For more information, visit the Dallas College Geographic Information Systems webpage and your success coach at your campus.
This is an example course sequence for students interested in pursuing Geographic Information Systems Technology. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. Following this pathway will help you earn a Geographic Information Systems Technician Certificate. Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College. Visit the catalog for official certificate requirements.
The Geographic Information Systems Technology Program would prepare graduates to perform duties of a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technician (skills developed upon completion of a certification program). The students would be able to use a variety of GIS application programs; acquire and correlate data from geographical positioning system (GPS) surveying and other sources; design the database for storage of the data; and present the results in a cartographic format. The program combines classroom and laboratory experience with cooperative experience. Courses that complete this certificate, the Geographic Information Systems Technology Occupational Skills Award (OSA), and the Geographic Information Systems Technician Level I Certificate (C) are noted below.
Catalog Year 2024-2025 You may use this pathway if you entered Dallas College on or before this date.
Degree Type Level II Certificate
GPA Requirement Student must earn a GPA of 2.0 or higher
TSI Must be Complete
SEMESTER-BY-SEMESTER MAP FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS
All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students. This is not an official degree plan. See catalog for official certificate requirements.
CERTIFICATE MINIMUM: 45 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS
SEMESTER 1
GISC 1125 – Concepts and Careers in Geographic Information Systems (Course also applies to C)
GISC 1411 – Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (Course also applies to OSA, C)
ENGL 1301 – Composition I This is a Core course. You must earn a grade of “C" or better.
MATHEMATICS ELECTIVE** This is a Core course. You must earn a grade of “C" or better.
SEMESTER 1 ACTION ITEMS
- Meet with your success coach to confirm academic and career goals before the end of the semester.
- Meet with your success coach to research your career options and opportunities for job shadowing.
Total Hours: 11
SEMESTER 2
GISC 1401 – Cartography and Geography in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems
GISC 2320 – Intermediate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (Course also applies to OSA, C)
GISC 1147 – Three-Dimensional Analysis in Geographic Information Systems
GISC 1421 – Introduction to Raster-Based Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
SEMESTER 2 ACTION ITEMS
Meet with your success coach to request an official program of study audit and confirm or update your academic/career path and program of study.
Total Hours: 12
SEMESTER 3
GISC 1391 – Special Topics in Cartography (Course also applies to OSA, C)
GISC 2311 – Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Applications
GISC 2459 – Web-Served Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (Course also applies to OSA, C)
GISC 1145 – Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Engineers
GISC 1291 – Special Topics in Cartography
SEMESTER 3 ACTION ITEMS
- Meet with your success coach for assistance in preparing for job search.
- Meet with your success coach to enroll in the cooperative education or practicum course.
Meet with your success coach to apply for the Geographic Information Systems Technology Occupational Skills Award.
Total Hours: 13
SEMESTER 4
CHOOSE ONE:
- SOCI 2319 – Minority Studies This is a Core course. OR
- SOCI 2336 – Criminology This is a Core course.
GISC 2335 – Programming for Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
CHOOSE ONE:
- GISC 2380 – Cooperative Education-Cartography This is the capstone course for this award. (Course also applies to C) OR
- GISC 2364 – Practicum (or Field Experience) – Cartography This is the capstone course for this award. (Course also applies to C)
SEMESTER 4 ACTION ITEMS
- After successfully completing the coursework listed above, apply for graduation for the Geographic Information Systems Technician Level I Certificate and the Geographic Information Systems Technician Level II Certificate.
- Sign up for commencement.
- Join the Alumni Network!
Total Hours: 9
DALLAS COLLEGE PATHWAY TOTAL: 45 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS