Academic Programs Catalog

College of Social Science

Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences

Undergraduate Programs
Minor in Earth Observation and Geospatial Analytics

The Minor in Earth Observation and Geospatial Analytics, which is administered by the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences, provides a fundamental foundation to the breadth of study within the field of geographic information science.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University except those pursuing the concentration in Earth Observation and Geospatial Analytics in the Bachelor of Science degree in Geography.  With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor should consult an undergraduate advisor in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences.

Requirements for the Minor in Earth Observation and Geospatial Analytics

Complete a minimum of 15 credits in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences from the following:

1. The following course (3 credits):
GEO 221 Introduction to Geographic Information 3
2. Complete a minimum of 9 credits from the following courses:
FOR 372 Ecological Monitoring and Data Analysis 3
FOR 419 Applications of Geographic Information Systems to Natural Resources Management 4
GEO 221L Introduction to Geographic Information Laboratory 1
GEO 324 Remote Sensing of the Environment 4
GEO 325 Geographic Information Systems 3
GEO 326 Cartographic Design and Production 4
GEO 363 Introduction to Quantitative Methods for Geographers 3
GEO 424 Advanced Remote Sensing 4
GEO 425 Problems in Geographic Information Science (W) 3
GEO 426 Thematic Cartography 4
GEO 428 Digital Terrain Analysis 3
GEO 429 Programming with Spatial Data 3
3. Complete an additional minimum of 3 credits from any GEO electives.