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TC3 Transfer Planning for Geographic Information Systems

Tompkins Cortland Community College Transfer Planning for Geographic Information Systems, (GIS), B.S. 

SUNY Cortland recommends that students complete the following courses prior to transfer. The transfer credit limit from a 2-year college is 64 credits. Of those,  a maximum of 23 major-required credits can be transferred. Students who complete their General Education requirements prior to transfer will have their General Education requirements met at SUNY Cortland.

SUNY General Education

Cortland Degree Requirements

Complete at TC3

Communication 1 (GEC1): CPN 100 Writing Studies I

ENGL 100 (required)

Communication 2 (GEC2): CPN 101 Writing Studies II

ENGL 101 (required)

Communication – Presentation (GECP):

_________ (required)

Diversity: Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice (GEDI):

_________ (required)

Mathematics (GEMA):

_________ (required)

Natural Sciences (GENS) (3-4 cr.):

_________ (required)

Humanities (GEHU):

__________________

Social Sciences (GESS): GRY 125 Human Geography and Global Development

GEOG 120 (major required)

The Arts (GEAR):

_______________________

US History & Civic Engagement (GEUS):

_______________________

World History & Global Awareness (GEWH): GRY 120 Cultural Geography

no equivalent – consider taking at Cortland, unless earning associate degree (major required)

World Languages (GEWL): (Sign language is NOT acceptable)

_______ 101 (required for B.S.)

Additional Major-Requirements 

Cortland Major Requirements

Complete at TC3

CAP 100 Introduction to Computer Applications

Must do all 3 – CAPS 111, 121, 131

GRY 324 Introduction to Cartography and Geographic Information Systems

GIS 110

Concentration Options (choose one)

GIS Computer Techniques
Cortland Major Requirements

Complete at TC3

CAP 201 C Programming OR MCS 186 Introductory Programming

CIS 213 OR CSCI 160 OR 165

GIS Demographics and Business Geographics 

Cortland Major Requirements

Complete at TC3

MAT 201 Statistical Methods

MATH 200

MGT 253 Principles of Marketing

BUAD 204

GIS Environmental Science (choose 1 course)

Cortland Major Requirements

Complete at TC3

EST 100 Introduction to Environmental Studies

ENVS 102

GLY 261 Physical Geology (4 cr.)

GEOL 101

GLY 371 Meteorology (4 cr.)

METR 101

BIO 307 Field Natural History

BIOL 115

BIO 412 General Ecology (4 cr.)

BIOL 211

*For more information about transfer equivalencies, please visit SUNY Transfer Path.

Geographic Information Systems

School of Arts and Sciences

The program requirements pertain to the Undergraduate Catalog and are intended as a guide for academic planning. Students currently on SUNY campuses should consult their academic advisor for additional choices in general education categories when any course is recommended.

  • Students must add a concentration to this program. You can choose from Advanced Geospatial Applications, Computer Techniques, Demographics and Business Demographics, or Environmental Science.
  • To view all required courses for the program and Cortland’s General Education courses, see the most current undergraduate Catalog.
  • Use the transfer equivalency tables to choose equivalents at your transfer college.
  • If you plan to transfer before you complete your associate’s degree, you can still earn your degree via Reverse Transfer.

About Geographic Information Systems

Prepare to strategically solve real-world problems and come up with cutting-edge solutions through a combination of technology and business skills. You’ll learn the nature of geographic data while recognizing the appropriate applications of GIS technology to solve spatial issues.

Career Potential

  • Environmental GIS specialist
  • Land use planner
  • Marketing and business geographics consultant
  • Law enforcement analyst
  • Transportation planner
  • Emergency response planner

What Will I Learn?

You will receive computer training in

  • digital processing of remote sensing observations and cartographic vector data.
  • spatial analysis.
  • the display of information products in ENVY and GIS software.

The curriculum will provide you with the necessary background to use remote sensing in various fields such as

  • military analysis and intelligence.
  • environmental monitoring.
  • counter-narcotics.
  • disaster assessments.
  • law enforcement and other related fields.

Applying to Cortland

  • SUNY Cortland accepts the Common Application and the SUNY Online application. Choose just one way to apply; both require a $50 non-refundable application fee.
  • If you apply to Cortland using the SUNY application, SUNY will waive the $50 application fee for transfer students graduating with an associate degree from a SUNY or CUNY college, who apply directly to Cortland for baccalaureate programs.
  • Fall applicants should apply by June 1. Spring applications should apply by November 1.
  • After applying, students must send transcripts from all colleges attended and a high school transcript.