Abstract
The Geography of GIS Education in the United States
Track: Educational Research and Teacher Education
Author(s): IVAN CHEUNG
The long-term sustainable growth of the U.S. GIS&T community (or the geospatial industry) relies upon the development of a diverse, multi-faceted GIS educational system. In the U.S., there are almost 400 academic programs offering GIS education and training. These programs offer stand-alone GIS courses, undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as professional certificates. Some are offered through traditional methods while others are delivered through distance learning programs. This paper attempts to provide a comprehensive look at how these programs vary across the U.S. For examples, how accessible are these educational and training programs to urban versus rural population? Is there a spatial "mis-match" between the supply of GIS education and demand of GIS-training workforces in the U.S.? How are different academic disciplines, such as Geography, approach the tremendous needs to deliver quality GIS education? The main objective is to provide a base-line understanding of the state of the U.S. GIS education.
IVAN CHEUNG
THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN GEOGRAPHERS
1710 16TH STREET, NW
WASHINGTON , DC 20009-3198
US
Phone: 2022341450
E-mail: ICHEUNG@AAG.ORG