Geographers and the technologies they use are on the forefront of one of the fastest emerging industries today, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The applications of Geography and Geospatial technologies are enormous now and grow more widespread every year. They are used by market researchers, business managers, financial analysts and in scores of other well-paid jobs in the private sector. The public sector harnesses them to provide for healthcare, homeland security, national security, law enforcement, historic preservation and disaster relieve. They are vital for understanding and for protecting the environment.
The uses are many, but there are not enough people with Geographic skills and knowledge to meet the soaring demand.
The minor in Geography consists of a minimum of 18 credits, meeting the following requirements:
Through the course offerings in the minor, students acquire understandings of Geography and skills with geospatial technologies that will prepare them to be productive and responsible citizens in the global economy. The objectives of the course offerings in Geography are to create “a geographically informed person” who knows and understands; 1) the World in Spatial Terms, 2) Places and Regions, 3) the Earth’s Physical Systems, 4) its’ Human Systems, 5) the Interactions of Societies and the Environment, and 6) the uses of Geography. The courses offered in the minor address the National Geography Standards, as well as, standards of the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and the standards in History and Geography of the National Council for Social Studies.