Undergraduate Programs

This flexible, 21-credit minor fits the needs of students in many majors who are eyeing careers where fundamental geospatial skills would be an asset.  

Students learn to use geospatial technology used in the field to address real-world problems, such as the Geographical Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS) and other technologies.  

They also learn to collect, store, organize, manage and analyze geospatial data in courses such as:

• Geographic Information Systems
• Remote Sensing
• Advanced Cartographic Techniques
• Business Analytics
• Programming Fundamentals
• Database Management Systems

This minor (21-25 credits) is popular with biology students but open to students in a range of majors – driving home the holistic nature of environmental issues.

Students get a broad foundational understanding of the natural sciences, the environment and ecosystems by taking courses like: 

• Conservation Biology in Practice
• Wildlife Biology
• Water Quality in the Environment
• Energy Science
• Great Lakes Ecosystems

This minor (21-23 credits) holistically explores environmental challenges and emphasizes the crucial role of social sciences and humanities. The curriculum includes both required and elected courses across diverse fields, such as political science, history, economics, communication, law, geography, biology, sociology and environmental science. 

Students can choose from a wide range of courses, including:

• Environmental Economics
• Environmental Planning
• Environmental Communication
• Environmental Politics and Policy
• Global Sustainable Development
• American Environmental History
• Environmental Law

This minor (17-20 credits) provides broad introductory content and advanced courses in a variety of interest areas. The minor emphasizes service-learning activities and offers opportunities to get involved with the sustainability efforts of local park services and environmental nonprofits.

Sample courses include:

• Earth Structure and Tectonics
• Economic Geology
• Geophysics
• Groundwater Hydrology
• Paleoclimate
• Soil Sciences

This 21-credit minor offers students a broad overview of the discipline. It is ideal for students in any major that is complemented by intensive examination of the history of life on Earth.  

Courses include: 

• The Human Fossil Record
• Earth Environments
• Vertebrate Paleontology
• Paleoclimate
• Geologic History of Dinosaurs  

There is also a paleobiology specialization through the B.S. geology program.

This minor (21-22 credits) is for those interested in learning how to balance the needs of human society and modern life with environmental conservation and sustainability.

Consider critical sustainability issues from varying perspectives (biology, economics, environmental studies, history, philosophy, political science, etc.), and draw from these areas to optimize problem-solving strategies.  

Sample courses include:

• Environmental Ethics
• Weather and Climate
• Environmental Justice
• Urban Economics
• Environmental Politics and Policies
• International Health

This minor (23-24 credits) encompasses many areas of study within the School of Earth, Environment and Society and beyond – biological sciences, chemistry and political science.

Students learn about water cycles, the world’s fresh water supply/related issues and relate their knowledge to water management, policy and practices.  

Sample courses include:  

• Earth Environments
• Water Resources and Issues
• Introduction to Hydrology
• Water Quality in the Environment
• Great Lakes Ecosystems
• Environmental Planning
• Groundwater Hydrology