Geographic Information Systems

Geospatial Technology is a growing field, involving geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), internet mapping technologies, and remote sensing. In the GIS minor you learn about these tools and get hands-on experience using them in an internship.  GIS has applications related to health care, ecology and conservation, marine science, engineering, business, urban planning, sociology, politics and more. A GIS Minor gives you practical skills that current employers are seeking and will significantly enhance your ability to gain employment because you become competent in skills that have application to many dynamic fields. With GIS, you can track the spread of disease, find optimal sites to locate a new business, map endangered plant and animal habitat, find the best site for solar panels, or analyze growth patterns of cities.

A student with a major in the Department of Environmental Studies or another department may minor in Geographic Information Systems with the approval of the Environmental Studies Department Chair. A minimum of eighteen hours of approved course credit in the following courses is required:

1. Comprehend fundamental concepts and practices of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and advances in Geospatial Information Science and Technology (GIS&T). 
2. Apply basic graphic and data visualization concepts such as color theory, symbolization, and use of white space. 
3. Demonstrate organizational skills in file and database management. 
4. Give examples of interdisciplinary applications of Geospatial Information Science and Technology. 
5. Apply GIS analysis to address geospatial problems and/or research questions. 
6. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of GIS tools to create maps that are fit-for-purpose and effectively convey the information they are intended to. 
7. Effectively communicate and present project results in oral, written, and graphic forms. 
8. Demonstrate confidence in undertaking new (unfamiliar) analysis using GIS, troubleshoot problems in GIS, and seek help from software/website help menus and the GIS community to solve problems. 
9. Apply mathematical concepts, including statistical methods, to data to be used in geospatial analysis. 
10. Gather and process original data using a Global Positioning System (GPS) or other Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). 

Courses completed at another accredited college can be transferred to this degree program.  Transferred courses must be reasonably close in scope and content to the required courses offered at UNE in order to count as exact equivalents.  Otherwise, they may transfer as general electives.  All courses completed must be no older than five years.  Other restrictions apply.  See Undergraduate Admissions also.

See Undergraduate Admissions.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.