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Minors in Geography

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Minor

GIS involves using computers to map and analyze multiple layers of spatial data, an eminently marketable skill. The minor in GIS is designed for any student interested in acquiring these skills. Examples of students who might benefit from learning to work with GIS:

  • A biology major interested in mapping and understanding the factors that affect the distribution of invasive species
  • A civil engineering major who wants to better understand and map multiple site conditions for a project
  • A chemistry major seeking to document and map water sampling sites as well as the potential sources of water pollution
  • A business or economics major who wants to find the ideal location for a new store or understanding variations in consumer demographics
  • An art major who wants to add cartographic skills to their graphic design skill set or to explore technologies of mapping as a tool for making art
  • A social work or nursing major interested in exploring client access to services
  • A political science major interested in mapping election results
  • A sociology major interested in understanding spatial variations in social indicators

Required Courses

A minimum of 16 credit hours is required for the geographic information systems minor and must include the following courses:

  • GEO 101 World Human Geography or
    GEO 104 Introduction to Geomorphology in Earth System Science
  • GEO 215 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
  • GEO 330 Remote Sensing of the Environment
  • GEO 415 Advanced Geographic Information Systems

and three additional credits from the following:

  • GEO 225 Cartography and Map Design
  • GEO 285 Natural Hazards
  • GEO 315 Environmental Applications of GIS
  • GEO 316 Internet Mapping and Web GIS
  • GEO 486 Internship in Geography. If selecting GEO 486, the internship must involve GIS, remote sensing, or cartography.

Geography Minor

A minimum of 16 credit hours in geography, chosen by the student in consultation with the chair of the department, constitutes a minor. One 100-level, one 200-level, and two 300-level or higher courses must be included.