Online Degrees & Certificates
AS in Geographic Information Systems Technology
Program Description
Geospatial technology is the unifying tool with which spatial phenomena is explored. Geospatial technology consists of Geographic Information Systems, Global Positioning Systems, and Remote Sensing. The Geographic Information Systems Technology program at Foothill College provides opportunities for career preparation and lifelong learning by providing courses that meet workforce needs. Geographic information systems are collections of computers, software applications, and personnel used to capture, store, transform, manage, analyze, and display spatial information. The associate degree provides a solid technical background in geographic information systems concepts and applications, including cartographic concepts, database design, programming, and interdisciplinary applications of the technology, and also prepares students to transfer to four-year institutions in Geospatial Science. The outcomes of the associate degree align with the U.S. Department of Labor geospatial competency model for geospatial careers. The degree also includes general education and elective courses required for graduation. The Geographic Information Systems Technology degree prepares students for entry-level technician jobs or to transfer to a four-year institution.
Learn more about the program on the Geospatial Technology & Data Science website.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to apply cartographic principles of scale, resolution, projection, data management, and spatial analysis to a geographic nature using a geographic information system.
Students will be able to plan, evaluate, and execute an original geographic information systems project.
Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to communicate orally, in writing and graphically, the outcome of geographic information systems analysis.
Students will be able to demonstrate an awareness of professional obligations to society, employers and funders, and individuals as outlined in the Geographic Information Systems Professional Certification Institute Code of Ethics.
Career Opportunities
Geographic information systems skills are highly desirable in agriculture, archaeology, business, cartography, government, law enforcement, marketing, environmental sciences, forestry, real estate, and urban planning.
Awards Type(s)
AS = Associate in Science Degree
Unite Required
Major: 42.5 - 43.5
Online Courses for Geographic Information Systems Technology
The courses listed BELOW are offered as online courses at least once every two years. Please see the Class Schedule for verification.
- For a complete listing of online courses offered during the current quarter, visit Online Course Information.
- If you need any additional degree information or confirmation, please contact the Counseling Division.
NOTE: Students having difficulty attaining an associate degree because of timing or availability of classes should consult with a counselor to submit a petition for course substitution.
Associate Degree Requirements
A minimum of 90 units is required* to complete the associate degree, including:
Core and support courses for the major (42.5-43.5 units total)
Completion of one of the following general education patterns:
Foothill College General Education
Summer Session 2025 only–CSU General Education Breadth (CSU GE Breadth)**
Summer Session 2025 only–Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)**
Beginning Fall Quarter 2025–California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)***
* Additional elective course work may be necessary to meet the 90-unit minimum requirement for the associate degree.
** Summer Session 2025 is the final term during which CSU GE Breadth and IGETC may be used. Please see a counselor for more information.
*** Cal-GETC begins in Fall Quarter 2025. Please see a counselor for more information.
Note: A grade of "C" (or "P") or better is required for all core and support courses used for the degree or certificates. In addition, the student must obtain a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Refer to the Associate in Arts & Associate in Science Degree Requirements page for complete information about graduation requirements and catalog rights.
Core and Support Courses
Core Courses
| ONLINE COURSE | TITLE | UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| GIST 11 | Introduction to Mapping & Spatial Reasoning | 4 |
| or GEOG 11 | Introduction to Mapping & Spatial Reasoning | 4 |
| GIST 12 | Introduction to Geospacial Technology | 4 |
| or GEOG 12 | Introduction to Geospacial Technology | 4 |
| GIST 52 | Geospacial Acquisition & Management | 4 |
| GIST 53 | Advanced Geospacial Technology & Spacial Analysis | 4 |
| GIST 54A | Seminar in Specialized Applications of Geographic Information Systems I | 2 |
| GIST 58 | Remote Sensing & Digital Image Processing | 3 |
| C S 1A | Object-Oriented Programming Methodologies in Java | 4.5 |
| or C S 3A | Object-Oriented Programming Methodologies in Python | 4.5 |
Support Courses
| ONLINE COURSE | TITLE | UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| Select two courses from the following (9 units): | ||
| C S 3B | Intermediate Software Design in Python | 4.5 |
| C S 8A | Introduction to Data Science | 4.5 |
| C S 22A | Javascript for Programmers | 4.5 |
| C S 31A | Introduction to Database Management Systems | 4.5 |
| C S 48A | Data Visualization | 4.5 |
| And two courses from the following (8-9 units): | ||
| GEOG 1 | Physical Geography | 5 |
| GEOG 2 | Human Geography |
4 |
| GEOG 10 | World Regional Geography | 4 |
| GEOG 20 | Introduction to Earth Science | 4 |
| Total Units | 42.5-43.5 | |
For a list of on-campus courses that satisfy degree requirements, please visit Geographic Information Systems Technology 2025-2026 Degree & Certificates.
Based on the 2025 - 2026 degree program.