Oct 15, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Minor


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Geographic Information Systems are a critical component of fast-growing career opportunities in areas like natural resources, planning, environmental regulation, marketing, public safety, public health, environmental analysis, recreation management, national defense, business and real estate, and many others. The Geographic Information Science (GIS) minor provides an education program for students interested in careers and research that involve geographic information systems (GIS) and related spatial technologies (e.g., remote sensing, global positioning systems (GPS), cartography, and spatial data analysis).

Total Credits for the Minor: 16


A minimum of one-third of the required credits must be earned at UMF for a minor to be awarded.

Suggested Specializations (3 or more credits)


Geospatial Data Science


Learning Goals and Assessment Criteria


Learning Goals 

Students will:

  • Acquire an understanding of fundamental geospatial concepts and practices of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

  • Be prepared to design, execute, document and present geospatial projects that are fit-for-purpose and responsive to requirements

  • Communicate effectively in written, oral, and visual forms

Assessment Criteria

Students will:

  • Apply GIS analysis to address authentic geospatial problems and/or research questions 

  • Demonstrate data management skills to insure data quality, integrity and interoperability

  • Effectively communicate and present project requirements, protocols, and results in oral, written, and graphic forms

  • Demonstrate problem-solving competencies in accomplishing unfamiliar GIS tasks with confidence while drawing on resources such as software documentation, metadata, and the geospatial community

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