Geospatial Information Science and Technology (GIST) harnesses the power of satellite imagery, 3D mapping, and computer science to collect data and analyze features on the Earth’s surface. Geospatial mapping is used in industries ranging from oil field development and resource exploration to monitoring and improving wildlife habitat. Study to be a technician in this exciting field and gain skills transferable to a wide range of career opportunities such as planning urban growth, designing roads, managing forests, exploring natural resources, mapping natural disasters, real estate site selection, and much more!
This program is based out of the CWC Lander Campus, and can be completed either in Lander or online. Housing for students is available at the CWC Alpine Science Institute.
Geospatial Science at Central Wyoming College includes opportunities for place-based, hands-on learning at the Alpine Science Institute, and opportunities for professional GIS internships. Our home base in the Rocky Mountains allows students to conduct real field science, integrate geospatial tools, and collaborate with land managers and community partners in one of the most ecologically and culturally significant regions in North America.
| Course Number | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CMAP 1200 | Computer Information Systems | 3 |
| ENGL 1020 | English Composition II | 3 |
| OR | ||
| ENGL 2002 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| GEOG 1020 | Intro to Human Geography | 3 |
| GIST 1200 | Geospatial Foundations | 4 |
| GIST 2110 | Techniques in Cartography | 4 |
| GIST 2310 | Intro to Geographic Information Systems | 4 |
| GIST 2410 | Advanced Geographic Information Systems | 4 |
| MATH 1400 | College Algebra | 4 |
| STAT 2050 | Fundamentals of Statistics | 4 |
| OR | ||
| STAT 2070 | Intro Statistics for the Social Sciences | 4 |
| OEAC 2025 | Wilderness Navigation | 1 |
| Course Number | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 1080 | Intro to Environmental Science | 4 |
| ENR 2425 | Mountain Environments | 4 |
| OEAC 2020 | Mountaineering: | 1-5 |
| OEAC 2030 | Wilderness Backpacking: | 1-5 |
| OEAC 2031 | Combined Expeditions: | 1-5 |
| G&R 2032 | Winter Expedition: | 1-5 |
| NOLS Wind River Wilderness Course |
| Course Number | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GIST 2120 | Geographic Information System Databases | 3 |
| GIST 2125 | Geographic Info Systems Database Apps | 1 |
| GIST 2130 | Spatial Analysis | 4 |
| GIST 2135 | Applied GPS for GIS | 3 |
| GIST 2140 | Survey of Remote Sensing Applications | 4 |
| GIST 2190 | Intro to Programming Geospatial Information Science and Technology | 3 |
| GIST 2395 | Capstone Project in Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| OR | ||
| CPED 1000 | Co-Op Work Experience I: | 3 |
General Education requirements provide students a general knowledge to help them complete a degree at CWC.
| Writing Level I (WR1) | 3 credits |
| American & Wyoming Government (POLS 1000) | 3 credits |
| MATH/APPM/LSCI | (in program) |
| Student must complete six (6) credits of general education courses distributed over two (2) different general education areas, one of which is either WR2 or ORAL. | |
| ARTS/HUM/IT/ORAL/SOC/WR2 | (in program) |
| UNST | 1 credits |
If you have an interest in expedition science, environmental science, geospatial information systems technology (GIST), or outdoor education we recommend you live in Lander, WY or in our student housing at the Alpine Science Institute at Central Wyoming College.
Jacki Klancher has been an educator for more than 20 years. Originally from Patricia, Alberta Canada, Klancher has been at CWC for more than 10 years as a professor and she was integral in launching the Interdisciplinary Climate Change Expedition. This undergraduate research program has allowed her to integrate the classroom component of the EHS Environmental GIST and Expedition Science programs with wilderness travel and adventure.
INSTRUCTOR OF GIS AND EXPEDITION SCIENCE
Mara grew up in Lander, Wyoming and loves finding ways to connect students to their local environments and communities. She teaches GIS, environmental science and geography, and she helps facilitate and teach summer backcountry research expeditions.
If you have an interest in anthropology, environmental science, geospatial information systems technology (GIST), or outdoor education you can begin your studies and career on top of the Rocky Mountains as part of the Alpine Science Institute at Central Wyoming College.
