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 | Credits |
| Microcomputer Applications | 3 |
| English Composition II or Technical Writing | 3 |
| Human Geography | 3 |
| Intro to Geographic Information Systems | 4 |
| Advanced Geographic Information Systems | 4 |
| Techniques in Cartography | 4 |
| Geoinformation Science and Tech | 4 |
| College Algebra | 4 |
| Fundamentals of Statistics or Intro to Statistics for Social Sciences | 4 |
| Wilderness Navigation | 1 |
Students must choose a minimum of four (4) credits from the following courses:
| Course |
Credits |
| Intro to Environmental Science |
4 |
| Mountain Environments |
4 |
| NOLS Wind River Wilderness Course |
1-5 |
Students must choose a minimum of seventeen (17) credits from the following courses:
| Course |
Credit |
| Geographic Information System Databases |
3 |
| Geographic Info Syst Database Apps |
1 |
| Spatial Analysis |
4 |
| Applied GPS for GIS |
3 |
| Remote Sensing |
4 |
| Geographic Info Systems and Programming |
3 |
| Capstone Project in Geographic Info Syst |
3 |
| OR | |
| Co-Op Work Experience I: |
3 |
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 |
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 | Credits |
| Microcomputer Applications | 3 |
| English Composition I | 3 |
| Intro to Geospatial Information Systems | 4 |
| Advanced Geographic Information Systems | 4 |
| Geoinformation Science and Tech | 4 |
| Problem Solving Math or College Algebra | 3-4 |
Program Electives
| Course | Credits |
| Techniques in Cartography | 4 |
| Geographic Information Systems Databases | 3 |
| GIS Database Applications | 1 |
| Spatial Analysis | 4 |
| Applied GPS for GIS | 3 |
| Remote Sensing | 4 |
| GIS and Programming | 3 |
| Capstone GIS Project or Cooperative Education | 3 |
| Wilderness Navigation | 1 |
General Ed. Requirements
| Course | Credits |
| University Studies | 1 |
The 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 | Credits |
| Intro to Geospatial Information Systems | 4 |
| Advanced Geographic Information Systems | 4 |
| Geoinformation Science and Tech | 4 |
Program Electives
Student must choose 4 credits from the following courses:
| Course | Credits |
| Techniques in Cartography | 4 |
| Geographic Information Systems Databases | 3 |
| GIS Database Applications | 1 |
| Spatial Analysis | 4 |
| Applied GPS for GIS | 3 |
| Remote Sensing | 4 |
| GIS and Programming | 3 |
| Capstone GIS Project | 3 |
| Cooperative Education | 3 |
Get to know your instructors!
Jacki Klancher
Associate Professor of Environmental HealthField based education opportunities are her specialty.
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.
