Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Minor

This minor explores the fundamental concepts and skills of geographic information systems (GIS) as a tool for data management, spatial analysis, and geovisualization. Students will explore the foundations of spatial data, database management,modeling, cloud-based applications, and the production and analysis of cartographic outputs for research and community engagement. The application and visualization components of this minor align well with disciplines in the earth, computer, and social sciences.

Curriculum

Required Courses (3 courses, 9 semester hours):

  • GEO 324 Introduction to GIS
  • GEO 328 Computer Cartography
  • GEO 427 Geodatabase Systems

Elective Courses (3 courses, 9 semester hours):

Select from the following approved electives courses (note: one elective course MUST be from Geography and Planning - GEO or PLN prefix): 

  • ANT 213 Archaeological Field Techniques
  • ANT 367 Archaeology and the Environment
  • ANT 368 Archaeological Field School
  • BIO 270 Ecology
  • BIO 310 Biostatistical Applications
  • BIO Epidemiology
  • CRJ 215 GIS for Criminal Justice Careers
  • CRJ 318 Environmental Crime
  • CRJ 323 Opportunities, Situations,and Crime: Environmental Criminology
  • CSC 141 Computer Science I
  • CSC 142 Computer Science II
  • CST 221 Database Systems
  • CSW 131 Introduction to Web Design
  • CSW 315 Introduction to Web Programming
  • ESS 201 Field Geology
  • ESS 323 General Geological Field Studies of SE Pennsylvania
  • ESS 343 Geomorphology
  • ESS 344 Geomorphology II
  • ESS 435 Remote Sensing
  • ESS 394 Geology of Northwestern National Parks
  • ESS 395 Geology of Southwestern National Parks
  • ENV 445 Risk Assessment
  • GEO 213 GIS for the Social Sciences
  • GEO 214 Intro to Planning
  • GEO/PLN 318 Economic Geography
  • GEO 325 Introduction to Business GIS
  • GEO 338 Environmental Applications of GIS
  • GEO 401 Internet Mapping (note: the pre-requisite course GEO 225 is waived for non-Geography/Planning majors
  • GEO 415 Internship (GIS-related)
  • GEO 424 GIS Applications
  • GEO 425 Business GIS Applications 
  • HEA 342 Program Planning and Evaluation
  • HEA 348 Population Health
  • HEA 419 Research Methods in Health

Other courses under advisement of the Minor Advisor

Advising Sheet

Course Catalog

Advising sheets are available online.

Advising sheets are subject to change; students should check with their advisors before registering for classes.

 

Learn More

For more information, contact Dr. Gary Coutu Chair of the Geography & Planning Department

610-436-2342