Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
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Learn cutting-edge skills and prepare for an innovative career with a geographic information systems (GIS) degree or certificate. Our versatile programs are applicable to a range of industries, including mapping, urban planning, transportation planning, disaster management and mitigation, environmental and conservation efforts, farming and agriculture, natural resource management and community planning.
FRCC's GIS programs position you well to enter or advance in one of the fastest-growing fields in information technology.
Why Study Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at Front Range Community College?
Geographic information systems, or GIS for short, is more than just creating maps. It's a cutting-edge field that combines advanced technology and large data sets to create sophisticated maps and spreadsheets. It helps us understand the world around us and can assist with everything from urban planning, zoning, transportation, fire protection and more. In FRCC's GIS program, we'll give you the geospatial science skills and technologies you need to succeed in this rapidly growing field.
If you're new to the field, you can start with FRCC 's 12-credit foundations of GIS certificate, then move progressively into the GIS certificate, Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in geospatial science and then the geospatial science (GIS) bachelor's degree. All our GIS programs are “stacked,” which means each program builds on the previous one.
If you're looking to get a quick — but deep — dive into GIS by completing one (or both) certificates, FRCC has you covered. If you're looking to prepare yourself for a new career — or further opportunities in your current one — our degrees in geospatial science are great options.
Questions?
Find answers to your questions about the GIS program at FRCC.
GIS Program FAQs
You can also review our course planning guide for more information.
GIS Course PlanningDegree Details
AAS in Geospatial Science
Program Locations: Boulder County
Total Credits: 60 credits (4 semesters)
Our two-year geospatial science degree prepares you to work in high-tech fields, including photogrammetry, cartography, geographical information systems, global positioning systems and satellite remote sensing. You'll learn how to acquire geospatial information from a variety of sources; interpret, use and manage geospatial data; and how to use GIS software for storage, manipulation and analysis of geospatial data.
You'll explore such areas as:
- Cartography for GIS
- Global positioning systems for GIS
- GIS project management
- GIS applications
BAS in Geospatial Science
Program Locations: Boulder County
Total Credits: 120 credits (8 semesters)
Our BAS degree prepares you to perform geospatial science-based work using various technologies including: GIS, remote sensing, programming, databases, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and global navigation satellite system (GNSS). You'll be prepared for a career or to continue on to a master's program.
You'll explore such areas as:
- Cartography
- Global positioning systems for GIS
- GIS applications
- Geospatial statistics
- GIS for natural sciences
- Programming for GIS
Certificate Options
Foundations of GIS
Program Locations: Boulder County
Total Credits: 12 credits (2 semesters)
This program introduces you to geographic information systems and cartography. You'll work with advanced analytical tools and develop skills in spatial problem solving. This program prepares you for an entry-level career in a variety of GIS-related business settings.
View Program Details
GIS
Program Locations: Boulder County
Total Credits: 29 credits (3 semesters)
You'll explore the relationships of geographic information systems, cartography, global positioning systems and database and project management. This program prepares you for a career in assisting scientists, engineers, technologists and other professionals in building, maintaining, modifying and using GIS databases.
View Program DetailsCareers & Outcomes
Your degree can prepare you for a career in a wide variety of fields.
Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Geospatial Science
Build on your GIS AAS and earn a bachelor's degree at FRCC. Our new Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in geospatial science prepares students for a career in this growing field. Your AAS courses will count for many BAS credits, meaning you can complete it in just two more years.
Learn about the Geospatial Science BAS Program
What can you do with a certificate or degree in geospatial science?
Geospatial science skills and technologies can be applied to an extremely wide array of fields, including environmental science, engineering and fire protection.