Geospatial Science (OSU Transfer) Emphasis - Associate of Science (AS)

Program 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, federal/state/local governments, 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.

Statewide General Education Student Learning Outcomes

Please see the General Education page for statewide general education student learning outcomes.

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 Program 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

Course Title Credits
Baccalaureate Core
Skills
Fitness:3
Mathematics: Met by Program Requirements
Writing I:4
Writing II:4
Perspectives Courses
Biological Science:4-5
GEOG 107Human Geography: The Cultural Landscape4
GEOG 201World Regional Geography I4
or GEOG 202 World Regional Geography II
GEOG 278Physical Geography: Landforms in Nature4
or GEOG 279 Physical Geography: From Severe Weather to Climate Change
or G 202 Geology II - Earth's Surface
Program Requirements
GEOG 101Introduction to Geospatial Science & GIS4
GEOG 211Cartography4
GEOG 265Geographic Information Systems4
GEOG 286Remote Sensing4
MTH 111ZPrecalculus I: Functions4
MTH 112ZPrecalculus II: Trigonometry4
Electives39
Choose any course numbered 100 or above that brings the total credits to 90 quarter hours.
Total Credits90-91

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.

OSU is changing its general education requirements from the Bacc Core to new Core Education requirements beginning in Summer 2025. Students who are planning on transferring to OSU and wish to remain under the Bacc Core requirements should do so by Spring 2025. Speak with an OSU advisor for any questions about transferring during this transition period.

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

Sample Plan Grid
First Year
FallCredits
GEOG 101Introduction to Geospatial Science & GIS4
GEOG 201
World Regional Geography I
or World Regional Geography II
4
MTH 111ZPrecalculus I: Functions4
Writing I:4
 Credits16
Winter
GEOG 107Human Geography: The Cultural Landscape4
MTH 112ZPrecalculus II: Trigonometry4
Writing II:4
Elective3
 Credits15
Spring
GEOG 265Geographic Information Systems4
GEOG 278
Physical Geography: Landforms in Nature
or Physical Geography: From Severe Weather to Climate Change
or Geology II - Earth's Surface
4
Elective3
Elective4
 Credits15
Second Year
Fall
Biological Science:4-5
Elective4
Elective3
Elective4
 Credits15-16
Winter
GEOG 211Cartography4
Fitness:3
Elective3
Elective3
Elective3
 Credits16
Spring
GEOG 286Remote Sensing4
Elective3
Elective3
Elective3
 Credits13
 Total Credits90-91

Outside of
expected

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