Minors

The Department of Geographical and Sustainability Sciences offers three minors: Environmental Policy & Planning (EPPL), Geography, and Geographic Information Science (GISci). 

A minor may relate directly to your major(s) or may reflect your interest in an area entirely different and separate from your major(s). Minors require fewer hours and have fewer requirements than majors or certificates. Our three minors provide the knowledge and skills that accentuate and complement any major or program of study. 

 

Environmental Policy & Planning (EPPL) Minor

The EPPL minor aims to put together a group of courses that already exist, and are being taught in the EPPL curriculum, to comprise a foundation for understanding the human dimensions of environmental problems. This minor will provide a recognizable, meaningful label to a concentration of courses that students could assemble.

  • Requires a minimum of 18 s.h. 
  • Including at least 12 s.h. in UI courses numbered 3000 or above 
  • Students may apply a maximum of 6 s.h. toward both the Environmental Policy & Planning minor and any major or minor in the Departments of Anthropology, Geographical & Sustainability Sciences, or Political Science

 

Geographic Information Science (GISci) Minor

Geographic Information Science is the study of geography through the lens of digital technology.  This field comprises the use of geographic information systems (an assemblage of computer-based technologies designed to facilitate the capture, organization, analysis, and display of geographic data), remote sensing (primarily interpretation of satellite imagery), and spatial modeling (viewing, analyzing, and mapping spatial data) to examine geographic patterns and processes—as well as research on the nature, development, and use of these tools.

  • Requires a minimum of 15 s.h. in Geographical and Sustainability Science courses 
  • Including at least 12 s.h. in UI courses numbered 3000 or above 
  • Geography majors are not eligible for the Geographic Information Science minor 

 

Geography Minor

The Geography minor allows students to gain a broad foundation of geographic principles and knowledge or gain depth in one of the geography track areas of study--environmental studies, geographic information science, or health and society (see Geography B.A. or B.S. for more information). 

  • Requires a minimum of 15 s.h. in Geographical and Sustainability Science courses (prefix: GEOG) 
  • Including at least 12 s.h. in UI courses numbered 3000 or above 
  • Geography majors are not eligible for the Geography minor 

 

Academic Advising

Hannah Whitcomb serves as Academic Advisor for Geographical, Sustainability Sciences, and Environmental Policy & Planning students. For advising questions, you can view Hannah Whitcomb's contact information on our Undergraduate Academic Advising page.