Description

The Geospatial Science Associate of Science degree is designed for students interested in completing the first two years of coursework before transferring to a baccalaureate program in geography, geographic information systems (GIS), geospatial science, geomatics, or similar program. It is specifically aligned with the fully online Bachelor of Science in Geography and Geospatial Science degree at Oregon State University.

Geographic information systems are designed to work with data referenced by spatial or geographic coordinates. GIS is a database with capabilities for spatially referenced data, a set of operations for working with and analyzing the data, and a cartographic system for designing maps. 

Graduates can pursue baccalaureate degrees in geography, geospatial science, GIS, and related areas and move to careers in environmental studies, natural resources, the public sector, planning, utilities, real estate, education, retail, businesses, banking, insurance, and web mapping. Careers typically include positions such as GIS technician, analyst, project manager, computer programmer, database administrator, systems administrator, cartographer, applications developer, and related managerial and administrative roles.

Entrance Requirements

Academic Entrance Requirements

Recommended:

• High school diploma or GED
• Completion of WR 065 Rhetoric and Critical Thinking II or minimum placement Wr/Comm Level 7
• MTH 060 Beginning Algebra or higher or minimum placement Math Level 10
• Completion of computer competency (either IC3 exam or CIS 120 Computer Concepts, which may be taken as part of program)

Additional Costs (Beyond Standard Tuition/Fees and Textbooks)

Material costs

Required:

• Materials (USB drive, maps, office supplies): $100

Recommended:

• A desktop or laptop computer capable of running GIS software: approximately $1,200
  • Most courses use GIS software that is compatible only with Microsoft Windows, and there is no MacOS version. Contact program instructor for specifics.

Course Requirements

¹

Select from the appropriate category in the OSU Core Education course list.

Advising Notes

Most GIS courses are offered once per year beginning in Fall term. Students interested in this degree are advised to consult the program director about which elective courses would best suit their academic and career objectives.

This degree is designed for students planning to pursue a bachelor of science degree in geography, geospatial science, or GIS. Most classes should be transferable to public or private baccalaureate institutions.

As of Summer 2025, OSU's general education requirements are the Core Education requirements, replacing the Baccalaureate Core. Students admitted to OSU after Spring 2025 are required to complete the Core Education requirements. Speak with an OSU advisor for any questions about transferring. 

Performance Standards

• Academic Requirements:
  • Students must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA to earn a COCC certificate or degree. 
  • All courses in the program must be completed with a grade of C or higher.

Sample Plan

¹

Scientific Inquiry and Analysis is met from two courses from two different prefixes.