GIS Courses

Completing the GIS program at Mt. Sac you will develop an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of geospatial technologies, gain the skills need to construct high-quality applications and enhance your marketability in the workforce. Mt. Sac offers both a GIS Certificate of Achievement and a GIS AS Degree.

The GIS AS Degree requires completion of the following courses:

Required Courses	Term Offered
Geog 9: Geospatial Concepts 3 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU, UC) Lecture: 54 Introduction to skills needed to use and appreciate maps as a form of communication and as a research tool. Develops spatial reasoning skills through a survey of maps, spatial science concepts, and geospatial technologies. Topics include geospatial information, navigation, map projections, symbolization, misuse of maps, and analysis of spatial data.	Fall 2024 Spring 2025
Geog 10: Intro to GIS 3 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU, UC, C-ID #: GEOG 155) Lecture: 36 Lab: 54 Principles, theory, and operations of geographic information systems (GIS), including geospatial data models, analytical functions, data quality, map design and visual communication, and social and environmental applications of GIS.	Fall 2024 Spring 2025 Summer 2025
Geog 12: Cartography 2 Units (Degree Applicable) Lecture: 18 Lab: 54 Prerequisite: GEOG 10 Fundamental digital cartographic concepts and design principles to create and edit effective visual representations of data (maps, graphs, dashboards, and diagrams) in different formats (hardcopy, digital, web, and mobile). Topics include the ethical and appropriate application of map scale, map projections, generalization, and symbolization.	Fall 2024 Fall 2025
Geog 13: Geospatial Data Management and Acquisition 3 Units (Degree Applicable) Lecture: 36 Lab: 54 Prerequisite: GEOG 10 Addresses the interpretation and understanding of a variety of data formats used by geospatial professionals. Introduces the fundamental concepts such as primary GIS data creation, database creation, and data management and discusses quantitative techniques for the collection, classification, integration, and management of geographical data.	Spring 2025
Geog 14: Spatial Analysis 3 Units (Degree Applicable) Lecture: 36 Lab: 54 Prerequisite: GEOG 10 Examination of the spatial relationships of features in geospatial data, such as patterns, trends, connections, etc. GIS-based spatial analysis techniques for both vector and raster data models with an emphasis on using spatial analysis operations to aid in geospatial problem-solving scenarios.	Winter 2025 Winter 2026
Geog 15: Raster Methods 3 Units (Degree Applicable) Lecture: 36 Lab: 54 Prerequisite: GEOG 10 An introduction to working with Raster Data. Topics include the physical principles on which raster data is based, history and future trends, sensors and their characteristics, image data sources, and image classification, interpretation, and analysis techniques.	Spring 2025
Geog 16: Capstone Project 3 Units (Degree Applicable) Lecture: 54 Prerequisite: GEOG 14 and GEOG 15 Geographic Information System instruction on research methodologies and analysis techniques. Emphasis placed on construction of a GIS research project: location of paper and digital sources, using analysis tool, model building, and project presentation.	Summer 2025