College of the Sciences
GIScience
Bachelor of Science | Major
Geography, BS—GIScience Specialization
Learn to master specialized tools including GIS in the pursuit of solving real-world problems.
The GIScience specialization provides you with a suite of skills to process, analyze, and interpret geospatial data. Geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, cartography, and quantitative methods are widely used in environmental, engineering, and social science professions. Our lab facilities and curriculum use the latest technology to amplify student career prospects in this fast-growing area of the economy.
Questions? Contact Us.
Department of Geography
Dean Hall 301
You Belong Here
What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | Geography Department Website
Core Courses
- GEOG 101 - World Regional Geography
- GEOG 107 - Our Dynamic Earth
- GEOG 208 - Our Human World
- GEOG 250 - Resource Exploitation and Conservation
- GEOG 301 - Introduction to GIS and Maps
- GEOG 489 - Geography Capstone
GIScience Specialization
- GEOG 330 - Airphoto Interpretation
- GEOG 403 - GIS and Data Management
- GEOG 404 - GIS Analysis
- GEOG 409 - Quantitative Methods in Geography
- GEOG 411 - GIS Programming
- OR CS 110 - Programming Fundamentals I
- GEOG 430 - Remote Sensing
Upper-level Geography Courses
Human Geography
- GEOG 304 - Economic Geography
- GEOG 306 - Transportation Geography and Planning
- GEOG 346 - Political Geography
- GEOG 381 - Urban Geography
- GEOG 422 - Geography of Food and Agriculture
- GEOG 440 - Ecology and Culture
Resource and Physical Geography
- GEOG 386 - Geomorphology
- GEOG 387 - Biogeography
- GEOG 388 - Weather and Climate
- GEOG 305 - Introduction to Land Use Planning
- GEOG 373 - Water Resources
- GEOG 445 - Environmental Law
- GEOG 451 - Mountain Environments
- GEOG 454 - Forest Environments
- GEOG 455 - Pyrogeography
- GEOG 458 - People, Parks, and Protected Areas
Regional Geography
- GEOG 355 - Geography of the Pacific Northwest
- GEOG 368 - Geography of Middle America
- GEOG 370 - Geography of South America
- GEOG 371 - Geography of Europe
- GEOG 375 - Geography of Asia
Culminating Experience
- GEOG 417 - Workplace GIS
Department-Approved Electives
- CS 110 - Programming Fundamentals I
- CS 111 - Programming Fundamentals II
- CS 351 - Web Development Technologies II
- ENG 310 - Technical Writing
- GEOG 411 - GIS Programming
- GEOG 485 - Topics in GIS or Remote Sensing
- GEOG 490 - Cooperative Education
- GEOG 494 - Applied GIS Project
- GEOG 496 - Individual Study
- MATH 153 - Pre-Calculus Mathematics I
Career Focused
GIS skills are in high demand across many different industries. Gain valuable skills and knowledge that make you a highly competitive candidate in today's job market.
Relevant
Master the tools that can be used to solve real-world problems in environmental planning and disaster management.
Mentorship
Our faculty is committed to providing a supportive and engaging learning environment where you take an active role in your education.
Up-to-Date
You'll working with the latest software and technology, preparing you for the latest in cutting-edge geography tools.
Apply
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Financial Aid
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Student Life
Pursue your interests in a supportive community. Learn more.
Visit
The best way to discover what makes CWU so special is to experience it yourself.
Student to Faculty Ratio
You'll get to know your professors and they will know you by name, one of the benefits of small class sizes.
Job Placement
A degree in this program can lead to fast tracking your career due to the high demand for GIS specialists in Washington state.
Program
Currently, CWU has the only geography bachelor of science degree in Washington state.
Why Study Geography at Central?
Career Pathways
GIS Analyst
Cartographer
Urban Planner
Surveying and Mapping Technician
Commitment to a Sustainable World
Central Washington University is committed to integrating sustainability across academics, operations, and campus life. Many CWU programs embed sustainability-related concepts, skills, and applied learning that prepare students to think critically about their impact on the world around them.
CWU is nationally recognized for this work through the AASHE STARS Gold rating, reflecting our dedication to transparency, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement.
Sustainability courses include:
- GEOG 101 World Regional Geography
- GEOG 208 Our Human World
- GEOG 250 Resource Exploitation and Conservation
- GEOG 306 Transportation Geography and Planning
- GEOG 370 Geography of South America
- GEOG 375 Geography of Asia
- GEOG 387 Biogeography
- GEOG 388 Weather and Climate
- GEOG 445 Environmental Law
- GEOG 455 Pyrogeography
- GEOG 458 People, Parks and Protected Areas
Learn more about CWU’s sustainability efforts through the Office of Sustainability, explore CWU’s national sustainability recognition, or view the full AASHE STARS report.