Jun 15, 2024  
University Catalog 2015-2016 
    
University Catalog 2015-2016 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Geographic Information Science - Interdisciplinary (BS)


Geographic Information Science - Interdisciplinary Curriculum (BS)


Mission - Social Sciences

As part of a liberal arts philosophy, the Department of Social Sciences at Louisiana Tech offers an education which provides a firm foundation for professional work or graduate school for majors in Geographic Information Science*, Sociology, and Political Science. The department affords students opportunities to sample knowledge from all fields; to develop writing, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills sought by employers; and to acquire the sort of liberal arts background which enriches a lifetime of political, social, cultural, and leisure-time activities.

*NOTE: Geographic Information Science is an interdisciplinary major offered through the Department of Social Sciences and the School of Forestry, with respective concentrations in Social Sciences or Natural Resources. Students wishing to pursue the Natural Resources concentration should consult the School of Forestry section of the University Catalog.

Objectives - Social Sciences

  • to obtain the information and skills that are necessary prerequisites for rewarding and satisfying professional employment
  • to acquire the substantive knowledge that allows a university graduate to be admitted to the company of educated men and women
  • to learn to think, speak, and write clearly and effectively
  • to achieve an appreciation for the ways in which we gain our understanding of other societies and to enable students to view themselves in other, wider contexts
  • to gain proficiency in explaining and defending one’s views
  • to relate a liberal arts education to career and life decisions in a way that allows the individual to make discriminating moral choices

Requirements for a Major

Thirty semester hours of prescribed courses in political science, or sociology constitute a major in those subjects in the Department of Social Sciences. Thirty-eight semester hours of prescribed courses in Geographic Information Science constitute a major in that subject. Minor requirements are determined by the department in which it is offered. Every department major will consult with his/her advisor during each registration period and throughout the term as necessary.

The degree of Bachelor of Arts is conferred upon completion of any of these curricula: political science, and sociology. The interdisciplinary degree of Bachelor of Science is conferred upon completion of the curriculum established for geographic information science.

Freshman Year


Natural Sciences (GER)


  • Biological Sciences 3 Semester Credit Hours

Social/Behavioral Sciences (GER)


  • Economics 3 Semester Credit Hours
  • Social Sciences 3 Semester Credit Hours

English (GER)


Fine Arts (GER)


Mathematics (GER)


  • Mathematics (GER) 6 Semester Credit Hours

Major Courses


  • Concentration Courses 5 Semester Credit Hours*

Total: 29 SCH


Sophomore Year


Natural Sciences (GER)


  • Natural Sciences (GER) 6 Semester Credit Hours

Humanities (GER)


Social/Behavioral Sciences (GER)


  • Social/Behavioral Sciences (GER) 3 Semester Credit Hours

Major Courses


Total: 32 SCH


Junior Year


Humanities (GER)


Major Courses


Total: 32 SCH


Senior Year


Major Courses


Total: 27 SCH


Total Semester Hours 120


* Concentration Courses selected by student, in consultation with advisor from the following:

Concentration areas offered