Mar 28, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog | 2017-2018 
    
Undergraduate Catalog | 2017-2018 Previous Edition

Geography, GIScience and Technology Concentration, B.S.


The Concentration in GIScience and Technology (GIS) focuses on the acquisition, representation, analysis, modeling and dissemination of geospatial information with cutting-edge computer technologies.  Emphasis is placed on both fundamentals of GIScience concepts, and building expert knowledge in the use of geospatial technologies such as GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis and modeling, database development and management, programming, Web GIS, and geovisualization.  Students benefit from systematic training through technical and applied GIS coursework taught by GIScience faculty.  Graduates with a Concentration in GIScience and Technology find themselves well-prepared to start a career in a geographic information technology field.  Career opportunities have been growing fast as GIScience in high demand in a wide range of professions, including GIS analysts, GIS developers, cartographers, urban and city planners, location analysts, transportation planners and natural resource specialists.  Strong connections between the department and local and state agencies offer excellent opportunities to help students achieve their career goals.  Students pursuing the Concentration in GIScience and Technology are urged to select their courses in consultation with their advisor to develop an appropriate program of study in this rapidly evolving field to ensure it is tailored to their career goals.

Degree Requirements


General Education Courses (37-41 credit hours)


For details on required courses, refer to the General Education Program 

Foreign Language Requirement (0-8 credit hours)


All students who earn a degree within the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in the language of their choice through the 1202 level.  Proficiency can be demonstrated in one of the following ways:

  • Completing the required coursework at UNC Charlotte
  • Completing three years of the same foreign language in high school through level three
  • Achieving a satisfactory score on the foreign languages placement test (in Spanish, French, or German)
  • Through approved transfer or transient credit earned at other accredited institutions
  • By transferring in with an A.A., A.S. or A.F.A. degree
  • A combination of the above methods (e.g., placing out of or earning transfer or transient credit for 1201 and completing the 1202 course, completing 1201 and placing out of or earning transfer or transient credit for 1202)

Concentration Courses (13-16 credit hours)


Foundation Course (4 credit hours)


GIS Elective Courses (18 credit hours)


Select at least 13 credit hours of additional GIS-related coursework from the courses listed above and an additional 2 to 5 credit hours in elective courses at the 3000 or above level, for a total of 18 credit hours.

Unrestricted Elective Courses


As needed to complete the credit hours required for graduation.

Degree Total = 120 Credit Hours


Cooperative Education Program


Students in the Geography and Earth Sciences programs may obtain practical work experience while pursuing their degrees by participating in the Cooperative Education program.  The work experience is approved by the department and is closely related to the student’s field of study.  The Cooperative Education Program allows qualified students either to alternate semesters of academic study with semesters of full-time work experience or to combine part-time academic study and part-time work during the same semester.  Students who are in good standing with the University, have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, and have completed 30 credit hours are eligible to apply.  Transfer students are required to complete 12 credit hours at the University prior to application. Students interested in learning more about participating in this program should contact the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences or the University Career Center.

Honors Program


For details about the Honors Program in Geography, visit the program page .

Suggested Curriculum


For the suggested course sequence toward completing the major, please see the Academic Plan of Study available online at academics.uncc.edu.  Consultation with an advisor is required each semester.