Geographic Information Systems

GENERAL INFORMATION

GIS stands for Geographic Information System. It is a computer-based system for the storage, management, analysis, and display of geographic data. GIS is widely used in private sector, all levels of federal, state, and local government, and by nearly every academic discipline at the university level. It is a powerful tool for decision-making, managing information, and conducting extensive analysis, in relation to almost any business or interest.

PREPARATION

Potential applicants should posses strong communication skills (in working with people and generating reports), a working knowledge of mathmatics in how they apply to Geography, and the ability to understand different computer operating, software, and file systems. Good English grammar and punctuation skills are required, as well as familiarity with personal computers and word processing software. For Geographic Information Systems positions, understanding geographic terminology and the technical implementation of these concepts, is essential.

CAREER OPTIONS

The GIS/mapping industry is a burgeoning market and one of the fastest growing segments of the computer industry. As a result, GIS- related professionals have never been in greater demand. Opportunities for certificate holders can be found in several areas within the GIS industry including applications development, database creation, sales and marketing, software development and training, data conversion, and public, retail, or commercial project management. Many state agencies have created new positions for GIS analysts, technicians, and managers. Some Washington agencies that employ persons with GIS training include the Department of Ecology, Department of Forestry, and Department of Transportation. In addition, Native American tribal governments, city planning departments, and regional planning agencies have created new positions for GIS specialists. At a time when the federal government workforce is being scaled back, there continues to be a high demand for GIS analysts in agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The GIS Certificate Program provides students with broad exposure to principles and applications of GIS. A student who has earned the Certificate in GIS will be well-versed in general GIS theory and will have knowledge and/or practical exposure to the following:

1) hardware and software used in GIS,

2) planning and construction of spatial databases,

3) GIS analyses (performed on data related to the student's area of interest), and

4) generation of professional-quality end products

Upon completion of the certificate, students will also have a working knowledge of general geographic foundations upon which GIS is based. The program is designed to allow a high degree of flexibility, allowing for personal interests and backgrounds, while providing a powerful and marketable set of skills that can be used in contemporary work settings. Through elective courses, students can focus on one of several areas of specialization at both an applied and a technical level.

A Certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the 45-credit, 3-quarter program. The courses in this program and the certificate are not designed for transfer to a baccalaureate institution.

PROGRAM ADVISOR

It is essential to follow advisor guidance for this program. Please contact:

Kerry Lyste

Office:Rainier 362,

Phone: (425) 388-9381 e-mail: klyste@evcc.ctc.edu

www.everettcc.edu/klyste

for job information follow the GIS Café Link

GETTING STARTED AT EVCC

Our Enrollment Services Office provides information about application, advising, orientation, and registration for new and continuing students. Though advising is voluntary, all prospective and current students are invited to contact the Enrollment Services Office or the Counseling Advising and Career Center (CACC) if they would like to speak one-to-one with an advisor about getting started.

¨ Enrollment Services, Jackson Center, 425-388-9219

admissions@evcc.ctc.edu

¨ CACC, Third Floor, Parks, 425-388-9263

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS - 45 credits

Students should meet with the program advisor and maintain this checklist while at Everett Community College. Students must bring this checklist to all advising sessions. The quarter before expected completion, this checklist (signed and dated by the advisor) should be submitted with a diploma application to the Enrollment Services Office. A full description of the College’s requirements for earning a certificate or degree is contained in the College catalog.

Student Name: ____________________________ Advisor Signature: ___________________________ Date:________

Prior to beginning Geographic Information Systems courses, students should have a working knowledge of file management and Geometry, as well as good writing skills. The prerequisites for enrolling in GIS 200 and GIS 201 are: Completion of ENGL 98 or placement scores indicating readiness in ENGL 101; CIS 100 or file management skills; and MATH 59 (Geometry) or equivalent Geometry skills.

Course Number		Course Title	Credits	Quarter Completed	Grade
TECHNICAL CORE REQUIREMENTS
GIS 200	Computer Cartography (Fall 2007)		5
GIS 201	Introduction to GIS (Winter/ Summer 2007)		5
GIS 205	Applications in GIS (Spring 2007)		5
GIS 250	Internship		3-5
Select one of:	GEOG 101, 102D, 205, or 201D: _____________		5

ELECTIVES. Select a minimum of 20 - 22 credits, including at least 5 credits from each Track from the Electives list below.

TOTAL: ____________

A minimum of 45 credits is required, with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.

APPLIED TRACK ELECTIVES		TECHNICAL TRACK ELECTIVES
ANTHR 201	Intro to Biological Anthropology	ENG T 203	AutoCAD
ANTHR 240D	Pacific Island Cultures	ENG T 210	Civil Planning
ATM S 101	Weather	CP 110	Computer Programming 1 (Visual Basic)
ENV S 101	Humans and Their Environment	CIS 108	Introduction to Operating Systems
ENV S 150	Land Use Planning and Regulation	CIS 120	Intro to Computer Spreadsheets Using MS Excel
ENV S 165	Ecology, Conservation,& Biodiversity	CIS 124	Intro to Database Management Using Access
GEOS 113	Environmental Geoscience	CIS 180	Systems Analysis and Design
GEOS 190	Regional Geoscience Field Exploration	CIS 162	Computer Technician (Software)
GEOS 208	Pacific Northwest Geology	GRAPH 110	Principles of Digital Illustration
HUM 247D	Introduction to World Religions	GRAPH 111	Imaging and Graphic Special Effects
MATH 281	Elements of Statistics	GRAPH 112	Corporate Identity & Information Design
OCEAN 101	Physical Oceanography	GIS 299	Independent Study in GIS
POL S 205	State and Local Politics
SOC 240	Social Psychology
SOC 110	Survey of Sociology
SOC 220D	The Family
SPCH 204D	Intercultural Communication

Everett Community College complies with all federal and state regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, gender, or disability. Students with disabilities recognized under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act may receive special accommodation to assist them in their learning. If such a need exists, it is the student’s responsibility to request services in a timely manner. Contact the Center for Disability Services, 425-388-9272.

This publication is effective Spring, 2003. The College reserves the right to change courses, programs, degrees, and requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of correct information by routinely checking with Enrollment Services and/or the advisors listed in this publication. Requirements applicable to all certificates and degrees are published in the College Catalog. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to create any offer to contract or any contractual rights.

For more information, call 425-388-9219, Everett Community College, 2000 Tower Street, Everett, WA 98201, www.everettcc.edu