Geospatial Information Science Technology

A.A.S. DEGREE

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.

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
* Students should consult with their advisor to select GIST electives. Choose from: GEG 104, 111, 200, 211, 215, 220.
Revised 5/29/2024