Skip to main content

GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (GIST)

Certificate Program

Department:Chemistry and Geosciences

School(s): Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)

MCC Program Code: GG02
CIP Code: 45.0702
NYSED Code (BRI): 38452
NYSED Code (DCC): 38453
Admissions

Apply to this Major.

New, Transfer, or Re-admit students should contact Admissions at (585) 292-2200 or admissions@monroecc.edu.

Request a Change of Major.


100% of this program can be completed online.

Description
The Geospatial Information Science and Technology (GIST) Certificate is tailor-made for western New York’s regional GIST industry needs, while allowing for possible transfer opportunities to four year universities. The 24-credit Geospatial certificate program consists of eight core classes, including a capstone course. This program will provide students with the opportunity to intern and/or earn employment in the geospatial field within one year. Students also have the option of completing an A.S. degree in Geography with a concentration in Geospatial Technology by completing additional courses (see A.S. in Geography). Students who earn a GIST certificate have a wide variety of career options, including a GIS technician, cartographer, geospatial intelligence, or remote sensing analyst.

Program Learning Outcomes
1. Locate major political units important to Geography.
2. Locate physical features important to Geography.
3. Engage in the scientific process.
4. Conduct field work using mobile GIS.
5. Employ cartographic principles in the design of professional quality maps.
6. Perform basic remote sensing workflows to solve problems or answer specific questions.
7. Formulate an appropriate GIS workflow to execute geospatial problem-solving or decision-making.
8. Assess trends in point data (e.g. point density, “hot spots”, geographic center) using GIS.
9. Select an appropriate geospatial analytical method to solve a particular problem or make a particular decision.
10. Apply critical-thinking skills to solve problems.

Employment Potential
For related jobs: Career Coach
Occupational Resource: https://www.onetonline.org

Requirements for Program Entrance
High School diploma, GED, or equivalent.

Distribution Requirements Credit Hours
FIRST SEMESTER
GEG 100 Physical Geography I Laboratory
1
GEG 101 Physical Geography I
3
GEG 130 Digital Earth
3
GEG 131 Cartography
3
GEG 133 Introduction to Remote Sensing
3
First Semester Total:
13
SECOND SEMESTER
GEG 102 Human Geography
3
GEG 230 Spatial Analysis and GIS
3
GEG 239 Capstone in Geospatial Technology
2
PROGRAM ELECTIVE*
3-4
Second Semester Total:
11-12
TOTAL CREDITS
24-25

*PROGRAM ELECTIVES: CIS 200, CPT 101, GEG 236, 237, 238; other elective courses must be approved by Certificate Program Director. Please note that some of these elective courses
have prerequisites that are not included in the certificate program. Students who wish to be full time should choose a 4-credit elective.