Program Information
Learn more about the Geography program.
General Help
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Course Sequence
Field of Interest
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Geospatial Technologies prepares students for entry level positions within the field of Geographic Information Systems. The Geospatial Technologies program will also provide students with the educational foundation necessary for a four-year degree. A Certificate of Completion (CCL) is also available.
Details
Important information you’ll need when applying for admission:
- Field of Interest
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
- Type
- Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
- Academic Plan
- Geospatial Technologies (DEG)
- Academic Plan Code
- 3108
- Total Credits Required
- 61-73
- Catalog Year
- 2025-2026
- Effective Term
- Fall 2023
- Notes
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
Program is designed for students with varying skills; consult with a program director.
Depending on a student's educational experience, additional coursework may be needed to be eligible for MAT220 or MAT221.
What You’ll Learn
This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:
- Identify and apply the geospatial core technologies to data collection, storage, and analysis.
- Identify and explain social and ethical responsibilities associated with the use of GIS as it pertains to environmental and population policies.
- Identify and describe the characteristics of the Earth and how it is represented on a map.
- Apply the appropriate representation to environmental and human-related features on a map.
- Apply geographic knowledge and GIS to create high quality digital and paper maps.
- Apply spatial analysis and geoprocessing operations on vector and raster data.
- Demonstrate an understanding of data analysis involved in relational databases.
- Design, develop, and implement a spatial database to support analytical operations.
- Perform data management tasks (creating, querying, editing, joining, and customizing spatial and non-spatial data) as well as perform statistical analysis.
- Apply computer programming concepts of problem solving, data structures, and fundamental algorithms and techniques to spatial data models.
- Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Geographers
$79,478 Show expanded career information for Geographers
Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$38.21
Annual Median Wage
$79,478
Annual Job Openings
1
Number of People Employed
11
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 9.1 %
Postsecondary Geography Teachers
$72,944 Show expanded career information for Postsecondary Geography Teachers
Teach courses in geography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Typical Education Level
a Doctoral degree or more
Hourly Median Wage
$35.06
Annual Median Wage
$72,944
Annual Job Openings
2,879
Number of People Employed
26,552
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 13.3 %
- Managers, All Other
Course Sequence by Term
The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
- The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
- Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
- Consult with your faculty mentor or academic advisor to determine educational requirements, including possible university transfer options, for your chosen career field.
Pathway Map Options
There are multiple options available for this pathway map. These options vary depending on the locations, partners, and available tracks of the award.
These pathway map options may share some common coursework. To explore what additional coursework may be required, select your desired option from the list below. Once selected, the list of courses and any associated details will be automatically updated in the course sequence below. The differences between individual pathway map options may only be a few courses.
The list of courses below has been updated
Full-time Sequence
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
Note: Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device, some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this page on a device with a larger screen.
Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIS205 | Geographic Information Technologies | Critical course Gateway course | CS | 3 | |
| GCU102 | Human Geography: Spatial Relationships Between Humans and Culture with Their Environment | G, SB | 3 | ||
| CIS105 | Survey of Computer Information Systems | CS | 3 | ||
| ENG101 or ENG107 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | Prerequisites: Writing placement or (C/ better in ESL097 or WAC101) or (B/better in ALT100) or (C in ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (C/better in ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C/better in ESL097 or WAC101),or (B/better in ALT100) or (C in ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (C/better in ESL202 and Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+).View requisites | FYC or FYC | 3 | |
| Mathematics | Mathematics area | 3–6 | |||
| FYE101 or FYE103 |
Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success | 1–3 | |||
| MA | Mathematics | Any approved general education course in the Mathematics [MA] area | MA | 3–6 | |
| MAT12+ or MAT15+ |
Intermediate Algebra or College Algebra/Functions | OR Higher course in the Mathematics [MA] area | None or MA | 3–6 | |
| MAT220 or MAT221 |
Calculus with Analytic Geometry I or Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT187, or MAT188, or an appropriate District placement. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT187, or an appropriate District placement.View requisites | MA or MA | 4–5 |
Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIS211 | Geographic Information Science I | Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in GIS205 or permission of Instructor.View requisites | Critical course | CS | 4 |
| GPH113 | Physical Geography: Atmosphere, Lithosphere, Water, and Hazards | SQ | 4 | ||
| ENG102 or ENG108 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG107.View requisites | FYC or FYC | 3 | |
| CRE101 | College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking | Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (ENG101 or ENG107) and (RDG095, or RDG100, or RDG100LL, or RDG111, or RDG112, or RDG113, or an appropriate district placement, or permission of Instructor).View requisites | OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment | L | 0–3 |
| Specialization | Specialization Option | 0–4 | |||
| CIS163AA | Java Programming: Level I | Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in CIS105 or permission of Instructor.View requisites | CS | 3 | |
| CSC110 | Introduction to Computer Science (Java) | Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT120 or MAT121 or MAT122.View requisites | CS | 3 | |
| CSC110 | Introduction to Computer Science (Java) | Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT120 or MAT121 or MAT122.View requisites | CS | 3 |
Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIS220 | Introduction to ArcPy Scripting | Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in GIS211.View requisites | 3 | ||
| GIS222 | Geographic Information Science II | Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in GIS211 or permission of Instructor.View requisites | 3 | ||
| GPH211 | Landform Processes | SQ | 4 | ||
| Specialization | Specialization Option | 0–4 | |||
| Specialization | Specialization Option | 0–4 | |||
| CIS117DM | Microsoft Access: Database Management | 3 | |||
| CIS276DB | SQL Server Database | Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in CIS105, or CIS117DM, or permission of Instructor.View requisites | 3 | ||
| GPH212 or GPH213 or GPH267 |
Introduction to Meteorology I or Climate and Weather or Extreme Weather and Climate | No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101 or ENG107.View requisites | SQ or SG or L | 3 | |
| CSC205AB | Object Oriented Programming and Data Structures | Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in CSC110, or CSC110AB, or permission of Instructor.View requisites | CS | 4 |
Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GCU/GPH298++ | Special Projects | 1–3 | |||
| COM100 or COM110 or COM225 or COM230 |
Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication | No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent. or No requisitesView requisites | SB or SB or L or SB | 3 | |
| HU | Humanities, Fine Arts & Design | HU | 3 | ||
| SB | Social & Behavioral Sciences | SB | 3 | ||
| Specialization | Specialization Option | 0–4 | |||
| Electives | Electives | Select 0-5 credits of any course with a CIS prefix in consultation with your program advisor to further develop skills in the areas of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). | 0–5 | ||
| GIS223 | Introduction to Digital Image Processing | 3 | |||
| Electives | Electives | Select 0-5 credits of any course with a CIS prefix in consultation with their program advisor to further develop skills in the areas of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). | 0–5 | ||
| GIS223 | Introduction to Digital Image Processing | 3 | |||
| Electives | Electives | Select 0-2 credits of any course with a CIS prefix in consultation with their program advisor to further develop skills in the areas of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). | 0–2 | ||
| GPH212 or GPH213 or GPH267 |
Introduction to Meteorology I or Climate and Weather or Extreme Weather and Climate | No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101 or ENG107.View requisites | SQ or SG or L | 3 | |
| Electives | Electives | Select 0-3 credits of any course with a CIS prefix in consultation with their program advisor to further develop skills in the areas of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). | 0–3 |
Part-time Sequence
Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.
Note: Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device, some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this page on a device with a larger screen.
Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GCU102 | Human Geography: Spatial Relationships Between Humans and Culture with Their Environment | G, SB | 3 | ||
| Mathematics | Mathematics area | 3–6 | |||
| FYE101 or FYE103 |
Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success | 1–3 | |||
| MA | Mathematics | Any approved general education course in the Mathematics [MA] area | MA | 3–6 | |
| MAT12+ or MAT15+ |
Intermediate Algebra or College Algebra/Functions | OR Higher course in the Mathematics [MA] area | None or MA | 3–6 | |
| MAT220 or MAT221 |
Calculus with Analytic Geometry I or Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT187, or MAT188, or an appropriate District placement. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT187, or an appropriate District placement.View requisites | MA or MA | 4–5 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG101 or ENG107 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | Prerequisites: Writing placement or (C/ better in ESL097 or WAC101) or (B/better in ALT100) or (C in ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (C/better in ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C/better in ESL097 or WAC101),or (B/better in ALT100) or (C in ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (C/better in ESL202 and Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+).View requisites | FYC or FYC | 3 | |
| GPH113 | Physical Geography: Atmosphere, Lithosphere, Water, and Hazards | SQ | 4 |
Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CIS105 | Survey of Computer Information Systems | CS | 3 | ||
| CRE101 | College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking | Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (ENG101 or ENG107) and (RDG095, or RDG100, or RDG100LL, or RDG111, or RDG112, or RDG113, or an appropriate district placement, or permission of Instructor).View requisites | OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment | L | 0–3 |
| Specialization | Specialization Option | 0–4 | |||
| CIS163AA | Java Programming: Level I | Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in CIS105 or permission of Instructor.View requisites | CS | 3 | |
| CSC110 | Introduction to Computer Science (Java) | Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT120 or MAT121 or MAT122.View requisites | CS | 3 | |
| CSC110 | Introduction to Computer Science (Java) | Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT120 or MAT121 or MAT122.View requisites | CS | 3 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIS205 | Geographic Information Technologies | Critical course Gateway course | CS | 3 | |
| HU | Humanities, Fine Arts & Design | HU | 3 |
Term 5
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIS211 | Geographic Information Science I | Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in GIS205 or permission of Instructor.View requisites | Critical course | CS | 4 |
| ENG102 or ENG108 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG107.View requisites | FYC or FYC | 3 |
Term 6
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIS220 | Introduction to ArcPy Scripting | Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in GIS211.View requisites | 3 | ||
| COM100 or COM110 or COM225 or COM230 |
Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication | No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent. or No requisitesView requisites | SB or SB or L or SB | 3 |
Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIS222 | Geographic Information Science II | Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in GIS211 or permission of Instructor.View requisites | 3 | ||
| Specialization | Specialization Option | 0–4 | |||
| CIS117DM | Microsoft Access: Database Management | 3 | |||
| CIS276DB | SQL Server Database | Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in CIS105, or CIS117DM, or permission of Instructor.View requisites | 3 | ||
| CSC205AB | Object Oriented Programming and Data Structures | Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in CSC110, or CSC110AB, or permission of Instructor.View requisites | CS | 4 |
Term 8 Term 8
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GPH211 | Landform Processes | SQ | 4 | ||
| Specialization | Specialization Option | 0–4 | |||
| GCU/GPH298++ | Special Projects | 1–3 | |||
| GIS223 | Introduction to Digital Image Processing | 3 |
Term 9 Term 9 Term 9 Term 9
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SB | Social & Behavioral Sciences | SB | 3 | ||
| Specialization | Specialization Option | 0–4 | |||
| GIS223 | Introduction to Digital Image Processing | 3 | |||
| GPH212 or GPH213 or GPH267 |
Introduction to Meteorology I or Climate and Weather or Extreme Weather and Climate | No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101 or ENG107.View requisites | SQ or SG or L | 3 | |
| GPH212 or GPH213 or GPH267 |
Introduction to Meteorology I or Climate and Weather or Extreme Weather and Climate | No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101 or ENG107.View requisites | SQ or SG or L | 3 |
Term 10 Term 10 Term 10 Term 10
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electives | Electives | Select 0-5 credits of any course with a CIS prefix in consultation with their program advisor to further develop skills in the areas of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). | 0–5 | ||
| Electives | Electives | Select 0-5 credits of any course with a CIS prefix in consultation with their program advisor to further develop skills in the areas of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). | 0–5 | ||
| Electives | Electives | Select 0-2 credits of any course with a CIS prefix in consultation with their program advisor to further develop skills in the areas of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). | 0–2 | ||
| Electives | Electives | Select 0-3 credits of any course with a CIS prefix in consultation with their program advisor to further develop skills in the areas of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). | 0–3 |
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Program Information
Learn more about and find contact information for the Geography program.
General Help
Ask general questions over the phone at 480-461-7400 or via online chat.
Course Area Key
Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.
Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.
- CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
- FYC = First Year Composition
- G = Global Awareness
- HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
- L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
- MA = Mathematics
- SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
- SG = Natural Sciences General
- SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
Disclaimer
Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.
Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, meet with an academic advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.
View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm3?id=182625).
Previous Catalog Years
The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.
Previous catalog years for Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Geospatial Technologies