Geospatial Technology Minor

GIS, GPS, Remote Sensing

The geospatial technology program is a interdisciplinary applied minor offering expertise in geographic information science (GIS), digital image processing (remote sensing), and computer cartography. There is an emphasis on environmental, business, urban planning, and community development applications.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The geospatial technology minor is skills-oriented and complements a wide variety of majors. This program of study prepares you for jobs in the private and the public sectors as well as graduate school.

COURSEWORK

Complete 21-23 credit hours and take the following required three-credit courses:

• GPY 200 - Computer Cartography
• GPY 307 - Introduction to Computer Mapping/GIS
• GPY 370 - Intro to Remote Sensing

To complete the minor, choose four additional elective courses:

  • GPY 407- Advanced GIS (4 credits)
  • GPY 470- Digital Image Processing (3 credits)
  • GPY 365- GIS for Economic & Business Decision Making (3 credits)
  • GPY 385- GIS in Urban & Regional Analysis (3 credits)
  • NRM 250- Resource Measurement and Maps (3 credits)
  • NRM 395- GIS Applications in Resource Management (3 credits)
  • NRM 450- Applied Spatial Analysis of Natural Resources (3 credits)
  • GEO 425- GIS Applications in Geology (3 credits)
  • CIS 160- Programming with Visual Basic (3 credits)
  • CIS 162- Computer Science I (4 credits)
  • CIS 233- Concepts of Database Systems (3 credits)
  •  

See catalog for the complete list of electives.

CAREER OPTIONS

Alumni have found rewarding careers in:

  • Big data visualization  
  • Environmental resource management
  • Business GIS analyzing 
  • Community analysis and development
  • Geospatial intelligence 
  • Satellite remote sensing 
  • Computer mapping
  • Urban and regional planning

Read about successful alumni at www.gvsu.edu/geography/alumni-success-stories-34.htm/.

WHY STUDY GEOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES AT GRAND VALLEY?

  • An emerging field. Geospatial technology is one of the most important emerging fields in the United States according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
  • Marketability. Geospatial technology offers top jobs in a wide variety of sectors.
  • A competitive edge. Studying these "smart" technologies will give you an edge over peers in the job market.
  • Flexibility.  Any major combined with the geospatial technology creates a new hybrid skill set.
  • Affordability. You can achieve an additional GIS certificate with no extra financial cost.

For more information visit the GVSU Course Catalog.



Page last modified September 19, 2018