Zong-Guo Xia
University of Massachusetts at Boston
This paper presents the results of an extensive study of worldwide GIS curricula for the purpose of developing a relatively comprehensive and realistic GIS curriculum at the University of Massachusetts - Boston. It will compare the GIS curricula of some better known programs in Australia, Canada, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The differences in curriculum design between traditional disciplines will be also discussed. A list of URLs of programs with comprehensive GIS curricula will be presented. An "ideal" GIS curriculum will be proposed on the basis of course offerings in different countries and disciplines. Factors affecting the curriculum design for a particular program will be discussed. Some guidelines for the GIS curriculum design and the development of a specialized GIS laboratory will be provided.
* The author also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Wuhan Technical University of Surveying and Mapping and at the Central South University of Technology in the People's Republic of China.