Associates Degree in GIS: Program Summary
Geographic information systems (GIS) are tools that capture, collect and analyze spatial and digital geographic data. They are used in the fields of land surveying, cartography, photogrammetry and urban planning. A common associate's degree program in the field is an Associate of Science in Geographic Information Systems.
Associate of Science in Geographic Information Systems
Associate's degree programs in GIS provide students with a theoretical background and broad-based skills training in the field of geographic information systems. Students gain a solid foundation of mathematics, physical sciences, geometry and microcomputer applications before going on to study specific GIS tools and technologies.
Most GIS associate's degree programs provide students with hands-on training in the uses and applications of geographic information systems. Students learn how to use GIS tools and global positioning technology to collect data, process data into images, store and maintain useful data, and utilize data to create maps and land boundaries. Some associate's degree programs in the field also offer courses that teach students how to program and design GIS tools and technologies.
Education Prerequisites
College students are often required to complete general education courses in algebra, English and communication before they can begin core GIS courses. Some schools allow students to opt out of these prerequisites by completing placement exams.
Program Coursework
Many schools offering associate's degree programs in GIS require students to complete an internship or practical training experience in addition to core seminar courses before they can receive a degree. Some examples of seminar and practicum courses are listed below:
- Introductory GIS
- Using GIS technology
- Programming geographic information systems
- Database theory
- GIS design with vector and radar analysis
- Data acquisition and management
- Data analysis
- Cartography
- Remote sensing
Popular Career Options
GIS tools and technologies are used across several different careers. Students who graduate with an associate's degree in the field can either pursue further education opportunities or careers such as the following:
- Land surveyor-in-training
- Cartography technician
- Mapping technician
- Photogrammetric technician
Continuing Education Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most land surveyors, cartographers and photogrammetrists have at least a bachelor's degree (www.bls.gov). Students who complete an associate's degree in GIS and want to transfer their credits over to a similar field might consider enrolling in a 4-year degree program in surveying, cartography, geography, engineering or forestry. Some schools also offer master's degree programs in GIS management and technology.
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6 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Colorado (3 campuses)
Classroom-Based Programs
- Associate
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
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Associate
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- AA in Psychology
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Associate
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must be 22 years of age or have active military status
School locations:
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Associate
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- AA in Liberal Arts
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
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- Associate
Other Related Schools:
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School locations:
- Tennessee (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Pellissippi State Technical Community College include:
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- Undergraduate: Associate
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Geography and Cartography
- Cartography
- Human and Social Services
- Liberal Arts, Humanities, and General Studies
- Geography and Cartography
Other Popular Schools:
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Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
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Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
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Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
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- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Visual and Performing Arts
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