Geographic Information Systems and Computer Science, BS

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 Academics section section of this catalog and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences requirements.

Major requirements, 46 hours

Computer science, 13 hours

Geographic information systems, 18 hours

Plus 3 hours selected from:

Other program requirements

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

Computer science, 15 hours

CSCE 3110 - Data Structures and Algorithms

Plus 12 hours selected from:

Information technology, 15 hours

Plus 9 hours selected from:

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	4 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	16 hours	Total	15 hours

Year 3

Semester 1		Semester 2
CSCE 2100 - Foundations of Computing	3 hours	CSCE 3110 - Data Structures and Algorithms	3 hours
CSCE 2110 - Foundations of Data Structures	3 hours	GEOG 4560 - Introduction to Python Programming	3 hours
CSCE 3055 - IT Project Management	3 hours	Geographic Information Systems selection	3 hours
CSCE 3615 - Enterprise Systems Architecture and Design	3 hours	Computer Science track selection	3 hours
GEOG 4550 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems	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
Geographic Information System 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
Total	15 hours	Total	12 hours