Geographic Information Systems

Pathway Certificate

Program Mission

The Geographic Information System (GIS) Pathway Certificate program prepares students with the foundational knowledge and skills to apply GIS concepts.

Program Description

Geographic information systems (GIS) is one of the top emerging industries in the 21st century. We live in a digital world. GIS careers exist in virtually every imaginable career field, from environmental science to business and much more.

The GIS Pathway Certificate provides technical training for employees already working in the field, a career and educational pathway for high school students interested in drafting or engineering, and a career and educational pathway for people desiring an entry level, technical position in GIS.

Coursework includes three courses in GIS. The GIS courses transfer to UO, OSU, and OIT. The GIS courses count as either a Social Science electives or Science with lab electives towards the AAOT.

The required courses for the pathways certificate are included in the one-year certificate for Engineering and Drafting Technician, the two-year AAS program for Civil Engineering and Surveying Technology and the two-year AS program for Surveying and Geomatics. Students completing the drafting pathways certificate may continue with the one-year completion certificate, two-year AAS, or two-year Engineering: University Transfer program (depending on math level), if desired.

Program Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the Pathway Certificate in Geographic Information Systems will:

1. Utilize modern measurement technologies to acquire spatial data

Ready to get started?

It's easy and only requires TWO steps.

Step 1

Fill out our request info form. This will alert us that you are interested in the Engineering programs.

Step 2

If you are new to UCC (you've never taken a class), apply to UCC. Otherwise, you are done for now. You will be contacted about the next steps.

Video Testimonials

Careers

GIS skills overlap into many career fields. It is important to recognize that this certificate can complement or provide pathways to other career opportunities and the technical training provided may increase promotional opportunities for people already employed in the field.

People interested in this career field should be prepared to consider relocating to gain initial experience, as this is a high-demand position in areas with significant development.

There are multiple career pathways for people with GIS backgrounds. Examples of some related careers are available on the Oregon Labor Market Information Website for Surveying Technicians and Civil Engineering Technicians. There is more information about careers in GIS at the ESRI website.

Program Publications

Occupational Skills Training

View / Download advising information for Engineering Technology: Occupational Skills Training Certificate Options

Other Degrees & Certificates at UCC

• Civil Engineering and Surveying Technology: AAS
• Engineering and Drafting Technician: One-year Certificate
• Water Quality Pathway Certificate
• Surveying & Geomatics: AS
• Surveying Pathway Certificate

 

Contact

 

Wayne Fischer - Contact
Assistant Professor, Engineering
Phone: 541-440-4683