Would you like to develop high-tech skills that will virtually guarantee you job success? Get in on an emerging technology that’s expanding at an exponential pace? Learn to integrate highly sophisticated digital information with the problem-solving and analytical skills that will make you indispensable to a wide range of professions? Then check out DCCCD’s GIS program!
Geographic information systems (GIS) is one of three major components of a rapidly emerging industry that also includes global positioning satellite (GPS) technology and remote sensing (RS) technology.
GIS technology uses specialized computer systems to get geographic data and integrate it into intelligent “super” maps. The data can then be used to create endless “what if” scenarios, providing a powerful tool for applications including:
- Cartography (map making)
- Emergency management
- Environmental sciences and security
- Forest and range management
- Homeland security
- Medicine and health care
- Real estate development and appraisal
- Social services
- Transportation
- Urban planning and development
- Water resources
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The technology isn’t completely new. It’s been gaining momentum since the 1970s, but its applications are now growing so rapidly that the U.S. Department of Labor has named geospatial technology (including GIS) one of the nation’s three top emerging industries along with nanotechnology and biotechnology.
Revenues from geospatial technologies are expected to reach more than $21 billion in the next few years, with a 15 percent growth in new jobs.
Geospatial technology was also identified by President George W. Bush in his High Growth Training Initiative as one of 14 industry sectors that will add substantial numbers of new jobs to the economy but desperately needs more trained workers.
Don’t wait — begin mapping your future today by learning GIS technology!
Geographic Information Systems Technology Degree and Certificate Options
Brookhaven College offers a GIS Technology - Systems Specialist Associate in Applied Sciences degree, a five-semester course of study for 70 college credit hours.
Brookhaven also offers a GIS Technology - Systems Technician certificate, a Level II certificate program (43-67 credit hours required) that includes courses in survey in mapping, three-dimensional analysis, GIS application and cartography.
A Level I GIS Technology - Engineering Assistant certificate (15-42 credit hours required) is offered for college credit at Mountain View College or as a noncredit Continuing Education program at Eastfield College.
Ellison Miles Geotechnology Institute
Brookhaven College is the site of the Ellison Miles Geotechnology Institute (EMGI), built in 1999 through a cooperative partnership between the college, geotechnical professional societies and the local oil and gas community. The facility, funded by a $3.5 million donation by Dallas oilman and philanthropist Ellison Miles, houses the GIS program and also includes:
- Continuing education courses for geoscience professionals, plus full-service meeting and conference facilities
- Training for teachers of grades K-12 on how to use GIS and GPS systems to combine learning, fun and community service, the only source for this certified training in Texas
- Interactive programs for students with organizations such as the American Association of University Women’s “Expanding Your Horizons in Math and Science” and the Boy Scouts of America Merit Badge College
- Scholarships
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Other Degree and Certificate Options
The Dallas County Community College District offers nearly 350 career and technical degrees and certificates, plus 36 academic degrees. For more information, see a chart of our degree plans by location.