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GIS and Spatial Analysis (Minor)

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Spatial analysis and geographic information systems is a mouthful of words, and most people simply refer to the entire field more loosely as GIS or sometimes GIScience. The modern world runs on data, and much of that data is best organized and analyzed by placing it on a two- or even three-dimensional map.

Degrees & Offerings
  • Minor
Location
  • Bloomsburg
  • Lock Haven
  • Mansfield
Department
College
Program Contact
Associate Professor of Environmental, Geographical, and Geological Sciences
Illustration of Mountain

This is what we mean by GIS.

It’s a technical field.

Government, military, commercial and other interests rely on information about the land and the location and characteristics of people and resources. For centuries, maps have served as the primary mechanism for managing, analyzing and communicating geospatial information.

With the advent of the computer, geospatial technologies, and digital data this process evolved considerably and moved into the digital age. This minor introduces you to geographic information systems (GIS), particularly the technologies and mapping/analysis techniques that will compliment your current intended major.

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Courses and Curriculum

GIS and Spatial Analysis Minor Requirements

  • 18 credits required for minor completion
  • Students should meet with their academic advisor each semester and use Degree Works to monitor their individual progress toward completion of the minor.

Minor Requirements

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate comprehension of fundamental concepts in geographic information science.
  2. Apply a variety of spatial analyses using professional software.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to collect primary and secondary data and construct a map fit for purpose.
  4. Communicate the results of spatial analyses in written and oral format.
Illustration of Mountain

Commonwealth Because

Licensure and Certification

There are many certifications that can set you apart from the herd. Perhaps the first to consider is the ESRI ArcGIS Desktop Entry level exam. After completing the minor program, you will have a solid foundation in the concepts and skills you will need to prepare for this first step.

The Commonwealth Difference

68K
Median Pay
Average annual salary for cartographers and GIS specialists, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Cartographer and Photogrammetrist Career

GIS student Orienteering Course

GIS Students Develop Orienteering Course

ROTC cadet Nicholas Correll had an idea one day while sitting in his geographic information system (GIS) class. Instead of driving 30 minutes for ROTC land navigation trainings, why not just create an orienteering course on upper campus?

Land Navigation Project
Data Mining Conservation

Data Mining Helps with Florida Forest Conservation

A remote sensing geography class from CU - Bloomsburg played a key role in the conservation of a 14-acre southern Florida forest home to protected wildlife that’s been fending off urban and commercial development for the past 60 years.

Remote Sensing Propject

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