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Why choose GIS and Geospatial Technologies at PCC?
Salary
The Oregon Employment Department reports the average annual salary of GIS-skilled geographers in the Portland area is between $70,000 and $80,000.
Geography options at PCC
See all the Geography awards available at PCC.
Portland Community College’s GIS & Geospatial programs prepare students for entry-level jobs in GIS, Remote Sensing, Surveying and/or other related geospatial industries. Our programs provide a comprehensive foundation to the tools, technologies, and methods used in the geospatial industry.
Our coursework is designed to be project-based, collaborative, and focused on real-world applications of geospatial tools, using industry-standard software. Students engage with community partners to complete projects focused on local issues. We have a course schedule that can accommodate working students and no prior GIS or Geospatial experience is required.
The Oregon Employment Department forecasts Portland area job opportunities for GIS-skilled geographers will grow 34.4% through 2027.
National Science Foundation grant
Learn about the sizeable NSF grant that was recently awarded to the Geography Department, Enhancing Geographic Information Science Technology Education (eGIST).
Degrees and certificates
| Award | Length | Financial aid eligible | Currently accepting students? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree: Geomatics | 2 years | ||
| Certificate: Geographic Information Systems | Less than 1 year | ||
| Certificate: Geospatial UAS Specialist | Less than 1 year |
Locations
SylvaniaWhat will you learn?
Class information
Learn more about the program
Advising
Student information
What’s happening now
- Video: More women are flying through PCC’s GIS and Geospatial Tech Program
- Portland Community College earns grant to train students, diversify GIS industry
- PCC news: NSF grant allows PCC to help GIS industry remain on the cutting edge of training
- PCC news: GIS students dominate national skills competition
- National Science Foundation grant
Why learn geospatial tools to make maps?
- Maps give stories context. They are used to communicate issues facing your community.
- Maps can save your life and the lives of others. They can assist your community prepare for natural hazards or climate change, help understand the spread of a virus, and determine the safest place to build new infrastructure.
- Maps simplify complex information that can help community leaders and others make informed decisions.
- Maps are a blueprint of our past, present and future. They can help solve problems facing your community.
- Maps are functional tools that require you to use both your analytical skills and creativity.
What will you do?
Our programs are perfect for:
- Individuals looking for a career that makes an impact and pays a living wage.
- Any professional or student who wants to integrate GIS & other geospatial tools into their current area of study or career.
- Individuals who want to discover and visualize trends, patterns and relationships in the world around them.
Learn more:
- Geospatial Revolution series produced by Penn State University and WPSU
- Lindsey the GIS Professional, A GIS Mapping Story
- Mapping and geographic information systems
Transfer to a bachelor’s degree program
After earning your degree or certificate you can transfer to one of these Oregon universities to complete a 4-year degree:
- Portland State University
- Oregon State University
- University of Oregon
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- Western Oregon University
- Southern Oregon University
Next steps
Applying to PCC is free and only takes a few minutes.Apply now
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