39 credits minimum

Program Division: Division of Natural Sciences
Program Location: Taylorsville Redwood Campus, SI 345
General Information: (801) 957-4944
Program Information: (801) 957-4880 or (801) 957-4852
Program Website: www.slcc.edu/gis
Academic Advisor: Devan Church, SI 209, (801) 957-4858

Program Faculty:
Associate Professors − R. Adam Dastrup, Walt Cunningham

Program Description: The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate of Completion provides students with knowledge and technological skills as outlined by the Department of Labor’s Geospatial Technology Competency Model (GTCM). A GIS is a powerful tool designed to work with data referenced by spatial or geographic coordinates. The system captures and integrates spatial and non-spatial data for analyzes, spatial modeling, and visualization. The GIS Certificate of Completion goes beyond the college’s Geospatial Technology Certificate of Proficiency by providing students the opportunity to expand beyond basic GIS skill sets into Python programming, geospatial statistics, open source GIS, web-based GIS, and geospatial mobile app development. This certificate is meant to be a stackable credential, meaning students can use the spatial knowledge and technicals skills acquired to enhance their chosen field of study or employment.

Career Opportunities: Students completing the GIS Certificate of Completion will be highly qualified for most entry-level and even intermediate geospatial technology positions, specifically in Geographic Information Systems. Positions could include: local, state, and federal governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, transportation, public utilities, private sector positions, and military.

The GIS Certificate of Completion gives students a competitive edge because students have the opportunity to focus on advanced GIS technological skill sets including Python programming, geospatial statistics, open source GIS, web-based GIS, and geospatial mobile app development.

The geospatial technology industry is extremely diverse and interdisciplinary, applicable and highly needed in the following industries: business and marketing, geography, urban planning and transportation, architecture, public safety, homeland security, criminal justice and law enforcement, public health, forestry and agriculture, environmental science and wildlife conservation, energy mangagement, natural resource management, history and archeology, sociology, the military, disaster response and mitigation, surveying, computer science, and more.

Transfer/Articulation Information:
None

Program Entry Requirements:
None

Total Program/Course Fees:
Total of $150 in course fees that provides each student to receive an educational license of the latest version of ArcGIS along with Esri Virtual Courses throughout the entire program.

Estimated Cost for Students:
Full-time: $3,342 total tuition; $150 course lab fees, $600 textbooks
Part-time: $4,355 total tuition; $150 course lab fees, $600 textbooks

Estimated Time to Completion:
Full-time: 2-3 semesters (12-16 credit hours per semester)
Part-time: 4-5 semesters (6 credit hours per semester)

Specialized Accreditation:

Program Student Learning Outcomes	Related College-Wide Student Learning Outcomes
1. Students will apply spatial science techniques to analyze physical and human patterns spatially and over time 2. Students will apply Earth geometry and geodesy techniques to geospatial applications Geoids, ellipsoids, and spheres World and local datums, geographic and projected coordinate systems, and projections 3. Students understand basic measurement systems of satellite positioning to determine location Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) Collect and integrate GNSS/GPS positions 4. Students will apply the science of remote sensing and photogrammetry techniques and analysis Electromagnetic spectrum, optical sensors, microwave sensors, multispectral and hyperspectral sensors Differentiate spatial, spectral, radiometric, and temporal resolutions Active and passive remote sensing Ground-truthing and quality assurance Orthoimagery, terrain correction, and georeferencing 5. Students will demonstrate skill sets in Geographic Information System analysis and modeling Representing spatial change over time Acquire and integrate field data, image data, vector and raster data, attribute data, and maintaining a geodatabase Using non-spatial data models in a GIS Apply geospatial software to perform GIS analysis, spatial measurements, distance, data queries and retrieval, vector overlays, and topological relationships	1 - Acquire Substantive Knowledge
6. Students will apply cartographic and visualization techniques to communicate spatial and non-spatial data. Apply cartographic principles to create and edit visual representations of spatial and non-spatial data including maps, graphs, and diagrams Demonstrate appropriate data selection, classification, and symbolization Critique the design of a map based on the intended audience	2 - Communicate Effectively
2 Students will apply and analyze spatial and non-spatial data sets Demonstrate an ability to apply various geospatial referencing techniques in relation to earth Apply various data models to measure the shape of Earth’s surface and how that impacts accuracy and measurement	3 - Develop Quantitative Literacy
3 Demonstrate an ability to apply critical thinking in geospatial environments Apply various geospatial referencing techniques in relation to spheres, datums, coordinate systems, and projections Assess the geometric relationship between datums and coordinate systems Demonstrate an ability to transform geographic coordinate systems into plane projections and explain the various distortions that can occur Demonstrate knowledge of the importance of geospatial data quality in terms of uncertainty within the data, primary versus secondary sources, and appropriate use of data for a particular project - Demonstrate an understanding of geospatial data standards of metadata for maximum efficiency, accuracy, and investment, and to reduce errors, uncertainty, and redundancy Apply primary and secondary data sources within a geospatial system	4 - Think Critically and Creatively
4 Students will analyze legal and ethical issues related to geospatial data Identify legal, ethical, and business considerations that affect an organization’s decision to share geospatial data Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical and moral choices and implications of decision making for individuals and organizations using geospatial information Demonstrate knowledge in the relationship between webbased mapping programs and social media Demonstrate an understanding of how geospatial technology is used in government, military and homeland security, humanitarian work, environmental science and conservation, private sectors, non-profit organizations, and society at large	5 - Civic Engagement
5 Students will develop professional skills related to the discipline of geospatial technology Identify allied fields that rely on geospatial technology and that employ geospatial professionals Participate in scientific and professional organizations Demonstrate familiarity with codes of professional ethics and rules of conduct for geospatial professionals Identify legal, ethical, and business considerations that impact an organization’s decision to share geospatial data Demonstrate the ability to work on large projects and within teams	6 - Work Professionally and Constructively
6 Students will conceptually understand, apply, and analyze geospatial technology Demonstrate application in ArcGIS, Multispec, and Garmin GPS technology Demonstrate use of word processing, presentation, and statistical software Develop a professional ePortfolio to showcase projects	7 - Develop Computer and Information Literacy