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Geographic Information Systems - Technician Certificate

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Program Available at:

  • Brookhaven

Catalog Year 2022-2023 You may use this pathway if you entered Dallas College on or before this date.

Degree Type Level 2 Certificate

GPA Requirement Student must earn a GPA of 2.0 or higher

TSI Must be Complete

For more information, visit the Dallas College Geographic Information Systems webpage and your success coach at your campus.

This is an example course sequence for students interested in pursuing Geographic Information Systems Technology. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. Following this pathway will help you earn a Geographic Information Systems Technician Certificate. Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College. Visit the catalog for official certificate requirements.

The Geographic Information Systems Technology Program would prepare graduates to perform duties of a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technician (skills developed upon completion of a certification program). The students would be able to use a variety of GIS application programs; acquire and correlate data from geographical positioning system (GPS) surveying and other sources; design the database for storage of the data; and present the results in a cartographic format. The program combines classroom and laboratory experience with cooperative experience. 

SEMESTER-BY-SEMESTER MAP FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS

All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students. This is not an official degree plan. See catalog for official certificate requirements.

CERTIFICATE MINIMUM: 44 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

SEMESTER 1

GISC 1125 – Concepts and Careers in Geographic Information Systems

GISC 1411 – Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

ENGL 1301 – Composition I This is a Core course. You must earn a grade of “C" or better.

MATH 1314 – College Algebra This is a Core course. You must earn a grade of “C" or better.

SEMESTER 1 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Meet with your success coach to confirm academic and career goals before the end of the semester.
  2. Meet with your success coach to research your career options and opportunities for job shadowing.

 Total Hours: 11

SEMESTER 2

GISC 1401 – Cartography and Geography in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems

GISC 2320 – Intermediate Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

GISC 1147 – Three-Dimensional Analysis in Geographic Information Systems

GISC 1421 – Introduction to Raster-Based Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

SEMESTER 2 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Meet with your success coach to request an official program of study audit and confirm or update your academic/career path and program of study.

Total Hours: 12

SEMESTER 3

GISC 1391 – Special Topics in Cartography

GISC 2311 – Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Applications

GISC 2401 – Data Acquisition and Analysis in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

GISC 1145 – Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Engineers

GISC 1191 – Special Topics in Cartography

SEMESTER 3 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Meet with your success coach for assistance in preparing for job search.

Total Hours: 12

SEMESTER 4

SOCI 2319 – Minority Studies This is a Core course.

GISC 2335 – Programming for Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

GISC 2380  Cooperative Education-Cartography

SEMESTER 4 ACTION ITEMS

  1. After successfully completing the coursework listed above, apply for graduation for the Geographic Information Systems Technician Certificate.
  2. Sign up for commencement.
  3. Join the Alumni Network!

 Total Hours: 9

DALLAS COLLEGE PATHWAY TOTAL: 44 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

Updated August 8, 2025