Oct 05, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Geography Minor


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Geographers are among the government officials, community leaders, activists, researchers, and business people who use data-driven research to develop solutions to complex environmental, social, economic, and political problems. Geography is unique in bridging the social sciences and the natural sciences, and in providing geospatial analyses of environmental and socio-economic problems. The program provides a foundation for understanding problems and implementing equitable solutions to improve the quality of human-environment dynamics. The Geography Minor combines fundamental courses in natural and social systems and geospatial science with specialized electives within four disciplinary sub-fields – Political Economy Approaches to Sustainability, Geographic Information Science, Physical Geography, and Planning. Students have flexibility in choosing courses and pursuing their areas of interest. Students must complete each course with a grade of “C-” or better.

Required Courses


Students are required to complete two courses, each from a different course area listed below. These courses provide an introduction to the main sub-fields of Geography, and methods of geographic inquiry. Two courses are required. (6-7 credits minimum). All courses must be passed with at least a “C-” to count towards the minor.

Elective Courses


Students are required to select a minimum of 14-15 credits of elective courses in Geography (GEG) or Geographic Information Science (GIS) from any of the core geographical knowledge areas listed below. Students may take courses from multiple areas towards the minor. All courses must be passed with at least a “C-” to count towards the minor.

1. Political Economy Approaches to Sustainability


Courses integrate physical and social sciences with planning and spatial analysis as a foundation for understanding problems and implementing solutions to improve the quality of the built environment, economies, and policies to promote sustainability and social justice.  

2. Geographic Information Science


Courses develop theoretical knowledge and technical training in Geographic Information Systems, remote sensing, cartography and database systems in order to define and solve problems in the management, conservation, and improvement of natural and human environments. 

3. Physical Geography


Courses examine natural processes and phenomena at the Earth surface, and their connections with human activities. 

4. Urban and Regional Processes and Planning


Courses provide students with the skills to address the social, economic, and spatial relationships that shape urban regions.

5. Independent Research and Individualized Experience


This core area allows students to pursue individual interests via directed study or internship experiences, and to explore additional coursework in Geography, as opportunities arise.

Summary of Geography Minor Requirements


Required Courses 6-7 credits
Geography Electives 14-15 credits
Total for Geography Minor 20-22 credits

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