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    Dec 21, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Geographic Information Systems and Computer Science, BS


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A Bachelor of Science degree in Geographic Information Systems + Computer Science (GIS+CS) enables understanding of geospatial processes as well as process-based/algorithmic approaches to problem solving. The changing nature of geospatial data (e.g. location-based data) and associated analytical methods (e.g. machine learning) requires professionals who can blend these two approaches – i.e. develop processes and algorithms while understanding the larger context within which they occur. The GIS+CS degree provides this blend but also offers two tracks – Computer Science (CS) or Information Technology (IT).  The CS Track focuses on machine learning and artificial intelligence. The IT Track focuses on construction, maintenance and management of computational infrastructure and IT project management.

Hours required and general/college requirements


A minimum of 120 semester hours, of which 42 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree as specified in the University Core Curriculum  in the Academic policies  section of this catalog and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences  requirements.

Major requirements, 46 hours


Other program requirements


An additional 15 hours are required in one of the tracks listed below. Blending courses from tracks requires advisor approval.

Electives


Students should consult with their academic advisor on courses for electives or undergraduate certificates that enhance their career options.

Four-year degree plan (example)


The following four-year plan is one example of a variety of ways in which you can complete your chosen degree in four years, and will serve as a guide for you to design your pathway to degree completion. Variations will depend on whether you need to take prerequisites or have college credit from exams or dual enrollment.

Year 1

Semester 1 Semester 2
MATH 1100 - Algebra   3 hours   GEOG 1710 - Earth Science   3 hours  
PSCI 2305 - US Political Behavior and Policy   3 hours   MATH 1650 - Pre-Calculus   5 hours  
Communication core   3 hours PSCI 2306 - US and Texas Constitutions and Institutions   3 hours  
Creative Arts core   3 hours Communication core   3 hours
Life and Physical Sciences core   3 hours Component Area Option A core   3 hours
Total 15 hours Total 17 hours

 

Year 2

Semester 1 Semester 2
CSCE 1035 - Computer Programming I   3 hours    CSCE 1045 - Computer Programming II    3 hours   
GEOG 1200 - Global Societies   3 hours   GEOG 3500 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems   3 hours  
HIST 2610 - United States History to 1865   3 hours   HIST 2620 - United States History Since 1865   3 hours  
Component Area Option B core   3 hours Elective 3 hours 
Language, Philosophy and Culture core   3 hours  Elective 3 hours 
Total 15 hours Total 15 hours

 

Year 3

Semester 1 Semester 2
CSCE 2100 - Foundations of Computing   3 hours   GEOG 4560 - Introduction to Python Programming   3 hours  
CSCE 2110 - Foundations of Data Structures   3 hours   Computer Science track selection 3 hours 
GEOG 4550 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems   3 hours   GIS selection 3 hours 
Elective 3 hours Elective 3 hours 
Elective-advanced  3 hours Elective-advanced 3 hours 
Total 15 hours Total 15 hours

 

Year 4

Semester 1 Semester 2
GEOG 4570 - Special Topics in GIS   3 hours   GEOG 4590 - Advanced GIS Programming   3 hours  
Computer Science track selection 3 hours  Computer Science track selection 3 hours 
Computer Science track selection 3 hours  Computer Science track selection 3 hours 
Elective 3 hours  Elective 3 hours 
Elective-advanced 3 hours  Elective 1 hour
Total 15 hours  Total 12 hours 

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