Geographic Information Technology

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School of Applied Technologies

CONTACT INFORMATION

Program information is available from the School of Applied Technologies Office at (505) 224-3340 or from Academic Advisement and Career Development at (505) 224-4321.

cnm.edu/depts/hwps/index.php

Program Description

Students will study Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related geospatial technologies including satellite-based mapping systems, remote sensing, and land survey. Practical, lab-based applications are emphasized. Both the certificate and degree options are offered as stand-alone choices for the student. Students who complete the GIT degree may choose to enter the work force, or continue their education at a 4-year institution. Students pursuing the Certificate of Completion may choose a GIS or Surveying Concentration. It is critical to meet with an advisor or program Chair to design your academic schedule as some courses may be offered only in certain terms.

GIT Degree
The GIT Degree program offers a rigorous curriculum in geospatial technology, encompassing the areas of GIS, survey, remote sensing, database and programming in addition to general education courses. Students completing the degree will be prepared to work in the geospatial industry, or to continue on to 4-year studies in geography at UNM or NMSU.

GIT Certificate of Completion: GIS Concentration
The GIS Concentration emphasizes applications of GIS software, and includes courses in database design as well as programming. Students pursuing this certificate concentration will learn the latest industry technology as applied to a range of topics including environmental, hydrological and business applications.

GIT Certificate of Completion: Surveying Concentration
The Surveying Concentration is appropriate for students who wish to adapt their geospatial skills to surveying applications. Students who complete this certificate concentration are eligible and encouraged to take the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) Level I Technician exam.

Certificate of Achievement in GIS
This certificate is intended for students who already have a degree or work experience and wish to add a GIS-specific credential to their resume. It focuses on the core GIS classes offered in the degree.

Special Requirements

The technologies taught in this program are based fundamentally on computer software applications. Students should be willing to spend a good deal of time working with computers and associated equipment. Some field work is also required.

Career and Educational Opportunities

Students completing the GIT A.A.S. degree or Certificate of Completion may seek employment as GIS technicians, analysts, cartographic technicians and other positions. Students completing the Survey Concentration may take the National Society of Professional Surveyors’ Level I Technician Exam. The Certificate of Achievement is best suited for students with an existing degree and/or related work experience.

The geospatial industry has been identified by the Department of Labor as a high-growth emerging industry. GIS and related software and technologies are commonly used by numerous government and private organizations, and there are a wide range of fields, including land survey, environmental, land management, business, and others in which degree and certificate graduates can find employment. Those wishing to pursue additional academic degrees may transfer to the UNM or NMSU Geography programs.

Exit competencies (see Program Exit Competencies ) for this program of study are available at cnm.edu/exitcomp.

For the graduation policy refer to the Moving On  section, cnm.edu or the Students tab in my CNM.

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