Abstract

Diffusion of GIS Use in a Public Policy Doctoral Program
Track: Teaching with GIS in Higher Education
Author(s): Fulbert Namwamba, Lionel Lyles, Revathi Hines, Alaa Shams

The development of GIS began in Ottawa, Ontario in 1967. With the development of micro-computer hardware, the Canadian GIS was quickly expanded into commercial applications in the United States. This research paper will demonstrate how GIS was introduced in the Public Policy Doctoral Program at Southern University, Baton Rouge. Rather than establishing a GIS concentration in the doctoral program, this research demonstrates how GIS is linked to the doctoral program's core advanced research methods course. All public policy doctoral students must complete it. Moreover, all public policy doctoral students are equally required to incorporate GIS in their dissertation research. How this policy change was engineered with a minimum of political resistance is a model other graduate programs can replicate.

Fulbert Namwamba
Southern University and A & M College
390 P.B.S. Pinchback Building
Baton Rouge , Louisiana 70813
United States
Phone: 225-771-3704
Fax: 225-771-3704
E-mail: fulbertnamwamba@engr.subr.edu

Lionel Lyles
Southern University and A & M College
412 Higgins Hall
Baton Rouge , Louisiana 70813
United States
Phone: 225-771-2034
E-mail: lionellyles@cox.net

Revathi Hines
Southern University and A & M College
420 B Higgins Hall
Baton Rouge , Louisiana 70813
United States
Phone: 225-771-3210
E-mail: revaih@cox.net

Alaa Shams
Southern University and A & M College
P.B.S. Pinchback Building
GIS LAB Room 390
Baton Rouge , Louisiana 70813
United States
Phone: 225-771-3704
Fax: 225-771-3704
E-mail: alaashams@engr.subr.edu