE STUDIES.
MCC’s G.I.S.T. A.A.S degree not only puts you in demand with employers, it gives you a strong foundation for transfer into bachelor’s degree programs at excellent institutions like these:
- University at Buffalo
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- SUNY Farmingdale
- SUNY Cortland
Get in touch with the Monroe Community College’s admissions office to learn more about the opportunities you can create with an associate degree in Geospatial Information Science and Technology. Contact us at (585) 292-2200 or admissions@monroecc.edu.
GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY
A.A.S. Degree - Career Program
Department:Chemistry and Geosciences
School(s): Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)
MCC Program Code: GG10
Description
The Geospatial Information Science Technology (GIST) A.A.S. is a growing and exciting career field that allows users to see trends and patterns in crimes, health, environment, urban planning, business decisions, geosciences, agriculture, and more. GIST uses computer software, imagery (airplanes, drones, and satellites), location, and data (phones to online data) to map and analyze information. Students who earn an A.A.S in GIST will have received a comprehensive education and completed an internship to prepare them to enter the geospatial workforce as a GIST technician who has a wide variety of career options (cartographer, geospatial intelligence, remote sensing analyst, and more).
Program Learning Outcomes
1. Employ geographical analysis to solve problems or answer specific questions.
2. Perform geospatial workflows to solve a particular problem or make a particular decision.
3. Employ industry standard principles in the design of professional quality maps.
4. Configure a geospatial server for use in mobile mapping applications.
5. Use scripting language to streamline geospatial workflows.
6. Implement geospatial solutions to solve problems or answer specific questions through a final capstone experience.
7. Develop a GIST portfolio.
Employment Potential
For related jobs: Career Coach
Occupational Resource: https://www.onetonline.org
Requirements for Program Entrance
No previous courses are required. MCC Level 6 Mathematics Placement is needed. Students may be able to begin the program by taking a dual enrollment section of Digital Earth in high school.
Distribution Requirements | Credit Hours |
---|---|
FIRST SEMESTER | |
GEG 130 Digital Earth (grade of C or higher required) | 4 |
GEG 131 Cartography (grade of C or higher required) | 3 |
GEG 133 Introduction to Remote Sensing (grade of C or higher required) | 3 |
MTH 160 Statistics I | 3 |
ENG 101 College Composition OR ENG 200 Advanced Composition | 3 |
First Semester Total: | 16 |
SECOND SEMESTER | |
GEG 100 Physical Geography I Laboratory | 1 |
GEG 101 Physical Geography I (grade of C or higher required) | 3 |
GEG 230 Spatial Analysis and GIS | 3 |
GEG 237 Web Mapping | 3 |
OPEN ELECTIVE | 3 |
OPEN ELECTIVE | 3 |
Second Semester Total: | 16 |
THIRD SEMESTER | |
GEG 102 Human Geography | 3 |
GEG 236 Geospatial Data Acquisition and Management | 3 |
PROGRAM ELECTIVE* | 3 |
OPEN ELECTIVE | 3 |
OPEN ELECTIVE | 3 |
Third Semester Total: | 15 |
FOURTH SEMESTER | |
GEG 238 Introduction to Geospatial Programming | 3 |
GEG 239 Capstone Course in Geospatial Technology | 2 |
AAD 104 Introduction to Graphic Design, 2D OR COM 115 Computer Generated Images OR CPT 101 Introduction to Computing OR AAD 105 Typography OR ENG 251 Technical Communication OR MIS 100 Introduction to Management Information Systems | 3-4 |
GEG 220 Geography of Genocide OR SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND SOCIAL JUSTICE (SUNY-DVRS) ELECTIVE | 3 |
OPEN ELECTIVE | 3 |
Fourth Semester Total: | 14-15 |
TOTAL CREDITS: | 61-62 |
Revised 5/29/2024