Courses

.75 credit

This course reviews geospatial technologies and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications and analysis. Goals of the course include: the fundamentals of geographic information science and technology; spatial, analytical, and critical thinking applied to imagery; and problem solving using GIS. Fundamentals of mapping, GPS, GIS theory, spatial analysis, cartography, remote sensing UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) and drone technology are highlighted. The course integrates innovative tools (such as software and hardware) and techniques (such as data capture, display and analysis), allowing users to view, question, interpret, visualize and analyze temporal and spatial relationships. Activities include data acquisition and management, analysis methods, and web-mapping with an emphasis on spatial skills.

May be waived with appropriate degree, coursework or industry experience or at the discretion of the program director. Required course for graduate certificate and master’s degree.

.75 credit

This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of image processing and understanding, using remotely-sensed images. Applications focus on pre-processing of satellite and aerial images, remote sensing and image/video enhancement. The course will provide foundations and explore passive and active collection methods (RADAR and LiDAR), digital-image composites and band combinations, image display and visualization, image enhancements and rectification, image segmentation, classification, and digital stereoscopy and evaluation techniques. Required course for both graduate certificate and master’s degree.

Prerequisite: AGS 500 or equivalent experience.

.75 credit

This course is an introduction to automating data preparation, workflow and spatial processing, using Python. Goals include an understanding of basic programming and Python syntax, leading to the ability to create and share custom scripting tools. The course introduces basic programming concepts, such as variables, strings, keywords, integrated development environments, user-defined functions and modules. It also provides an introduction to object-oriented programming and the use of object classes. Activities include using scripting in a GIS environment to apply computer programming concepts to GIS tasks, such as batch processing, manipulating attribute tables, customizing ArcGIS software with script tools and buttons, and managing and adding map layers. Required course for graduate certificate and master’s degree.

Prerequisites: AGS 500 or equivalent experience, AGS 510, AGS 530 and AGS 540.

.75 credit

This course provides information about and practice in using and creating geodatabases. Goals include demonstrating the ability to collect, record and utilize spatial data; proficiency to create and process spatial data, and an understanding of the fundaments of GIS data storage and interoperability. Activities include geodatabase modeling, relational models, object-oriented data modeling with universal modeling language (UML), distributed database concepts and implementation, query language, web delivery interoperability and Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards. Concepts and applications of remote sensing, GPS and affiliated data capture technologies are included. Required course for graduate certificate and master’s degree.

Prerequisites: AGS 500 or equivalent experience, AGS 510.

.75 credit

This course introduces basic concepts of spatial analysis. The course emphasizes core concepts such as spatial data acquisition and data management, topology, metadata creation and interpretation, and quality control for data. Basic spatial analysis methodologies use new and traditional GIS software, web-mapping principles, and the implementation of GIS for management of operations. Activities include geospatial analysis techniques to explore cost surfaces, least-cost path, emergency response applications, spatial interpolation and approximation, topographic analysis, line of sight, view shed analysis, landform analysis and modeling of geospatial processes. Required course for graduate certificate and master’s degree.

Prerequisites: AGS 500 or equivalent experience, AGS 510 and AGS 530.

.75 credit

The second in a two-course sequence with AGS 540, this course includes a review of geospatial data acquisition systems, sensors and associated processing technologies, and advanced analysis of spatial visualizations. The goal is to provide extended spatial analysis opportunities utilizing advanced spatial analysis tools. Activities in this course include: geospatial metadata generation principles, interoperability, introduction of advanced spatial analysis tools for manipulation of geospatial data, and advanced spatial analysis. Required course for master’s track.

Prerequisites: AGS 500 or equivalent experience, AGS 510, AGS 530 and AGS 540.

.75 credit

This course requires students to take on an internship with a GIS professional in the geospatial industry. The student will have a close working relationship with the employer and graduate advisor during the internship experience. Those already employed may work with their employer, in an additional work-related setting and/or by completing a relevant project for employer, to learn and/or enhance GIS skills. Required course for master’s track.

Prerequisites: AGS 500 or equivalent experience, AGS 510, AGS 520, AGS 530, AGS 540, AGS 550 and AGS 580.

.75 credit

This course prepares students to enter the geospatial workforce and to choose a geospatial research topic, if continuing as a candidate for the master of science in GIS. The goal of this research seminar is the creation of an e-portfolio to showcase the student’s geospatial skills and professional experiences. Activities include qualitative, quantitative and observational methodologies, in addition to research techniques, spatial data acquisition and data management. Required course for graduate certificate and master’s degree.

Prerequisites: AGS 500 or equivalent experience, AGS 510, AGS 520, AGS 530, AGS 540 and AGS 550 if in the Masters program.

.75 credit

This elective course teaches students the art and science of project management, as applied to a variety of business and technology settings. Students will learn and practice project techniques that relate to the five phases of project management: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing projects. The program allows students to immediately practice course concepts in various activities to create key project documents, including a business case, project charter, scope statement, WBS and a project plan. Required for Professional Science Masters (PSM) designation in thesis track. May be taken at any time by master’s thesis track students. May be replaced with another geospatial or approved elective, if student is not attaining PSM designation. No prerequisite.

.75 credit

This course covers topics relevant to geopolitics, geointelligence, and national security. It discusses the fundamental concepts of geointelligence in national security and disaster management while exploring the history of U.S. geopolitics. The course will include an examination of current trends in geointelligence, including the use of remote sensing in intelligence gathering. Students will be familiarized with the skills and core competencies that are integral to geointelligence analysts, such as Remote Sensing and Imagery Analysis, Geospatial Data Management, and Data Visualization. May be substituted for MBA 509 to complete master’s degree without PSM designation.

Prerequisites: AGS 510 and AGS 540.

.75 credit

This course is one of two options for completing the Master of Science in GIS. Students will undertake a geospatial research thesis in consultation with a thesis advisor. After completing the thesis, the student will successfully defend it before a graduate thesis committee. Successful completion of the course includes a formal binding of the thesis and submission to the A.C. Buehler Library. This course requires a minimum of 16 weeks, meeting biweekly with the instructor (considered an accelerated eight-week course in terms of tuition. Recommended for students who plan to pursue a Ph.D. Required course for master’s track.

Prerequisites: AGS 500 or equivalent experience, AGS 510, AGS 520, AGS 530, AGS 540, AGS 550, AGS 560, AGS 580 and an approved elective course.

.75 credit

This course is the capstone for students with a specialization of Advanced Placement Human Geography, combined with graduate GIS courses. Based on previous coursework in both GIS and Human Geography, students will develop a teaching module that builds upon the spatial concepts and thinking learned in previous coursework to instruct participants how to incorporate data collection and analysis with GIS technology. Students will write a manuscript, detailing the teaching module, subsequently to be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. Participants will successfully defend their manuscript to a committee of human geography and geospatial educators. For educators only required course for master’s degree.

Prerequisites: APH 500, APH 501, APH 502, APH 503, AGS 500, AGS 510, AGS 520, AGS 530 and AGS 540.

.75 credit

This course is one of two options for completing the Master of Science in GIS. Based on content and skills taught in previous courses, students will develop a geospatial capstone project in consultation with their course instructor. The topic and methodology chosen for the project must relate to the student’s coursework and interests. Students will present their capstone project to the graduate committee for review. Required course for master’s degree.

Prerequisites: AGS 500 or equivalent experience, AGS 510, AGS 520, AGS 530, AGS 540, AGS 550, AGS 560, AGS 580 and an approved elective course.