Geographic Information Science | Western Oregon University

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 15-1299.02

Skills

Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive ListeningSpeakingComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingWritingSocial Perceptiveness

Knowledge

GeographyComputers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageMathematicsDesign

Abilities

Oral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingNear VisionOral ExpressionProblem SensitivityVisualizationSpeech Recognition

Tasks

Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Infor
Design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, using GIS ha
Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.

Technology

Data base user interface and query softwareDocument management softwareDevelopment environment softwareVideo creation and editing softwareGraphics or photo imaging software

Tools

Computer data input scannersComputer laser printersComputer serversDesktop computersDigital camerasDigitizersGlobal positioning system GPS receiversLaptop computersLarge-format plottersLaser facsimile machinesLight detection and ranging LIDAR systemsMainframe computersMulti-line telephone systemsPersonal computersPhotocopying equipment

Work Values

AchievementIndependenceWorking ConditionsRecognitionSupportRelationships

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium15-1299.02	Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Certificate)

Thematic maps and data tables — design and produce using spatial analysis procedures and GIS software with limited oversight for client-ready deliverables.
Existing GIS databases — modify and reorganize by adding new feature classes, updating schema, and managing versioning in a multi-user geodatabase environment.
Spatial data from multiple sources — evaluate for currency, accuracy, and completeness using established quality assurance workflows and metadata standards.
GIS data layers — build and symbolize for graphic representations that communicate geographic relationships clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
Routine GIS programming scripts — write and maintain using Python or SQL to automate repetitive data processing tasks in a production environment.
Vector and raster data — digitize, georeference, and integrate from field collection, scanning, or third-party sources into a departmental GIS database.
Spatial analysis tools — apply to answer moderately complex geographic questions such as proximity analysis, overlay operations, and network routing.
Technical guidance — provide to end users on basic GIS software functionality, data access procedures, and map interpretation in a government or consulting context.
CAD drawings and engineering files — convert and incorporate into GIS environments to support infrastructure or land-use mapping projects.
Analytical or scientific GIS software — configure and use for intermediate modeling tasks including terrain analysis and watershed delineation.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.