Geographic Information Systems (GIS), C.S.C.

Location(s): LO

CIP Code: 45.0702

NOVA Code: 221-719-71

Purpose: This program is designed to help students develop both the theoretical knowledge and a practical facility with GIS. Students who already hold a baccalaureate or master’s degree will acquire the requisite skills and knowledge to switch careers, or to apply spatial analysis in their present workplaces. Students will be positioned to pursue additional coursework toward an associate degree and/or transfer to a four-year institution for further study in the geospatial, environmental, or physical sciences; in civil engineering; in information technology; or in business/marketing at a four-year institution.

Preparation: Students are expected to understand fundamental computer applications and concepts before enrolling in GIS courses.

One Year

1st Semester

ENG/CST Elective (3 CR.) ¹
GEO 220 - World Regional Geography (3 CR.)
GIS 200 - Geographical Information Systems I (4 CR.)

Total 10 credits

2nd Semester

GIS 201 - Geographical Information Systems II (4 CR.)
GIS 255 - Exploring Our Earth: Introduction to Remote Sensing (3 CR.)
Elective (3-4 CR.) ²

Total 10-11 credits

3rd Semester

GIS 203 - Cartography for GIS (3 CR.)
GIS 205 - Geographical Information Systems: 3-Dimensional Analysis (4 CR.)
GIS 290 - Internship (1 CR.)

Total 8 credits

Total credits for the Career Studies Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS): 28-29 credits

All first-time students must take a one-credit Student Development (SDV) course prior to enrolling in their 16th credit at NOVA. First-time-to-college students ages 17-24 must complete an SDV course within their first year at NOVA.

To be credited toward the certificate, a minimum grade of “C” for each class is required.

¹ May be met by ENG 111 or other ENG courses approved by a student’s advisor, or by CST 100 , CST 110 , CST 126 , or CST 229 .

² Must be chosen from the following disciplines: GIS 200-level course not specified, BIO, CHM, EGR, ENV, GEO, GOL, HIS, ITD, ITN, ITP, MKT, MTH, or PHY.