Geographic Information Systems Program
Offered at: Boulder County
GIS is a 21st century technology.
The U.S. Department of Labor identifies Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as one of three emerging technologies of the 21st century. It’s no wonder, then, that the Department of Labor also says that a GIS technician is a job with a "Bright Outlook" projected to grow much faster than average (employment increase of 20 percent or more) over the period 2008-2018. See gainful employment information.
A GIS certificate from Front Range Community College will help you get a great job with good pay.
What is GIS?
GIS combines cartography (maps) with analysis and database technology.
GIS is being used in an expanding spectrum of fields – environmental studies, geology, engineering, planning, business marketing, public health, and government, just to name a few. GIS maps and models play an important role in finding solutions to such critical issues as renewable energy, hurricane tracking, security, defense, and natural resource management.
What GIS technicians do.
GIS technicians assist scientists, engineers, technologists, and other professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, and using GIS databases. GIS technicians also may perform some custom application development and provide user support.
Do you like to search for facts? Do you like to figure out problems, especially when you can solve them by working with your hands and your mind? Are you comfortable working with data? Are you results oriented? Can you work creatively and independently? If so, a career as a GIS technician could be just right for you.
Earn a certificate in our Geographic Information Systems program.
The GIS Certificate is a 21-credit program that can be finished in two semesters. See required courses and course descriptions for these GIS certificate programs:
Annual Salary
State and federal employment agencies place GIS Technicians among “Computer Specialists.”
| |
Entry |
Average |
Experienced |
| Computer Specialist |
$47,700 |
$75,500 |
$111,300 |
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (2009)