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      • About Cypress
        • Who We Are
        • Dr. Joanna Schilling, President
        • Foundation
        • Contact Us
        • Campus Directory
        • Parking
      • Departments & Programs
            • Accounting
            • Administration of Justice
              • Administration of Justice
              • Homeland Security
            • Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
            • Automotive Collision Repair
            • Automotive Technology
            • Aviation & Travel Careers
              • Airline/Airport Agent, & Aviation Management
              • Commercial Pilot
              • Flight Attendant
              • Tourism / Cruise
              • UAS / UAV Drones
            • Commercial Music & Recording Arts
            • Computer Information Systems
              • Cisco Networking
              • Computer Forensics
              • Web, Mobile App & Gaming
            • Court Reporting
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            • Dental Hygiene
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              • Marketing
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    Course

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    • Geography

    Build Your Future in Geography

    When researchers and philosophers started trying to understand the human experience, they divided their study into two parts: the things of our world (geos) and the things not of our world (cosmos). Geography is the study of our world, the human experience of it, and our physical environment.

    In addition to offering geography classes, this department offers two certificates in geographic information systems (GIS), a rapidly growing field that focuses on the mapping and visualization of geographic data for use in everything from business planning to marketing and sales. Any time your mobile device or computer provides information based on your geographic location, it is using GIS technology.

    The GIS Certificate Program provides students with skills necessary for entry-level jobs in the rapidly growing GIS field. This certificate program is the first general-purpose GIS certificate approved by the California State Chancellor’s Office.

    Cypress College’s in-depth GIS courses provide hands-on training that covers the latest developments in everything from drone technology to the newest ArcGIS Pro software while equipping students with the knowledge and experience they need to be successful in the world of GIS.

    Additionally, the GIS – Marketing Certificate Program combines the latest computer graphics and marketing research methods, and teaches students how to use computerized GIS mapping techniques in the field of marketing.

    Students who complete these certifications will have skills in the following areas:

    • Cartography
      • Map elements
    • Spatial Analysis
      • Use of advanced functions of GIS tools
    • Data
      • Understanding GIS data types
      • Ability to translate or convert data from external GIS file types.
      • Ability to perform research to find and download external GIS data.
      • Understanding of and ability to prepare metadata.
    • Database Management
      • Relational Database Management
      • Structured Query Language
    • Equipment
      • Ability to operate GIS-related hardware and associated peripheral devices, such as GPS units, plotters, digitizers, and scanners.
    • General Skills
      • Basic understanding of Microsoft Windows operating system and ability to use standard office software
      • Proper use of grammar and spelling
      • Oral and written language skills
      • Ability to work independently
      • Understanding of how to seek out peer support to answer technical questions
    • Programming and Scripting Languages
      • Knowledge of Python
    • Ability to script repetitive tasks

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Students may earn certificates, an associate degree, or an associate degree for transfer in geography, as well as a geographic information system certificate in marketing.

    The large GIS certificate takes 2 to 3 semesters and the associate degree take a minimum 4 semesters.

    The program cost is $46 per unit for California residents, not including books, fees, and supplies. Units vary by course, but the average is three units per course. Unit fees for the 15-unit certificate would be $690, the 27-unit certificate would be $1,242, and the 60-unit associate degree which would be $2,760. Most students also qualify for some form of financial aid.

    Students can find employment as a surveyor or a drone operators. The median starting salary is $37,029 and goes up to $60,312 after two years.

    Students have career options in many industry sectors doing everything from surveying and flying drones to building applications for technology companies.

    • Degree & Certificate
    • Additional Requirments
    • Faculty

    Degree & Certificate

    Program Mapper: View course options for these programs.

    • Geographic Information Systems / Marketing Certificate = 15 units (1-2 semesters)
    • Geograpy AA = 60 units (2 years)
    • Geography AA-T = 60 units (2 years)

    Additional Requirments

    There are no additional requirements to enroll in this program; however, some courses may have prerequisites that can be viewed in the Cypress College Catalog and the Schedule of Classes.

    Faculty

    Eric Bladh
    ebladh@cypresscollege.edu
    (714) 484-7000 ext. 48667
    HUM-222A

    Armando Mendoza
    amendoza@cypresscollege.edu
    (714) 484-7189

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    CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:

    Eric Bladh

    Email: ebladh@cypresscollege.edu
    Phone: (714) 484-7000 x48667

    CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:

    Daniel Pelletier

    Counselor

    Email: dpelletier@cypresscollege.edu
    Phone: (714) 484-7181

    CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:

    Armando Mendoza

    Professor

    Email: amendoza@cypresscollege.edu
    Phone: (714) 484-7189

    Average Salary in this Field

    $37,029-$60,312 Per Year

    Careers in this Field

    Surveyor
    Remote Drone Pilot

    Like what you're learning?

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    When researchers and philosophers started trying to understand the human experience, they divided their study into two parts:the things of our world (geos) and the things not of our world (cosmos).
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    ©2018 Cypress College. 9200 Valley View Street, Cypress, CA 90630. (714) 484-7000.
    Cypress College is part of the North Orange County Community College District and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

    GREAT JOBS

    U.S. Department of Labor lists Marketing Managers and related careers as Bright Outlook occupations, which are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, or will have large numbers of job openings.

    The US Department of Labor projects a 15% growth in employment by 2026 for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers. Cypress College reports that 93% of its recent program graduates, got jobs according to the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges job placement rate.

    CRB & NCRA

     
    This program is accredited by the Court Reporters Board of California (CRB) and the National Court Reporting Association (NCRA).

    Bronze Star Program

     
    California Community College Strong Workforce Program Bronze Star Recipient. Bronze Stars are granted when a program attains outcomes in one metric of these three. Either a substantial increase in earnings, the attainment of a living wage, and / or a job closely matched with the field of study.

    Bronze Star Recipients
    • Automotive Technology: 89% increase in earnings
    • Automotive Collision Repair: 58% increase in earnings
    • Accounting: 60% increase in earnings
    • Business Management: 58% increase in earnings
    • Mortuary Science: 175% increase in earnings
    • Environmental Control Technology: 73% of students attained the regional living wage
    • Health Information Technology: 51% increase in earnings
    • Radiologic Technology: 60% increase in earnings
    • Dental Assistant: 419% increase in earnings
    • Alcohol and Controlled Substances: 62% increase in earnings
    • Computer Graphics and Digital Imagery: 94% increase in earnings
    • Computer Networking: 100% of students are employed in a job similar to their field of study
    • Culinary Arts: 101% increase in earnings
    • Hospitality: 106% increase in earnings
    • Flight Attendant: 104% increase in earnings
    • Technical Theater: 84% increase in earnings
    • Human Services: 53% increase in earnings

    Silver Star Program

     
    California Community College Strong Workforce Program Silver Star Recipient. Silver Stars are granted when a program attains outcomes in two metrics of these three. Either a substantial increase in earnings, the attainment of a living wage, and / or a job closely matched with the field of study.

    Silver Star Recipients
    • Diagnostic Medical Sonography: 322% increase in earnings and 89% of students attained the regional living wage
    • Psychiatric Technology: 203% increase in earnings and 100% of students are employed in a job similar to their field of study

    AS-T

     
    Students Completing AS Degrees for Transfer (AS-T) are Guaranteed Admission to the California State University (CSU) System.

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