Spatial Data Science & Technology
The Spatial Data Science & Technology major (SDS) requires a minimum of 48 credits in Geography and Computer Science. At least 9 courses must be taken for a letter grade. A grade of C- or better is required for any course applied to the major, and a GPA of 2.25 is required in courses used for the major. There is no option for a minor with this program.
All Geography majors seeking a B.S. degree will be required to complete any math sequence that satisfies the University’s math requirement for a B.S. degree. Math classes must be passed with a grade of at least C- or P. For students in the SDS major, we recommend a computer programming sequence. You can double-dip courses between the SDS major and the requirements for a Bachelor of Science.
Click here for a pdf of this worksheet or click here for a Word version that you can fill in.
Click here to see the current academic year course plan (always subject to change!)
Click here to see all of our course offerings and what they apply to within our majors. Note that courses labeled as GIS electives in Geography are GIS electives in SDST.
To ADD or DROP the SDS major, fill out this interactive form.
1. Compulsory Courses (4 courses, 16 credits)
These courses will provide foundational skills, concepts, and critical thinking abilities. Some of the introductory courses, such as GEOG 481, are prerequisites for more advanced courses. Students are not required to complete these before moving to elective courses (except where prerequisites are required).
- GEOG 181: Our Digital Earth
- GEOG 281: The World & Big Data
- CIS 122: Introduction to Programming
- GEOG 481: GIScience I
2. Elective courses (8 courses, 32 credits)
Rather than adopting a series of specializations, the electives component will remain flexible. Students should meet with the Undergraduate Advisor upon declaring the SDS major to work out a series of courses that best-fit student needs and employment aspirations.
- GEOG 393: Data-Driven Cartography
- GEOG 482: GIScience II
- GEOG 485: Remote Sensing I
- GEOG 486: Remote Sensing II
- GEOG 489: Drones & Mapping
- GEOG 490: Special Topics in GIScience*
- GEOG 491: Advanced GIS & Python
- GEOG 493: Advanced Cartography
- GEOG 494: Spatial Analysis
- GEOG 495: Geographic Data Analysis
- GEOG 498: Geospatial Project Design
- CIS 210: Computer Science I
- CIS 211: Computer Science II
- GEOG XX: 300 or 400-level course not listed above**
- CIS XX: 400-level course not listed above**
* Special Topics include courses that will be offered less frequently but will also qualify for credit when offered under the course number GEOG 490. This includes Web Mapping, Server GIS, Qualitative Spatial Reasoning, and Spatial Simulation.
** In some cases, we may allow courses in Geography NOT on this list to count towards the major if they are a field you wish to specialize in. In addition, while some CIS electives may count for this major, not all are appropriate. You MUST consult the SDS advisor to see if courses not on this list can count as an SDS elective.
To add or drop the SDS major:
- To ADD or DROP the SDS major, fill out this interactive form.
- New majors are welcome to make an appointment with the Geography and SDS advisor, Dr. Leslie McLees, through this online scheduler or contact her through email at geogadvr@uoregon.edu.
Double Majoring with SDS
Spatial Data Science and Technology is well-suited to be combined with another major. At only 48 credits it can be completed within about two years along with other coursework. For example, you could double major in SDS and Geography for a total of 78 credits. However, SDS would also complement other interests and majors that you may have, including Computer Science, Planning and Public Policy Management, Environmental Studies, Earth Science, Journalism, Business, Anthropology, Biology, Sociology, Economics, and much more. Spatial Data Science and Technology major provides theoretical depth in spatial concepts and analysis in addition to the application of technology. Once you begin to understand the power of spatial data analysis, you will be able to combine that perspective to anything you want!
For questions about how to fit SDS in with your academic and post-graduate goals, please contact Dr. Leslie McLees at geogadvr@uoregon.edu.