Geographic Information Science Minor

Why Study GIS?

Interested in learning how spatial data can be used to support emergency planning, help design transportation systems, or track the progress of diseases?  

Geographic Information Science (GIS) is a collection of scientific techniques and methodologies used to manage, analyze, interpret and communicate spatial data.  GIS professionals use geographical, statistical and computational techniques to:

• extract spatial information from a variety of datasets (including field, clinical, satellite or remotely-sensed data)
• analyze complex spatial data to make it more easily understandable
• create interactive maps and models that are accessible to a wide audience
  
• identify problems and propose new solutions
  
• contribute to public policy and decision-making

Some examples of GIS in action can be found here, here and here.

GIS Minor

Combining foundational courses in human and physical geography with specialized electives in geovisualization, remote sensing, spatial analysis and modeling, the GIS minor provides the conceptual and technical skills needed to work in GIS-related positions.  GIS is used across a wide range of fields, making it a valuable and broadly applicable skill set. 

Some of the fields in which GIS are commonly used include urban and land-use planning, real estate and housing, marketing, healthcare, transportation planning, resource management, forestry, ecology, environmental conservation, geotechnical work, mining, assessment of future climate impacts, coastal management, public safety and risk assessment.

Program Structure:

Program Details