BS-GIST Degree Requirements

The BS in Geographic Information Systems Technologies is jointly run by the School of Geography and Development in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and the School of Natural Resources and the Environment, housed in the College of Agriculture and LIfe Sciences.

The BSGIST is a 120-credit hour bachelor degree program, offered completely online. BS-GIST students take 14 classes in their major (42 units), to include 13 upper division classes (36 units), and 2 electives (6 units). Note GIST courses may be crosslisted. 

The GIST minor includes 5 upper division classes (15 units) and one elective (3 units) selected from any GIS online offering.

 

THE MAJOR REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS DEGREE ARE:*

Core Classes (Required)

GIST 214: Introduction to Map Science
GIST 314: Cartographic Design and Production
GIST 330: Introduction to Remote Sensing
GIST 417: Geographic Information Systems
GIST 419: Cartographic Modeling for Natural Resources
GIST 420: Advanced GIS
 

Advanced Methods (Required)

GIST 413: GIST Programming I
GIST 416e: Geovisualization
GIST 457: Statistical Techniques in Geography, Regional Development, & Planning
GIST 482: Integrated Geospatial Technologies
GIST 483: Geographical Applications of Remote Sensing

Thesis Requirement

GIST 498: Senior Capstone (required)

Electives (select 2)

GIST 414: Web-Mobile GIS
GIST 415: Open Source GIS
GIST 422: Resource Mapping Using Unmanned Aerial Systems
GIST 470: Geo-database

 

GIST MINOR REQUIREMENTS(for non BS-GIST degree students):*

Core Classes (Required)

GIST 214: Introduction to Map Science   
GIST 330: Introduction to Remote Sensing
GIST 416e: Geovisualization
GIST 417: Geographic Information Systems
GIST 420: Advanced GIS

Electives (select 1)

GIST 314: Cartographic Design and Production
GIST 413: GIST Programming I 
GIST 414: Web-Mobile GIS
GIST 415: Open Source GIS 
GIST 418: Introduction to Spatial Analysis & Modeling

GIST 422: Resource Mapping Using Unmanned Aerial Systems
GIST 457: Statistical Techniques in Geography, Regional Development, & Planning
GIST 482: Integrated Geospatial Technologies
GIST 483: Geographical Applications of Remote Sensing

 

*See course descriptions

 

THE GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS DEGREE ARE:

General

First-year Writing composition
Moderate strand math
Second language proficiency at the second semester proficiency level
1 diversity emphasis course required

Tier I (100 level) classes

2 Individuals and Societies courses (INDV)
2 Traditions and Cultures 160 courses (TRAD)
2 Natural Science 170 courses (NATS)

Tier II (200 level) classes

3 units of Arts
1 Humanities course
1 Natural Sciences course

 

For an explanation of the general education curriculum, to include INDV, TRAD, and NATS classes, and university general education policies, contact your academic advisor or check out the U of A General Catalog.