Program: Geographic Information Systems [GIS] - SUNY Cortland

2024-25 Undergraduate Catalog

Apr 01, 2025

The applied geography courses place a strong emphasis on applied computing and spatial analysis skills in preparing students for careers in site assessment and environmental data management. The Geography Department's Geographic Information Systems (GIS) computer lab features state-of-the-art hardware and software.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

Discuss and apply the themes of geography, such as place, location, region, movement, or human-environment interaction.
Gather relevant information, evaluate it critically, and communicate it effectively.
Identify geographic problems, investigate those problems, and hypothesize solutions.
Apply appropriate GIS theory, analytical methods, or graphical tools to spatial problems.

Program Standard Grade Point Average

The major GPA is calculated by all courses identified in the college catalog as required for the major. In addition, this program has an established program standard GPA which may be used to determine progress in the program.

Program Standard GPA
- Minimum GPA of 2.0 in CAP 327, 328, or any GRY course
Geographic Information Systems Major Requirements
- 31 credits in CAP 327, 328, or any GRY course

A. Core in Geography: 22 credit hours

CAP 100 - Introduction to Computer Applications (3 cr. hr.)
GRY 110 - Physical Geography (3 cr. hr.)
GRY 120 - Cultural Geography (3 cr. hr.)
GRY 125 - Human Geography and Global Development (3 cr. hr.)
GRY 324 - Introduction to Cartography and Geographic Information Systems (3 cr. hr.)
GRY 400 - Geographical Analysis (4 cr. hr.)
GRY 440 - Seminar in Geography (3 cr. hr.)

B. Core in Geographic Information Technology: 12 credit hours

GRY 327 - Service Learning: Computer Mapping (4 cr. hr.)
GRY 328 - Geographic Information Systems (4 cr. hr.)
GRY 330 - Advanced GIS Techniques (4 cr. hr.)

C. Completion of one of the following:

Students must complete the requirements for one of the following four concentrations: Advanced Geospatial Applications (GIS_AGAP), Computer Techniques (GIS_CTEC), Demographics and Business Geographics (GIS_DBG), or Environmental Science (GIS_ENVS).

I. Advanced Geospatial Applications [GIS_AGAP]

Select 12 credit hours from the following:

GRY 326 - Computer Graphics in GIS (4 cr. hr.)
GRY 331 - Global Position System Technology (4 cr. hr.)
GRY 334 - Historical Geographic Information Systems (4 cr. hr.)
GRY 337 - Programming in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (4 cr. hr.)
GRY 341 - Advanced GIS and Crime (4 cr. hr.)
GRY 345 - Environmental Remote Sensing (4 cr. hr.)
GRY 348 - Web GIS (4 cr. hr.)
GRY 495 - Independent Study in Geography (3 or 4 cr. hr.)
GRY 499 - Internship in Applied Geography (3 cr. hr.)

II. Computer Techniques [GIS_CTEC]

CAP 201 - C Programming (3 cr. hr.)
MCS 186 - Introductory Programming (3 cr. hr.)

And select at least six credit hours from:

CAP 204 - Programming with Visual Basic (3 cr. hr.)
CAP 250 - Computer Practicum (1-2 cr. hr.)

III. Demographics and Business Geographics [GIS_DBG]

Select six credit hours from one of the combinations listed below:

And select at least six additional credit hours from the following:

CAP 240 - Intermediate Computer Applications (3 cr. hr.)
CAP 350 - Data Base Management Systems (3 cr. hr.)
and/or other advanced CAP courses in consultation with advisor that are not part of the CTEC concentration.