Geospatial Information Science & Technology
Associate of Applied Science Degree
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. Anyone who has ever researched driving directions on the internet has used a geographic mapping system! This exciting and relatively new field of study prepares students to be technicians working in a range of ways – planning urban growth, designing roads, managing forests, exploring natural resources, mapping natural disasters, real estate site selection, and much more! CWC’s program is designed to encourage students to develop skills in critical and creative thinking. The program equips students with the scientific and analytical background required to work with high-tech mapping technologies to assess real world problems and provide solutions.
Virtually all of the courses in this program transfer well to either the Environment and Natural Resources program at the University of Wyoming, or (in the case of GIST courses) to the Geography Department. Specific course transfer depends upon the department students wish to enter at UW.
| Course Number | Course |
Credits |
| CMAP 1200 | Computer Information Systems |
3 credits |
| ENGL 1020 OR ENGL 2002 |
English Composition II OR Technical Writing |
3 credits |
| ENGL 2002 | Technical Writing |
3 credits |
| GEOG 1020 | Intro to Human Geography |
3 credits |
| GEOG 2310 | Intro to Geographic Information Systems |
4 credits |
| GEOG 2410 | Advanced Geographic Information Systems |
4 credits |
| GEOG 2110 | Techniques in Cartography |
4 credits |
| GEOG 1200 | Geospatial Foundations |
4 credits |
| MATH 1400 | College Algebra |
4 credits |
| STAT 2050 OR STAT 2070 |
Fundamentals of Statistics OR Intro Statistics for the Social Sciences |
4 credits |
| PEAC 2025 | Wilderness Navigation |
1 credit |
Students must choose a minimum of four (4) credits from the following courses:
| Course Number | Course |
Credits |
| BIOL 1080 | Intro to Environmental Science |
4 credits |
| ENR 2425 | Mountain Environments |
4 credits |
| G&R 2020 | Mountaineering: |
1 - 5 credits |
| G&R 2030 | Wilderness Backpacking: |
1 - 5 credits |
| G&R 2031 | Combined Expeditions: |
1 - 5 credits |
| G&R 2032 | Winter Expedition: |
1 - 5 credits |
| Not applicable | NOLS Wind River Wilderness Course |
1-5 credits |
Students must choose a minimum of seventeen (17) credits from the following courses:
| Course Number | Course |
Credits |
| GEOG 2120 | Geographic Information System Databases |
3 credits |
| GEOG 2125 | Geographic Info Syst Database Apps |
1 credit |
| GEOG 2130 | Spatial Analysis |
4 credits |
| GEOG 2135 | Applied GPS for GIS |
3 credits |
| GEOG 2140 | Remote Sensing |
4 credits |
| GEOG 2190 | Intro to Programming Geospatial Information Science and Technology |
3 credits |
| GEOG 2395 OR CPED 1000 |
Capstone Project in Geographic Information Systems OR Co-Op Work Experience I |
3 credits |
General Education requirements provide students a general knowledge to help them complete a degree at CWC.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Writing Level I | 3 |
| American & Wyoming Government | 3 |
| University Studies | 1 |
Total Credit Hours: 62
Certificates
The certificate I in GIST emphasizes both the academic and technical skills required for the collection, analysis, and manipulation of geospatial data. The certificate prepares students for employment as technicians in the fields of natural resources, government, public safety, mapping and utility companies, oil and gas, health and human service, and consulting firms. Students will leave the program with both a theoretical background and hands-on skill set in the field of geospatial technologies.
Explore gainful employment information, where you can find occupational information, estimated cost and time of program completion, and job placement opportunities.
Program Requirements
| Course Number | Course |
Credits |
| CMAP 1200 | Computer Information Systems |
3 credits |
| ENGL 1010 | English Composition I |
3 credits |
| GEOG 2310 | Intro to Geographic Information Systems |
4 credits |
| GEOG 2410 | Advanced Geographic Information Systems |
4 credits |
| GEOG 1200 | Geospatial Foundations |
4 credits |
| MATH 1000 OR MATH 1400 |
Problem Solving OR College Algebra |
3 credits |
Program Electives
| Course Number | Course |
Credits |
| GEOG 2110 | Techniques in Cartography |
4 credits |
| GEOG 2120 | Geographic Information System Databases |
3 credits |
| GEOG 2125 | Geographic Info Syst Database Apps |
1 credit |
| GEOG 2130 | Spatial Analysis |
4 credits |
| GEOG 2135 | Applied GPS for GIS |
3 credits |
| GEOG 2140 | Remote Sensing |
4 credits |
| GEOG 2190 | Intro to Programming Geospatial Information Science and Technology |
3 credits |
| GEOG 2395 OR CPED 1000 |
Capstone Project in Geographic Information Systems OR Co-Op Work Experience I |
3 credits |
| PEAC 2025 | Wilderness Navigation |
1 credit |
General Ed. Requirements
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| University Studies | 1 |
Total Credit Hours: 31-32
Certificate II in GIST provides an introductory foundation in the academic and technical skills required for the collection, analysis, and manipulation of geospatial data. The certificate prepares students for employment as technicians in the fields of natural resources, government, public safety, mapping and utility companies, oil and gas, health and human service, and consulting firms. Students will leave the program with a background to complement virtually any profession that requires introductory-level skills in the use and application of geospatial technologies.
Program Requirements
| Course Number | Course |
Credits |
| GEOG 2310 | Intro to Geographic Information Systems |
4 credits |
| GEOG 2410 | Advanced Geographic Information Systems |
4 credits |
| GEOG 1200 | Geospatial Foundations |
4 credits |
Program Electives
A student must choose 4 credits from the following courses:
| Course Number | Course |
Credits |
| GEOG 2110 | Techniques in Cartography |
4 credits |
| GEOG 2120 | Geographic Information System Databases |
3 credits |
| GEOG 2125 | Geographic Info Syst Database Apps |
1 credit |
| GEOG 2130 | Spatial Analysis |
4 credits |
| GEOG 2135 | Applied GPS for GIS |
3 credits |
| GEOG 2140 | Remote Sensing |
4 credits |
| GEOG 2190 | Intro to Programming Geospatial Information Science and Technology |
3 credits |
| GEOG 2395 | Capstone Project in Geographic Information Systems |
3 credits |
| CPED 1000 | Co-Op Work Experience I |
3 credits |
Total Credit Hours: 16
Get to know your instructors!
Jacki Klancher
Professor of Environmental Science and Health; Director of Instruction and Research at the Alpine Science Institute; AgricultureJacki 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.
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.
