Geographic Information Science B.S.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (DCLA)
49UGR Col of Arts, Hum & Soc Sci 201 - Bachelor of Science
Program description
Because of the growing awareness across disciplines of the strategic value of Geographic Information Science (GIS), particularly through its ability to understand better the complexity of economic, environmental, and social systems, the US Department of Labor identifies GIS as one of nine "high growth industries." For example, GIS has been instrumental to emergency managers in the face of natural hazards, who utilize it to determine how communities can best mitigate such disasters. Urban planners utilize GIS to optimize existing systems and services, while forecasting where they will be most needed in the future based on emerging population and growth trends. Remote sensing allows land managers to monitor environmental changes via satellite and drone technologies, and inform adaptation strategies for industry and communities alike. Spatial analysis provides epidemiologists with the tools necessary to track and forecast the spread of diseases, helping health care officials limit their impact. In each of these cases, GIS professionals use geospatial technologies to create sustainable solutions to environmental, economic, and societal problems.
The mission of the GIS BS program at UMD is to train future GIS professionals by providing theoretical and practical instruction, modeling and mentoring, and real-world professional experiences, guided by the GIS&T body of knowledge and the GISP code of ethics.
Students learn both the basic and the latest methods to collect, manage, analyze and visualize data, including scripting methods for web-delivery of geographical information and automation of geo-processes. And they learn how to put these methods into action through application classes, community-based research projects and internships.
The GIS program is assessed annually by students, faculty and GIS professionals conjointly, to ensure it remains relevant and keeps in touch with the fast-paced evolution of the field.
The major interweaves well with disciplines such as environment, sustainability and geography, computer science, statistics, mathematics, history, political science, anthropology, sociology, criminology, geology, biology, chemistry and engineering. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of GIS applications, students are encouraged to double major.
The mission of the GIS BS program at UMD is to train future GIS professionals by providing theoretical and practical instruction, modeling and mentoring, and real-world professional experiences, guided by the GIS&T body of knowledge and the GISP code of ethics.
Students learn both the basic and the latest methods to collect, manage, analyze and visualize data, including scripting methods for web-delivery of geographical information and automation of geo-processes. And they learn how to put these methods into action through application classes, community-based research projects and internships.
The GIS program is assessed annually by students, faculty and GIS professionals conjointly, to ensure it remains relevant and keeps in touch with the fast-paced evolution of the field.
The major interweaves well with disciplines such as environment, sustainability and geography, computer science, statistics, mathematics, history, political science, anthropology, sociology, criminology, geology, biology, chemistry and engineering. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of GIS applications, students are encouraged to double major.