Geography Minor

Program Coordinator/Contact

Robert Watrel, Interim Department Head
Department of Geography
109 Wecota Hall
605-688-4511

Program Information

The study of geography is of vital concern to all citizens and provides graduates with numerous career opportunities in business, education, and government. The minor in Geography is designed to be flexible, including general education courses as well as electives to compliment a student’s major field of study. The faculty recommends that students take several courses in disciplines closely related to their specific area of interest in geography.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the minor in Geography, students will:

• acquire foundational and specialized knowledge in both the physical and human worlds and their interconnectedness at different scales;
• effectively communicate geographical ideas using common media from the discipline (submitted samples might include maps, oral presentations, text, photos, illustrations, flowcharts, tables, graphs, graphics);
• engage in applied learning, laboratory, and/or field experiences;
• demonstrate the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and synthesize information about people, places, and environments in a spatial-temporal context.

Academic Requirements

Students must earn at least a “C” in each course used to meet the minor requirements.

Course Delivery Format

Geography is not only a classroom subject but one that also includes laboratory research, fieldwork, and travel, as well limited online coursework.