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New Minor:
P01246
| Program Title: Earth Science |
Catalog Description of Minor:
Geographic information science minor
(24 credits)
Choose one: (4)
ES202 Principles of Geology
Geog105 Introductory Physical Geography
Geog240 Map and Air Photo Interpretation (4)
ES340 Principles of Cartography (4)
ES341 Geographic Information Systems I (4)
ES342 Geographic Information Systems II (4)
Choose one: (4)
ES444 Remote Sensing
ES492 Advanced GIS Applications in Earth Science
In addition to the minor, the Geographic Information Science curriculum may also be completed as a post-baccalaureate certificate program.
Justification for adding the minor
The Geographic information science minor (GIScience) expands upon the existing geosciences curriculum related to geographic information systems (GIS), cartography, remote sensing, photogrammetry, surveying, and quantitative analysis. These areas of study involve melding of computing systems with mapping, images, geographic location, information management and spatial analysis. GIScience and related technologies are in widespread use across all sectors of the global economy including scientific research, natural resource management, government, industry and business. Geographic information science is cross-cutting and interdisciplinary, with broad effects in communication and commerce throughout all sectors of society. This new programming is in direct alignment with goals of the Oregon University System, and the Legislative ¿40-40-20 Goal¿ for Oregon (ORS 351.009):
1. To ensure that at least 40 percent of adult Oregonians have earned a bachelor's degree or higher by 2025;
2. To create in Oregon an educated citizenry to support responsible roles in a democratic society and provide a globally competitive workforce to drive the State¿s economy, while ensuring access for all qualified Oregonians to quality postsecondary education; and
3. To create original knowledge and advance innovation.
In addition to alignment with state higher education initiatives, the new GIScience minor at WOU will make a significant contribution to workforce training in the high-growth Geospatial Technology industry as outlined by the U.S. Department of Labor (http://www.doleta.gov/brg/indprof/geospatial_profile.cfm): ¿Because the uses for geospatial technology are so widespread and diverse, the market is growing at an annual rate of almost 35 percent, with the commercial subsection of the market expanding at the rate of 100 percent each year (Geospatial Information & Technology Association). Increasing demand for readily available, consistent, accurate, complete and current geographic information and the widespread availability and use of advanced technologies offer great job opportunities for people with many different talents and educational backgrounds (U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)¿. The proposed GIScience minor will provide applied training to students with GIS and remote sensing skills that are directly transferable to the 21st Century marketplace. In addition, this proposal has been pre-vetted with Vice President Scheck, WOU Academic Affairs:
Email From: Stephen Scheck
To: Steve Taylor, Diane Tarter
Date: March 13, 2013
Re: GIS Minor / Earth Science Position Proposal
¿I'm very supportive of this [GI Science Minor]...it crosses disciplines, it is a growing science, we need dependable personnel for coverage, we can tie it to supporting 40:40:20 goals of graduates with job readiness.¿
--Steve
Approval Queue
| Step |
Approver |
Decision |
Timestamp |
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1 - Department |
Jeffrey Templeton |
Approved | May 03 2013 |
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2 - Division |
Steve Taylor |
Approved | May 05 2013 |
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3 - Division Curriculum |
Laurie Burton |
Approved | May 10 2013 |
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4 - Library Dean |
Allen McKiel |
Approved | May 13 2013 |
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5 - Curriculum Committee |
Thaddeus Shannon |
Approved | May 23 2013 |
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6 - Faculty Senate |
Thaddeus Shannon |
Approved | October 24 2013 |
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7 - Dean |
Susanne Monahan |
Approved | October 24 2013 |
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8 - Provost |
Stephen Scheck |
Approved | October 28 2013 |
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9 - President |
LouAnn Vickers |
Approved | October 29 2013 |
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Attached Files:
| Taylor_Memo_GISci_Minor_Proposal_April25_2013.pdf |
|
Download |
