Geographic Information Systems Certificate

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate Program provides students with foundational skills in geographic information systems, including spatial analysis, cartography, and geospatial data management using industry-aligned geospatial technologies. Students gain hands-on experience applying GIS to real-world challenges in fields such as environmental science, public health, and urban planning. Core coursework includes Introduction to GIS, Advanced GIS, Remote Sensing, Python Programming, Environmental Science, and a capstone GIS project. Ideal for entry-level employment or skill enhancement, the certificate also aligns well with the associate degrees in Environmental Science and Environmental Studies encouraging students to further their studies. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level careers in geospatial technology across government, nonprofit, and private sectors.

* Milestone Courses should be taken in the order shown. This will help you stay on track and graduate on time.

Semester 1

ENV-105 Environmental Science/Lab Credits: 4 *
or
ENV-110 Sustainable Resource Conservation Credits: 4 *
CSC-125 Python Programming Credits: 3
MAT-194 College Algebra for STEM Credits: 4
GIS-224 Intro to Geographic Information Systems Credits: 4 *

Total Credits: 15

Semester 1 Advising Note

The GIS Certificate Program is open to all students seeking to enhance their professional workforce skills through hands-on experience with spatial data analysis, mapping technologies, and geospatial problem-solving across various industries.
This map assumes a student enters the College ready to enroll in MAT-194 or higher.
Students who do not place into MAT-194 may need to take prerequisite coursework. This could require additional time to complete the degree.
Students must be on campus for the GIS-224 laboratory component. All GIS courses use ESRI ArcGIS Pro software, which requires minimum computer specifications. If students plan to use their personal laptops for homework, they should review the necessary specifications here.
Meet with LifeMap to explore Learn to Earn Internship opportunities for semester 2, if opting for a Learn & Earn Internship. Alternatively students may enroll in the Capstone Project courses.

Semester 2

Career Elective- Career Elective Credits: 3-4

Choose one Career Elective:

BIO-105 Introduction to Biology , CHM-120 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry & Lab , CIT-130 Data Visualization , CSC-225 Advanced Python Programming , ECO-220 Environmental Economics , ENR-101 Introduction to Engineering/Lab , ENR-103 Fundamentals of Computer-Aided Drawing And Design , ENV-111 Survey of Renewable Energy , ENV-112 Indigenous Perspectives on Landscapes , ENV-113 Introduction to Oceanography/Lab , ENV-115 Earth Science , ENV-222 Environmental Policy, Law, and Management , ENV-225 Community Health and the Environment , ENV-250 Global Environmental Change , GEO-101 World Regional Geography , HIS-111 History of Pre-Modern World , MAT-181 Statistics I , PSC-210 State/Local Politics , VMA-106 Digital Imaging for Artists and Designers , VMA-135 Digital Illustration

GIS-225 Advanced GIS Credits: 3 *
GIS-230 Introduction to Remote Sensing Credits: 3 *
GIS-250 Geographic Information Systems Capstone Credits: 3 *
or
INT-299STM Learn & Earn STEM Internship Credits: 3 *

Total Credits: 12-13

Semester 2 Advising Note

Meet with an advisor to begin career planning activities.
Begin exploring transfer options: Attend a transfer workshop and the College transfer fair.
Complete a pre-graduation check with an advisor in LifeMap.
Apply for graduation.

Upon Completion of This Concentration Graduates Will Be Able To:

Apply geospatial methods to identify, analyze, and interpret spatial patterns and relationships related to environmental and societal issues.
Create and present digital maps, visualizations, and spatial data products that effectively communicate complex geographic information to diverse audiences.
Use spatial data and geospatial analysis tools to develop evidence-based solutions to issues in areas such as environmental management, urban planning, or public health.
Demonstrate the ability to work both independently and as part of a team to solve geographic problems using GIS tools and techniques.

Career Outlook

The GIS Certificate Program equips students with foundational knowledge and technical skills for entry-level careers in geographic information systems (GIS), including roles as GIS analysts, technicians, and cartographers. This credential enhances career opportunities in diverse fields such as urban planning, environmental management, public health, and disaster response.

Employment for cartographers is projected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033, outpacing the average for all occupations (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024). On average, about 1,000 openings for cartographers are expected annually, driven by workforce transitions and retirements. In 2023, cartographers held approximately 12,900 jobs, with the largest employers being local government (38%), architectural and engineering services (18%), and consulting firms (8%). While federal employment accounted for 5% of jobs, recent large-scale layoffs in government agencies may impact future hiring trends. The oil and gas sectors and electrical energy distribution sectors are also known to employ GIS cartographers (>1%).

The GIS Certificate is stackable, allowing students to apply completed coursework toward an associate’s degree at BHCC in Environmental Studies, A.A. or Environmental Science, A.S.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Cartographers and Photogrammetrists,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/cartographers-and-photogrammetrists.htm (visited February 19, 2025).