Sipi Geospatial Information Technology Program

The Geospatial Information Technology (GIT) Program at the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, provides quality education and training to Native American and Alaska Native students on geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, land resource mapping, environmental monitoring, and geospatial data analysis. Knowledge and skills in GIT support effective, knowledge-based management of natural resources and community infrastructure, and can be instrumental in advancing the economic, educational, and social development of Native American communities. Geospatial Information Technology has been identified by the Department of Labor as a high-growth industry, and career opportunities are excellent. SIPI’s GIT program prepares students to enter the workforce, to continue their education, and to be leaders in their communities. GIT graduates can often find rewarding careers with federal land management agencies (such as BLM, Forest Service, National Park Service and US Geological Survey), with Tribal governments, and in commercial industry. SIPI offers two programs in GIT: an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, and a Certificate in Geospatial Information Technology. Both programs support the educational needs of students who are new to the field, but also provide continuing education for active professionals. The programs consist of regular trimester courses, intensive short-courses, community-based demonstration or research projects, and intramural or extramural internships. The AAS degree program prepares students for success in Bachelor’s degree programs. SIPI is committed to helping students prepare for successful transition to four-year colleges and universities. The GIT Program resides in SIPI’s Science and Technology building, where state-of-the-art computing facilities, laboratories, and classrooms provide a high-quality environment for teaching and learning. SIPI is a National Indian Community College and Land Grant Institution funded and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Education.