Minor in Geographic Information Systems

Minor Description

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) minor explores three fundamentals aspects of GIS:

  • Critical thinking and spatial reasoning (i.e., understanding which geospatial and other quantitative/qualitative approaches could be used to conceptualize, represent, and solve a given geographic problem when multiple alternatives exist).
  • Responsible use of data, which includes understanding of data error or uncertainty, and geo-spatial data management.
  • Visualization and graphic design for effective communication of GIS results using maps and graphics.

Students enrolled in GIS classes work with faculty members trained in a range of disciplines from human to physical geography, ecology, geology, mathematics/visualization, conservation science. They develop skills in applied geospatial research as well as capacities for a critical understanding and application of geo-technologies.

Minor Requirements

Core Courses (10 credits)

  • BIS 342 Introduction to GIS
  • BIS 343 Geographic Visualization

Advanced geospatial research methods course (5 credits):

Students are required to take one of the following advanced GIS methods courses. Courses in this bin provide opportunities for students to engage in applied research and deepen their foundational knowledge gathered in previous courses.

  • BIS 344 Intermediate Geographic Information Analysis and Applications
  • BIS 442 Advanced Geographic Information Analysis and Applications
  • BES 440 Remote Sensing of the Environment
  • BIS 408 Critical Physical Geography

Diverse approaches to data analysis and visualization (10 credits):

Students are required to take two courses from the following list.
* Please note that the list of courses will be maintained by the School of IAS.

  • CSS 107 Intro to Programming through Animated Storytelling
  • B DATA 200 Introduction to Data Studies
  • BEARTH 201 Mapping the Earth System
  • BEARTH 202 Modeling Global Systems
  • BIS 215 Understanding Statistics, B MATH 215: Statistics for the Health Sciences, B BUS 215: Introduction to Business Statistics, STAT 220: Statistical Reasoning
  • BIS 218 Power of Maps
  • BIS 232 Introduction to Data Visualization
  • BIS 352 Mapping Communities
  • BIS 411 Network Analysis and Visualization
  • BIS 412 Advanced Data Visualization
  • BES 303 Environmental Monitoring Practicum
  • BISMCS 473 Visual Communication
  • B BUS 301 Data Management
  • STMATH 310 Mathematical Game Theory

Total: 25 credits

  • Data Visualization (BA and BS) major students are not eligible to complete the GIS minor.
  • Students must earn a minimum cumulative 2.00 GPA for courses applied to the minor.
  • A minimum of 15 credits applied to the minor must be completed in residence at UW Bothell.
  • Students are required to take at least 15 credits at the 300-400 level coursework out of 25 credits.

Note: Classes in this minor are offered primarily during the day-time hours.

Questions?

If you have questions regarding the minor in GIS, please contact your Academic Advisor.