Geography, Minor

Location(s): California-Blended, Clarion-Blended, Edinboro-Blended

Geography is an interdisciplinary field of study that emphasizes a spatial approach to understanding human & physical systems and the natural world. In a nutshell, Geography is interested in “What is where, and why?” The study of nearly anything in the world can benefit from a geographic perspective, which is what makes Geography an excellent choice for a Minor program of study.

The Geography Minor will provide students with practical knowledge and practical skills that are useful in many other major and minor programs, including Business, Education, Environmental Sciences, History, International Studies, Natural Sciences, World Languages and Cultures, Sociology, Tourism, and more. Furthermore, it can help a student into entry level positions for careers that are not currently Major Programs at PennWest, for example Urban and Regional Planning or Sustainable Development. Students of Geography find careers in all sectors of the economy, from local-to-federal government, business, industry, and with local-to-international non-profit organizations.

All students completing the Geography Minor must take three required introductory geography courses and an additional nine credit hours of geography elective courses from prefixes GEOG or GGIS. It is permissible to substitute a Language and Culture course for three of the Geography Electives credits.

Advisement Sheet

Student Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate core knowledge of human and physical systems and the natural world.
Master spatial analytic processes and decision-making, including map interpretation and use.
Demonstrate intellectual and practical skills including critical thinking, geographic analyses, synthesis and problem solving.
Demonstrate core knowledge of current global, social and environmental issues from a geographic perspective

Curriculum Requirements

Required Courses

GEOG 1050 - People and the Planet: Geography in a Changing World Credit Hours: 3
GEOG 1110 - World Geography Credit Hours: 3
GGIS 1210 - Mapping our Environment Credit Hours: 3
or
GGIS 2100 - Geographic Information Systems Credit Hours: 3

Electives

At least 6 credits should be 3000-4000 level coursework.

Three additional courses with GEOG or GGIS prefix.

Optional:

Substitute up to 3 credits of any ARAB, CHIN, FREN, SPAN, or WRLC course for one of the Geography Electives