Course Sequence

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.

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 (Offered Fall, Winter)

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 (Offered Fall, Spring)

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 (Offered Winter)

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 (Offered Spring)

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 (Offered Spring)

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 (Offered Winter)

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.

Suggested Course Sequence for students starting Fall Quarter

* 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)^***

Suggested Course Sequence for students starting Winter Quarter

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

Quarter	Course
Winter	GIST 11: 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	GIST 52: Geospatial Data Acquisition & Management - 4 units^* * GIST 58: Remote Sensing: 3 units^* *
Spring	GIST 53: Advanced GIS and Spatial Analysis - 4 units^ *

Suggested Course Sequence for students starting Spring Quarter

* 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	GIST 11: 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^* * GIST 58: Remote Sensing: 3 units^* *
Spring	GIST 53: Advanced GIS and Spatial Analysis - 4 units^ * GIST 54A: Seminar - 2 units^* *

Contact Us

K Allison Meezan, GIS Department Chair

Building 3000, Office 3020
650.949.7166
meezankaren@fhda.edu

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