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
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 List | Course | Title | Credits |
| 3 |
| |
| 4 |
| 4 |
| 4-5 |
| GEOG 107 | Human Geography: The Cultural Landscape | 4 |
| GEOG 201 | World Regional Geography I | 4 |
| or GEOG 202 | World Regional Geography II |
| GEOG 278 | Physical Geography: Landforms in Nature | 4 |
| or GEOG 279 | Physical Geography: From Severe Weather to Climate Change |
| or G 202 | Geology II - Earth's Surface |
| GEOG 101 | Introduction to Geospatial Science & GIS | 4 |
| GEOG 211 | Cartography | 4 |
| GEOG 265 | Geographic Information Systems | 4 |
| GEOG 286 | Remote Sensing | 4 |
| MTH 111Z | Precalculus I: Functions | 4 |
| MTH 112Z | Precalculus II: Trigonometry | 4 |
| |
| Total Credits | 90-91 |
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.
