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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Minor

An Urban and Planning student participates in a geographical survey.

Empower Your Future with GIS: Transform Data into Geographic Insights

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are essential geospatial technologies that transform data into valuable geographic knowledge. By linking location with relevant information, GIS reveals important relationships, patterns, and trends. It supports various fields, from modeling population growth and managing wildlife habitats to mapping crime and developing community evacuation plans. Urban planners, environmental scientists, biologists, and business owners rely on GIS for informed decision-making.

At Westfield State University, the GIS Minor introduces students to core concepts, analytical techniques, and the necessary software and hardware. Students complete foundational courses in remote sensing and advanced GIS applications, along with electives in statistics, environmental data analysis, and programming. This minor equips students with the skills to apply geospatial concepts to real-world challenges and communicate complex information effectively.

Program Highlights

  • Required courses - 18 credits
  • Explore GIS's impact across fields like environmental science, urban planning, and business
  • Work with cutting-edge GIS software to prepare for real-world applications
  • Access diverse career paths in government, nonprofits, and the private sector for GIS professionals

Course Requirements

Program Description

Geographic information system (GIS) is a geospatial technology that visualizes, analyzes and transforms data into geographic knowledge.  GIS links location to information (such as people to addresses, buildings to parcels, or streets within a network) and layers that information in order to reveal relationships, patterns and trends.  It is used to model population growth and distributions, manage wildlife habitats, map crime, perform market demographic analyses and develop distribution networks and evacuation plans for community preparedness.  GIS helps planners, environmental scientists, biologists and business owners to make site location decisions and solve urban and environmental problems.  A background in GIS provides opportunities in federal, state and local agencies such as the:

  • Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Department of Homeland Security
  • National Park Service
  • National Geospatial Intelligence Agency
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • United States Forest Service
  • Environmental Protection Agency
  • Department of Transportation
  • State Police
  • Department of Public Works
  • Department of Conservation and Recreation
  • Department of Environmental Protection

The nonprofit and private sector employs professionals trained in GIS in database creation, sales and marketing, cartographic production, software and applications development, data collection & analysis and project management.  GIS professionals may be employed by utilities & communications firms, banking, retail, real estate and insurance companies, environmental engineering firms, regional planning agencies and conservation organizations.  GIS professionals hold the following titles: GIS Technician, GIS Analyst, GIS Specialist, GIS Manager, System/Database Administrator and GIS Software Engineer.

The GIS Minor is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts, analytical techniques, software and hardware used in GIS.  Upon successful completion of the minor, students will be able to understand the core concepts underlying GIS, how GIS is used in a wide variety of subject areas and apply geospatial concepts and GIS to solve real world problems and to communicate effectively complex information to a diverse audience. 

Minor in Geographic Information System (GIS) - 18 Credits

Twelve (12) of the credits have to be taken at Westfield State University.

Required GIS Courses - 9 Credits

One of the following

 

Plus two of the following - 6 Credits

Note:

For more information about the GIS minor, contact Dr. Timothy LeDoux (tledoux@westfield.ma.edu), Department of Geography, Planning and Sustainability, at (413) 572-5722.

What Can You Do with a Minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)?

A minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) opens up various opportunities across multiple fields. Here are some potential career paths:

  • Environmental Management
  • Geospatial Analysis
  • Graduate Studies
  • Market Analysis
  • Natural Resource Management
  • Public Safety
  • Research
  • Transportation and Logistics
  • Urban Planning
A group of students take notes and look at maps while outside.

Real-World Experience: Apply Your Learning and Build Your Future with GIS Technologies

Through field-based classes and regional travel you’ll have numerous opportunities to apply your classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Engage with the local community to make a difference while acquiring valuable experience and skills in planning, advocacy, research, and more. Learn from experts in advanced technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), drones, remote sensing, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS), which can become the foundation of your future career.

Urban and Regional Planning Thesis Project

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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Minor