College of Sciences and Humanities
Department of Geography
www.kent.edu/geography

About This Program

Unlock the power of spatial data with the Geographic Information Science (GIS) minor. This minor will equip you with essential skills in geospatial technologies, including cartography, remote sensing and GIS applications, preparing you for careers in urban planning, environmental science, public health and more. With a curriculum designed to complement majors like anthropology, biology, computer science and sociology, the GIS minor offers a versatile edge in today's data-driven world. Read more...

Contact Information

• Patrick Bitterman | pbitterm@kent.edu |
  330-672-2046
• Speak with an Advisor

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

Program Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
• Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Apply core concepts of geographic information science to formulate researchable questions and select appropriate analytical methods.
2. Acquire and manage spatial data from multiple sources and assess data quality, uncertainty and fitness for use in analysis.
3. Analyze spatial patterns and relationships using GIS tools and spatial statistics.
4. Communicate geospatial results clearly and ethically through maps, visualizations and narrative.
5. Use industry-standard and open-source software to build reproducible workflows and collaborate across related disciplines.

Full Description

The Geographic Information Science minor provides training with spatial data analysis and geospatial technologies that can be applied across disciplines. Students learn how to work with geographic information to identify patterns, address problems and communicate results. Application areas include environmental management, public health, disaster response and urban planning. Students majoring in anthropology, geology, architecture, computer science, public health or business find this minor especially valuable for strengthening their ability to use geospatial data in their field. It is also a strong complement to any major for students seeking applied, in-demand skills.