Technical - Online Option
CONTACT PERSON: Angie Milakovic • Jack Science Center 301B • 224-2448 • Angela.Milakovic@bsc.nodak.edu

Bismarck State College offers a program certificate, a certificate of completion, and an Associate in Applied Science degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS is the only software program available that can capture and store geospatial data, which allows users to ask and answer complex questions about the world around us through complex geographic queries. GIScience is the multidisciplinary science behind the technology that incorporates cartography, geodesy, photogrammetry, remote sensing, GPS, and other geospatial sciences with the technology.

We have not lived in a time when our world resources have been pushed to their limits due to explosive population growth more than the present. Business, industry, and government require a skilled and competent workforce to manage the challenges associated with a growing world population. The GIS curriculum at BSC addresses these critical workforce needs.

The Associate in Applied Science degree in Geographic Information Systems has been designed to provide a core set of skills and competencies along with a broad knowledge of the discipline. The certificate program emphasizes GIS applications and computer technology. The certificate of completion program offers proficiency in GIS as a supplement to another course of study.

Individuals who have earned a degree or certificate in GIS are in high demand. GIS proficiency is one of the top 10 skills employers look for in job applicants. Graduates with GIS skills are in demand to fill 75,000 jobs nationwide with the number of professionals using GIS growing 15 percent annually.

Career Possibilities: energy production/distribution, agriculture, science, transportation, engineering, wildlife/natural resources, law enforcement, emergency management, government, social services, archeology, planning, marketing, service and retail business.