Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

Career Studies Certificate in Geographical Information Systems

Career Studies Certificate
Mountain Empire Community College

Classes offered in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program will provide a hands-on approach to education that will prepare you to work with GIS in the field. The program will prepare you to address advanced topics in problem solving, decision-making, modeling, programming, and data management, using 2D and 3D data.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
1. Comprehend fundamental concepts and practices of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
2. Demonstrate organizational skills in file and database management.
3. Give examples of interdisciplinary applications of Geospatial Information Science and Technology.
4. Apply GIS analysis to address geospatial problems and/or research questions.
5. Manipulate data for the purpose of analysis, presentation, and decision-making.
6. Recognize, gather, and process data for GIS.
7. Display, create and analyze 2D and 3D spatial GIS data.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree Classes offered in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program will provide a hands-on approach to education that will prepare you to work with GIS in the field. The program will prepare you to address advanced topics in problem solving, decision-making, modeling, programming, and data management, using 2D and 3D data.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Mountain Empire Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree Successful completion of the career studies certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will prepare you for employment in areas GIS including: GIS Technician, Civil and Municipal Planning, Cartographic Design, GIS Analysis, and Computer modeling.
Program Successes & Highlights
Program Credit Requirements
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Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Career Studies Certificate in Geographical Information Systems
16
Career Studies Certificate in Geographic Information Systems
16
Course Requirements for 221-719-71
16
Core Requirements for 221-719-71
16
GIS 210
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
GIS 200
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
GIS 201
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
GIS 205
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
DRF 290 or 298
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Residency
16
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 12 credits may be applied to this program.
Plan GPA for 221-719-71
16
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.
Credit for Prior Learning VCCS Policy 5.6.5.1
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Mountain Empire Community College
College Level Information
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Transfer Admission Application
External Link
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Mountain Empire Community College’s mission is to provide our region with accessible, quality higher education, workforce training, and community programs to ensure an educated population and globally competitive workforce.
Transfer Student Catalog Year
First Year Student Catalog Year The catalog year is based on the admission term that the student applies for.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
11-9041.00Architectural and Engineering ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.Management Occupations
11-9041.01Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development ManagersDefine, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.Management Occupations
17-1021.00Cartographers and PhotogrammetristsResearch, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.03Energy Engineers, Except Wind and SolarDesign, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
25-1032.00Engineering Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
17-2199.00Engineers, All OtherAll engineers not listed separately.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-1022.01Geodetic SurveyorsMeasure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.05Mechatronics EngineersResearch, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.06Microsystems EngineersResearch, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.09Nanosystems EngineersDesign, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.07Photonics EngineersDesign technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.08Robotics EngineersResearch, design, develop, or test robotic applications.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.11Solar Energy Systems EngineersPerform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Design solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-1022.00SurveyorsMake exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.10Wind Energy EngineersDesign underground or overhead wind farm collector systems and prepare and develop site specifications.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 16 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Career Studies Certificate in Geographical Information Systems at Mountain Empire Community College
These costs are based on an estimated 1 semesters or 0.5 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $167 Per Credit $2,672 $0 $2,672
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.