What is Geographic Information Systems or GIS? GIS is a framework to organize, communicate, and understand the science of our world. Rooted in the science of geography, GIS integrates and analyzes...
Overview
Are you intrigued by the study of the earth, its people, and its many environments? CWI offers you an opportunity to explore geography with this associate degree program. Our curriculum will present you with a broad, place-centered perspective on the transformation of environments by society and nature on a variety of scales, from the local to the global.
Mission
The Geography program promotes the discovery and broad communication of knowledge about Earth’s physical and cultural environment and the interrelationships between them. Our multidisciplinary approach to this study emphasizes contemporary concepts, use of geospatial technologies, and critical thinking.
Why This Program
Careers available to students include teachers, urban planners, business, nonprofit organizations, forestry, social service, cartographers, global-positioning specialists, and government jobs. The U.S. Department of Labor lists geospatial technology (GIS) as one of today’s top three high-growth technology fields. Completion of the program is designed to result in an Associate of Arts degree and meets the general-education requirements at all Idaho public universities. Course selection should be coordinated to meet requirements for your intended transfer institution (if known).
What You Will Learn to Do
- Identify and classify human characteristics, human activities and processes, and interpret their spatial distribution on the Earth's surface (continued)
- including composition of environment, population, cultural complexes, economic interdependence, settlement and political patterns.
- Classify, explain and analyze the spatial distribution of the physical processes, such as solar energy, oceanic circulation, plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes, weather and climate.
- Apply and demonstrate skills using geospatial technology.
- Demonstrate analytical processes using geographic inquiry and spatial thinking skills.
Additional Opportunities
CWI’s annual GIS Day is a networking opportunity bringing professionals from the community to share their expertise and experience with students. Geography Club students visit different sites around the region and participate in community service projects in Ada and Canyon County.
More Recommended Programs
Respectful Community
The College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. More on Title IX
News and Blogs
Congratulations to Kathy Guthrie, College of Western Idaho’s Staff of the Month for July 2019.
"CWI empowered me by showing me I am smart, outgoing, and able to do so many more things than I thought I could.”
Department Chair of History, Culture, and Politics, Dr. Justin Vance, has been named to the National Geographic Idaho Advisory Council.
University of Idaho geographer will lecture on his project mapping the militarization of police.
College of Western Idaho (CWI) has been sharing stories of success from several of this year’s graduates as we countdown to the 2017 commencement ceremony. The road traveled by students to arrive at CWI and the experiences along their education journey are all amazing and inspiring in...
Kelsey Wilber, who will graduate on May 13, 2017, came to CWI in 2014 to pursue her education after feeling “intellectually unsatisfied” and desiring a means to find her true potential.