There are several options in the Geography minor. Each is consistent with the general structure of the discipline and its specific sub-fields and: a) provides students with exposure to fundamental concepts in the field; b) enables them to become familiar with the application of these concepts; and c) complements concepts and perspectives emphasized in the student’s declared major field of study. In practical terms the minor in geography enables students to acquire specific skills and competencies (e.g., cartography) which qualify them for employment with various federal, state, and local agencies. For those students interested in careers in teaching, the geography minor broadens their perspectives in the area of social studies education. In many cases the elected minor in a sub-field of geography complements perspectives provided by the student’s academic major, and in doing so potentially enhances the scope of employment prospects.

The department expects students majoring in the following disciplines to be most interested in a minor in geography: Anthropology, Earth Systems, Economics, Education, Environmental Design, General Business and Finance, Geology, History, and Sociology.

Advising
Students should select an academic adviser in the same way that Geography majors do. Potential minors first consult with the Chief Undergraduate Adviser in Geography to determine possible options and relevant faculty. The appropriate faculty member works with the student to design the minor program.

Requirements
The minor requires 15 credit hours of courses in Geography. One of the courses should be at the 100 level and the other four courses should be at the 200 level or above.

Restrictions
Transfer credits: Maximum of 6 credits allowed. These must fit into the minor to be allowed.

No Pass/Fail courses are allowed in the minor. Independent Study/Practicum courses: maximum of 6 credits allowed. Relevant examples are listed in the above options. In general we expect students to take 3 credits of these at most.