GeoTech Skills Certificate

Are you...

a student who wishes to acquire technical and topical knowledge to support your major or professional field?
a student who wishes to acquire specialized training to meet current (or future) job requirements calling for GIS knowledge?
spending hours looking at maps and Google Earth to better understand the world you live in?

Essentially, GIS is a framework to acquire, store, manage, analyze, and visualize spatial data. Traditional paper maps are able to display just one view of data, at one point in time. Using GIS allows the display of information in various space and time. GIS provides a suite of tools used to support many kinds of decision-making and statistical and spatial analysis. It is an applied discipline – a person does not simply “do GIS” but applies it to a variety of professional disciplines

GeoTech Programs

The GeoTech Programs prepare students to apply GIS with a solid theoretical foundation. A diverse range of GIS skills are covered including data capture, spatial & statistical analysis, modeling, and cartography.

The GeoTech courses take a practical, hands-on approach. Students will not only learn how to use a specific software; they will apply GIS using a variety of projects and methodologies. With a combination of lab exercises, individual projects, and a community-based, collaborative long-term project, students will learn how to plan, design, and execute GIS projects.

Choose from three certificate or degree options:

Geographic Information Systems Certificate of Achievement
- 12 units: Required Core
Geographic Information Systems and Technology Certificate of Achievement
- 18 units: Required Core, choose two of the Electives
Geographic Information Systems and Technology Associate of Science Degree
- 18 units: Required Core, choose two of the Electives
- Must complete CSU GE or IGETC requirements

Required Core Courses

Geography 011 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Techniques

Introduction to the fundamentals of geospatial technology including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) science and its applications to spatial data management. Participants will learn how to identify and acquire GIS data, assess vector and raster systems, apply scale, resolution, map projections, coordinate systems, use georeferencing, spatial analysis, modeling and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). This course is designed to compliment other disciplines or as an entry level course into a geospatial program. Total of 36 hours lecture and 54 hours of laboratory.

Transfer Credit: CSU; UC credit under review. C-ID: GEOG 155

Geography 012 - Spatial Analysis

Reinforce skills about the theory and application of GIS science. Develop working knowledge and skills necessary to conduct problem-solving and decision making using geospatial analysis techniques. Topics include discovering and applying the spatial relationships within and among spatial phenomena, buffering, overlay, map algebra, database management, and metadata standards. Total of 36 hours lecture and 54 hours laboratory.

Transfer Credit: CSU; UC credit under review. C-ID: GEOG 150

Geography 113- Data Acquisition and Management

Introduces fundamental concepts of primary GIS data creation. Topics include quantitative techniques for collection, classification, management of geographical data, and interpretation of a variety of data formats in GIS. Total of 36 hours lecture and 54 hours laboratory

Geography 114 - Cartographic Design

Introduction to fundamental cartographic concepts. Design principles and creation of effective visual representations of data in different formats. Topics include ethical and appropriate application of map scale, map projections, generalization and symbolization. Total of 36 hours lecture and 54 hours laboratory

Electives for GIS & Technology

Geography 115 - Environmental Analysis with GIS

Data collection and management skills. Working as part of a GIS team trying to solve specific problems from an environmental analysis perspective. Development of consulting skills and best practices for beginning-to-end project development. Introduction to the field of environmental analysis and consulting. Total 36 hours lecture and 54 hours laboratory.

CIS 012 - Programming with Python

DT 008A - Digital Design and Fabrication

ENGR 001A - Surveying

Roadmap

View Certificate Requirements Download Roadmap

Job Market

GIS related jobs is an emerging industry and one that should experience higher than average employment growth over the next 10 years. Geographers with GIS experience or knowledge have the strongest job outlook, especially with government, business, local municipalities, real estate developers, utilities, and environmental consulting. There will also be an increase in job opportunities requiring GIS skills and technologies in areas such as emergency assistance and other non-traditional areas.

Click on on a job title below to learn more information such as average salaries, employment rates and growth rates for GIS related careers.

More Information? Contact Us.

Brennan Wallace, Office: E210B
bwallace1@pasadena.edu or (626) 585-7632