Geospatial Technology

GIS Course Sequence

All GIS classes are offered through the Geospatial Technology  (GIST) department.

The Foothill GIS Certificate Program is designed for working professionals. Most of our students have an associate's or higher degree and are 'upskilling'.

However, we have also had numerous students enter our program straight out of high school and step directly into GIS technician jobs or land high paying student assistantships at four year universities when they transfer in pursuit of a bachelor's degree.

The GIS Certificate of Achievement I and II can be completed in one academic year.

The Certificate of Achievement III and the AS degree can be completed in as little as one academic year depending on prior academic experience. However, many of our students who work full time prefer to schedule their courses over four or more quarters.

Per college policy, 50% of the units for any certificate or degree must be completed through Foothill College.

Recommended Course Sequence

When are you starting?

• Fall Quarter
• Winter Quarter
• Spring Quarter

2022-2023 GIS Schedule of Classes

 

Fall 2022

• GIST 11
• GIST 12

Winter 2023

• GIST 11
• GIST 52
• GIST 58

Spring 2023

• GIST12
• GIST 53
• GIST 54A

Advisories: What to know before you register

The GIST core classes are offered in a sequence. The material from each class is necessary for success in the next one. However, because we know that many of you have taken GIST classes at other schools or have signifigant professional experience, enrollment in our classes is open. If you would like to skip GIST 11 or GIST 12, we strongly encourage you to contact the program faculty to discuss your individual situation.

GIST 11: Advisory: This is an introductory level course in the applications of GIST. Assumes no prior knowledge of the discipline. Elementary Algebra or equivalent recommended; not open to students with credit in GEOG 11.

GIST 12: Advisory: This is an introductory level course in the applications of GIST. Assumes no prior knowledge of the discipline. Concurrent or prior enrollment in GEOG 11 or GIST 11 recommended; not open to students with credit in GEOG 12.

GIST 52: Advisory: This is an intermediate level course in GIS. Assumes solid understanding of GIST and the ability to use industry standard software. Successful completion of GEOG 11 or GIST 11 and GEOG 12 or GIST 12 strongly recommended;  not open to students with credit in GEOG 52.

GIST 53: Advisory: This is an advanced level course in GIS. Assumes in-depth understanding of GIST and data structures and fluency using industry standard software. Successful completion of GEOG 11 or GIST 11, and GEOG 12 or GIST 12, and GIST 52 strongly recommended

GIST 54A: Advisory: This is an introductory level course in the applications of GIST. Assumes no prior knowledge of the discipline. Not open to students with credit in GEOG 54A.

GIST 58: Advisory: This is an intermediate level course in GIST. Assumes the ability to use industry standard software. Successful completion of GEOG 11 or GIST 11, and GEOG 12 or GIST 12 strongly recommended. Not open to students with credit in GEOG 58.

 

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* Courses for Certificate of Achievement I
** Courses for Certificate of Achievement II
*** Courses for Certificate of Achievement III

Quarter	Course
Fall	GIST11: Introduction to Mapping & Spatial Reasoning - 4 units * ** *** GEOG/GIST12: Introduction to Geospatial Technology - 4 units * ** *** CS 3A: Object-Oriented Programming Methodologies in Python- 5 units ***
Winter	GIST 52: Geospatial Data Acquisition & Management - 4 units * ** *** GIST58: Remote Sensing 3 units * ** *** Restricted electives 3-5 units ** ***
Spring	GIST 54: Seminar - 2 units * ** ***GIST 53: Advanced GIS and Spatial Analysis - 4 units ** *** Restricted electives 3-5 units * ** ***
Summer or Fall year 2	Other electives - (4-5 units) ***

* Courses for Certificate of Achievement I
** Courses for Certificate of Achievement II
*** Courses for Certificate of Achievement III

Quarter	Course
Winter	GIST11: Introduction to Mapping & Spatial Reasoning - 4 units * ** *** Other electives - (4-5 units) ***
Spring	GEOG/GIST12: Introduction to Geospatial Technology - 4 units * ** *** GIST 54A: Seminar - 2 units * ** *** Restricted electives 3-5 units * ** ***
Fall	CS 3A: Object-Oriented Programming Methodologies in Python- 5 units *** Other electives 3-5 units ** ***
Winter	GIST52: GIST 52: Geospatial Data Acquisition & Management - 4 units * ** *** GIST58: Remote Sensing: 3 units * ** ***
Spring	GIST 53: Advanced GIS and Spatial Analysis - 4 units ** ***

* Courses for Certificate of Achievement I
** Courses for Certificate of Achievement II
*** Courses for Certificate of Achievement III

Quarter	Course
Spring	GEOG/GIST12: Introduction to Geospatial Technology - 4 units * ** *** Restricted electives 3-5 units * ** *** Other electives - (4-5 units) ***
Fall	GIST11: Introduction to Mapping & Spatial Reasoning - 4 units * ** *** CS 3A: Object-Oriented Programming Methodologies in Python- 5 units *** Restricted electives 3-5 units ** ***
Winter	GIST 52: Geospatial Data Acquisition & Management - 4 units * ** *** GIST58: Remot Sensing 3 units * ** ***
Spring	GIST 53: Advanced GIS and Spatial Analysis - 4 units ** *** GIST 54A: Seminar - 2 units * ** ***