Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Explore on This Page

• Our Program
• Degrees & Certificates
• How Much Time & Money to Finish?
• Earn More Choices & More Money
• Start on Your Pathway!

Our Program

Why Choose GIS?

• Be able to work in a variety of fields, including marketing, healthcare, and environmental conservation
• Work extensively with data, statistics, and computing
• Create useful graphics that can help in emergency situations, such as tornado or hurricane relief

Prepare for What You Will Do at Work

• Use GIS software suites to produce graphical representations of data (maps), tables, and reports
• Update and modify existing GIS databases
• Act as a GIS subject matter expert when consulting with users or clients
• Perform data analysis, application development, and programming development within GIS software

Watch These Videos to Learn More About GIS

From Esri, maker of GIS system software:

• What is GIS? (opens in a new tab)
• The Remarkable GIS Response to COVID-19 (opens in a new tab)

From CareerOneStop, resource for career exploration:

• Geospatial Information Scientists & Technologists (opens in a new tab)

Marketable Skills You Will Learn

• Critical thinking
• Reasoning
• Communication
• Personal and social responsibility
• Teamwork
• Computer literacy

Before You Enroll, Think About:

• Be prepared for extensive work with data in both numerical and graphical formats
• For the A.A.S. degree, you must be TSI college ready in order to take the required core curriculum courses in the first year
• Each of the certifications will prepare you for basic use of GIS.
  • The AAS degree will give you a stronger GIS foundation for an entry-level position and will give you a better chance at getting one.
• To become a GISP (Certified Geographic Information Systems Professional), you must be certified through the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) (opens in a new tab). The requirements are as follows:
  • 4 years of GIS professional experience
  • GISCI Application Information: Exam and Portfolio (opens in a new tab)

Need a boost to get ready for college?

Talk to your advisor about Developmental Studies if your TSI scores say you need some help in math or reading and writing.

Degrees & Certificates

Explore the TCC Catalog and view the list of courses you will need to take for your degree or certificate.

Degree

• Geographic Information Systems, AAS

Certificates

Level 1

• Basic Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Skills

Level 2

• Geographic Information Systems Programmer

How Much Time & Money to Finish?

2026–2027 Academic Year

Notes:

• Tuition is based on in-state, in-county rates.
• Totals do not include textbooks and other materials.

Continuing Education Programs

Time commitments and fees vary depending on the course.

Earn More Choices & More Money

Transfer to a college or university to continue your studies. Earning a bachelor’s degree opens the door to promotion opportunities.

For example, you will be ready to work toward a Bachelor of Science in GIS.

Explore these bachelor's degree opportunities:

• University of North Texas (UNT): Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) + Computer Science (CS)
• University of Texas at Dallas (UTD): Bachelor of Science in Geospatial Information Sciences
• Tarleton State University: Bachelor of Science in Geography and Geographic Information Systems
• Tarleton State University: Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Geographic Information Systems

Next steps

• Talk to your advisor about planning for transfer
• Explore transfer schools

Start on Your Pathway!