Mar 29, 2024  
2020-21 UMMachias Catalog 
    
2020-21 UMMachias Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Bachelor of Science - Environmental Geographic Information Science


OVERVIEW OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 120

Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate: 2.00

Other GPA requirements to graduate:  2.00 in program requirements

Required Course for fulfilling Capstone Experience, Service Learning Experience, and Writing Intensive in Major: GIS 424 or GIS 426

Residency requirement: Must complete at least 30 credits through UMM, at least 12 of which must be in their major and 9 of these 12 must be upper level (300 level or above). 


Environmental GIS is, by nature, an interdisciplinary field, the approved program core incorporates coursework in geospatial technology, data acquisition, environmental studies, geographic inquiry, computer and data science, programming, and design. Each course in the program is included to address skills, knowledge and competencies outlined in the US Department of Labor Geospatial Technology Competency Model and emerging workforce needs as identified by the US Department of Labor and workforce research. Courses incorporate hands-on, applied projects that not only reinforce course skills and competencies, they also teach soft skills required for career success such as critical thinking, project management, oral and written professional communication, ethics, initiative, etc.

The program concentrations prepare students for specific sectors of the geospatial workforce, providing both specialized knowledge and advanced technical skills:

Ecological Applications concentration (18 to 20 cr) includes a thorough foundation in biological and ecological sciences and the GIS tools and practices used in natural science fields. Because this pathway includes multiple field courses, it is not available in an online-only format.

Community Applications concentration (18 cr) combines coursework in community studies and related social sciences with tools and practices used in community and regional planning, government, and land records management. This pathway is available in both on-campus and online formats.

Spatial Data Science concentration (17 to 18 cr) incorporates quantitative analysis and programming skills necessary for work in application development and research or conservation analytics. This pathway is available in both on-campus and online formats.

General Requirements

All University Core Requirements must be met, in addition to the Environmental Geographic Information Science requirements.  Note that completion of some courses within the major, such as in mathematics, will also fulfill the Core requirements.  Students must earn a minimum of 120 credits and achieve a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.00.

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 in the program requirements is necessary for graduation.  This GPA must be achieved by the completion of 60 total credits.  If the student fails to maintain this average in subsequent semesters, a warning may be issued. The student may lose matriculated status if the average remains below 2.00 after the completion of another 12 credits.  A student may petition to be readmitted to the program.

Geography - 6 credits


Note: These can be taken through UMM, USM, UMF, or UM. USM and UMF frequently offer geography field courses that make heavy use of GIS & GPS and would make attractive electives. Also, this requirement may be met by UM graduate courses in Spatial Information Engineering, Spatial Informatics, and Information Systems 4+1 programs.

Computer & Data Science - 9 credits


Design & Communications - 8 credits


Community Applications Concentration - 18 credits


(ON-CAMPUS & ONLINE PATHWAYS)

                or

                or

Choose one: 

            *Options, including field courses, available through UM, UMF & USM. Also, this requirement may be met by UM graduate courses in Spatial Information Engineering, Spatial Informatics, and Information Systems 4+1 programs.

Choose one: 

Ecological Applications Concentration - 18 to 20 credits


(NO ONLINE PATHWAY)

      or

      Choose one: 

Choose one:

        *Options include field courses that are offered at UM, UMF & USM.  Also, this requirement may be met by UM graduate courses in Spatial Information Engineering, Spatial Informatics, and Information Systems 4+1 programs.

Spatial Data Science Concentration - 17-18 credits


(ON-CAMPUS & ONLINE PATHWAYS)

Choose one:

  • CIS 352 - Data Visualization Credits: 3 (UMA) 
  • CIS 355 - Senors Credits: 3 (UMA) 
  • CIS 449 - Introduction to Programming and Data Analysis Credits: 3 (UMA) 
  • CIS 461 - Spatio-Temporal Information Science Credits: 3 (UMA) 
  •   

      *Other CIS, GEO or GIS course Credits: 3-4 (division approval required).  Also, this requirement may be met by UM graduate courses in Spatial Information Engineering, Spatial Informatics, and Information Systems 4+1 programs.