Undergraduate Programs

Geographic and Land Information Systems

Geographic and Land Information Systems Fundamentals

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer-based system used for scientific investigations, resource management, urban planning, cartography, criminology, marketing and natural disaster planning. A Land Information System (LIS) is a special component of GIS dealing with land resources.

  • Comprehensive curriculum emphasizes:
    • digital geographic data
    • use of hands-on mapping software
    • graphic communication techniques (map making)
  • First year of the program provides the fundamentals of the basic sciences and digital geographic data, with a major emphasis on learning mapping software and techniques of land surveying
  • Major focus of second year is becoming proficient in mapping software and geographic problem solving

Our Faculty

  • are innovative and interactive
  • use multimedia technology to compliment hands-on instructional approach 

Akron Advantage

Real-world Experience

Gain practical professional experience through a student-managed GIS project and a student internship at a local
government agency or business. Participation gives you firsthand, on-the-job training in the field of your choice.

GIS/LIS Student Organization

Interact with other geographic and land information systems students and professionals in the field through organizations such as:

  • Gathering of Potential Surveyors

Sample Curriculum

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Geographic and Land Information Systems (GIS/LIS)

First Year    Second Year
 
Fall Semester
  Fall Semester
 
English  Technical Report Writing  
Technical Mathematics II Diversity in American Society  
Technical Mathematics III  Boundary Surveying
Introduction to Geomatics  Building Geodatabases  
Basic Surveying I 2
GIS/LIS elective  
Software Applications for Technology
Earth Science  
Introduction to Geographic and Land
Information Systems
Total  17 
Total
16     
    Spring Semester
 
Spring Semester
  Applied Photogrammetry  
Technical Mathematics IV  Surveying elective  
Computer-aided Drawing   Geographic and Land Information
Systems Project  
Basic Surveying II   GIS elective  

Intermediate Geographic and Land
Information Systems

3
Geographic and Land Information
Systems Internship
Introduction Geography  
Topics in Professional Practice  
Introduction to Public Speaking or
Effective Oral Communication
Total  16 
Total  17     
       
       

 

Career Opportunities

Degrees and Preparation

An associate degree in geographic and land information systems prepares you for immediate employment
as an entry-level GIS technician for business or industry.

Career Outlook 

The U.S. Department of Labor identifies geographic information technology as “one of the three most important emerging and evolving fields." Job opportunities are growing as geospatial technologies expands into more areas.

Center for Career Management

Creates links among students, alumni and local professionals. You will have access to:

  • Career Resource Library
  • co-op/internships through Career Advantage Network
  • computer stations for resume writing and employment research
  • UA Career Fairs 

The University of Akron

302 Buchtel Common. Akron, OH 44325
Phone: 330-972-7111
Contact us
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