Imagine being able to identify and help stop the spread of epidemics or understand the growth characteristics of civilizations. Geographic Information Systems is a hot new enabler to understanding those and many other issues - past and present. AUM has one of the few undergraduate programs in GIS, one of the fastest growing fields in the nation. Business, government, and industry have an increasing need for technicians who can turn complex spatial and geographic data into a more easily manipulated digital format. At AUM, you'll master skills in computers and cartography that will allow you to collect and analyze the data so much in demand. In addition to its undergraduate degree, AUM also offers a GIS certificate for those who already have a bachelor's degree in some other discipline.<br><br>The Geospatial Research Institute is a lab with the necessary software and equipment for capturing and analyzing spatial date. Its services are available to business and government and provide opportunities for work in the field for undergraduates.<br>AUM's program was one of four academic GIS programs in the U.S. was chosen to assist with rescue relief in the 2011 Japanese tsunami.<br>We're home to the test program for one of the two major producers of GIS software in the U.S.<br>The program hosts the state of Alabama's ''GIS Day.''