Geographic Information Science

GIS Graduate Course Descriptions (WKU Graduate Catalog)

GEOG 417G GIS Modeling & Analysis 
3 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: Graduate Standing, GEOG 317 with a grade of "C" or better or Approval
Lecture and Lab
This course develops expertise with a broad range of spatial analysis and modeling functions using GIS. A problem-oriented approach stresses the utility of GIS analysis to fields such as agriculture, biology, business, engineering, geology, natural resource management and uban planning. The objectives of this course are: (1) to develop familiarity with digital spatial data sources, types, and access issues; (2) to develop working knowledge of spatial analysis functions supported by a GIS; (3) to develop competency with cartographic modeling using desktop GIS software; and (4) to develop experience with production and presentation of a GIS project (course fee).

GEOG 419G GIS Programming
3 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: Graduate Standing, CS 170 and GEOG 317 with a grade of "C" or better; or Approval
Lecture and Lab
Planning and implementing GIS within an organization. Designing and developing GIS applications to support spatial decision making. The objectives of this course are: (1) to develop familiarity with the theory and design of decision support systems; (2) to develop understanding of cognitive psychology and models underlying decision support systems; (3) to develop competency with programming skills for writting GIS applications; and (4) to develop understanding of issues and steps involved in implementing and managing a GIS (course fee).

GEOS 515 Remote Sensing Fundamentals 
3 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: Graduate Standing, GEOG 317 with a grade of "C" or better or Approval
Lecture and Lab
Basic principles of remote sensing, current systems in use around the world and applications of data for research and policy.  The primary focus of this course will be developing a research project in consultationwith the professor that allows a student to examine remote sensing techniques in an area of interest (course fee).

GEOS 517 Advanced Spatial Databases
3 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: Graduate Standing, CS 170 or GEOG 417(G) and GEOG 443; or Approval
Lecture and Lab
An introduction to the advanced concepts and principles of spatial databases (course fee).

GEOS 520 Geoscience Statistical Methods
4 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: Graduate Standing, GEOG 391 or equivalent, and GEOG 317with a grade of "C" or better; or Approval
Lecture and Lab
This course examines multivariate statistical methods for analyzing and modeling spatial data and processes. Regression methods, including spatial autocorrelation and spatial varying parameter models, are explored, along with principle components, cluster analysis, and other multivariate methods.  Applications in an interactive GIS computer-based environment for the foundation of this course (course fee).

GEOS 523 Urban GIS Applications
3 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: GEOG 317 with a grade of "C" or better or Approval
Lecture and Lab
This GIS specialty course explores some selected issues related to urban applications of GIS. Students are expected to develop analytical capabilities, including data collection, data analysis, and mapping, by using a number of GIS techniques for transportation, urban management, locational analysis and business geographics (course fee).

GEOS 577 Special Topics in GIS
3 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: Graduate Standing, GEOG 417 with a grade of "C" or better or Approval
Seminar
Applications of GIS technologies for applied projects in urban & regional planning, geology, environmental modeling, transportation, locational analysis, public health, and Internet GIS (course fee).

GEOS 590 Experiemental GIS Design 
3 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: Graduate Standing
Directed Study Course
This course addresses experimental design for GIS and data modeling within an organization.  Students enrolling in this course must have completed the 14-hour GIS certificate and must have a written project proposal approved by the GIS faculty before enrolling in this course.  Course addresses GIS applications to support spatial decision making processes using GIS software.

GEOS 595 Supervised GIS Practicum
3 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: Graduate Standing, GEOS 500, GEOS 502, GEOS 520 and permission of Department Head.
Practicum
This course offers supervised practicum experience in a cooperative government or private agency or in a business utilizing GIS.