Geographic Information Science
About the Program
Geographic Information Science works in partnership with industry to provide quality workforce education in the new, rapidly expanding fields of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
AWARD TYPES: Associate of Applied Science, Certificate Level 1, Certificate Level 2
AREA OF STUDY: Science, Technology, Engineering & Math, Social & Behavioral Sciences
Degrees and Certificates
Learn more about the Degrees and Certificates offered by this program by visiting the HCC Catalog.
View Degrees & Certificates by ProgramProgram Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge of the global natural and cultural environments and the geographic methods by which they are studied.
Recognize, evaluate, and analyze critical issues that deal with diversity of people, places, and events globally as well as within specific geographic regions.
Interpret maps and mapped data utilizing basic map elements, including scales, common coordinate systems, and map symbols.
Use a computer effectively to research, map and analyze geographic information and communicate geographic information. Compare and contrast common geographic technologies such as geographic information systems (GIS) and the global positioning system (GPS.)
Program Information
General Requirements
Geographic Information Science works in partnership with industry to provide quality workforce education in the new, rapidly expanding fields of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). The programs use up-to-date technology and afford students a wide variety of employment opportunities in the corporate world and government agencies. GIS specialists work with GIS computer programs that enable the user to create maps and other graphics that can be “layered” with other data.
In addition, please note that a student may only earn one Occupational Skills Award (OSA) per academic year.
TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.
Employment
There are 2,806 Mapping Technicians employed in the Greater Houston Area. This number is expected to increase by 10.7% over the next four years.
- The estimated annual job openings is 141 jobs a year.
- Median Wages - $18.47 hourly, $38,000 annually
Online Programs Restrictions
Some online programs may require up to 15% of their curriculum be taken in-person on one of HCC’s campuses. Please contact your advisor for more information about specific program requirements.
Language Option Restrictions
Some online programs require students to participate in foreign language courses as part of the program’s required curriculum. Please contact your advisor for more information about specific program requirements and available language options. If you would like to take courses in a language that is not offered online, you would have to do so on campus.
Elective Course Restrictions
Some online programs may have a limited number of elective options available, based on which of the designated electives are currently offered online. Please contact your advisor for more information about specific program requirements.
Required Course Restrictions
Some online programs may require students to participate in one or more campus-based courses as part of a given program’s required curriculum. Please contact your advisor for more information about specific program requirements.
Potential Course Restrictions
Some online courses may have face-to-face requirements for exams, laboratory sessions, and other activities. Please review your course syllabus to determine if your online course has an on-campus laboratory or examination requirement.
Marketable Skills
Learn more about the marketable skills—skills valued by employers that can be applied in variety of work settings—so you can communicate these to potential employers. Click on the relevant award title below to see descriptions of marketable skills for that area.
Geographic Information Science, A.A.S
Geographic Information Science - Analyst, C2
Career Opportunities
Explore real-time labor market data on occupations you may pursue post-graduation, offering insight into career opportunities, potential earnings, and job demand in the Greater Houston region.
For more in-depth information about this career and other career pathways, visit Career Coach.
Resources
Search for a Geographic Information Science Professor or request more information
Get in touch
Ramin Zamanian
Chair, Anthropology & Geography Department
Hours of Operation: Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm