Minor in Geosciences (Geography)
Hours: 20 On-Campus Online
About
A Minor in Geosciences (Geography) provides students with foundational skills in physical geography, cultural landscapes, and spatial technologies. Topics like Earth systems, world geography, and GIS are available, helping students understand environmental processes and how societies interact with the natural world.
A wide range of electives allows the minor to complement various major fields, including history, political science, and biology. It is flexible and fits seamlessly with on-campus and online degree paths. The program enhances students' understanding of geography's role in solving global and local challenges, such as climate change, urban planning, and resource management.
Why pursue a Minor in Geosciences (Geography) at Fort Hays State University?
A Minor in Geosciences (Geography) at Fort Hays State University offers a balance of structure and flexibility, allowing students to build a strong geographic foundation while tailoring the minor to their specific interests. Students benefit from the dual delivery format, enabling them to access comprehensive resources and expert faculty both on campus and online.
This minor stands out by integrating a broad array of real-world tools and current tools directly into the coursework. With required GIS and global geography training, students can immediately apply knowledge in urban development, conservation, and policy analysis. Faculty engaging in research and professional development actively ensures that course content remains current and practical.
Who is this program for?
The Minor in Geosciences (Geography) is available for students seeking to enhance their academic portfolios with spatial analysis and environmental literacy. It is ideal for individuals majoring in fields that benefit from understanding geographic systems and processes, including biology, history, political science, and environmental studies:
- Students pursuing majors in the natural or social sciences
- Future city planners, conservationists, or educators
- Those interested in sustainability and resource management
- Students preparing for careers involving GIS and mapping
- Learners who want to enhance their global awareness
Learning Outcomes
The Minor in Geosciences (Geography) at Fort Hays State University produces intellectually prepared students to evaluate, interpret, and apply geographic concepts in varied and impactful ways. The program equips learners with the tools to assess global systems critically, analyze spatial relationships, and engage responsibly in civic and scientific processes.
Effective Use of Technology and Communication
Students can use digital mapping and geospatial tools responsibly and effectively to communicate complex information. They will gain familiarity with GIS software, data analysis platforms, and visualization methods that translate environmental and cultural information into meaningful insights.
Research and Problem Solving with Geographic Data
Students will develop a strong ability to identify, gather, and evaluate geographic data. Skills will include analyzing land-use patterns, measuring environmental change, and interpreting demographic shifts, all supporting problem-solving in urban planning, conservation, and policy contexts.
Synthesizing Knowledge Across Disciplines
Students will connect learning from geography, biology, political science, and environmental studies to evaluate and interpret global systems. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach enables students to assess the causes and consequences of urban sprawl, climate change, and deforestation.
Civic Responsibility and Global Competence
Students will demonstrate awareness of worldwide physical, social, and economic interconnectedness. They will understand how geography shapes global outcomes and participate in civic efforts addressing shared challenges like resource scarcity and population growth.
Real-World Applications
The Minor in Geosciences (Geography) prepares students for practical and impactful work across industries that depend on geographic knowledge and spatial decision-making. Whether supporting city infrastructure, managing natural resources, or responding to climate challenges, the curriculum introduces tools and insights used by professionals in the field.
By completing coursework that centers on environmental systems, cultural landscapes, and geographic methods, students can connect classroom concepts to broader societal needs. Practical skills include interpreting satellite data, analyzing global regions, and modeling Earth processes through applied exercises.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
At Fort Hays State University, the Minor in Geosciences (Geography) incorporates forward-thinking content to keep students in step with global academic and industry trends. The curriculum reflects the evolution of geography studies in response to technological advancements, with a strong emphasis on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) that mirrors their increasing role in decision-making, mapping, and urban development.
Students explore emerging themes like climate change modeling, sustainable development, and geospatial data ethics through elective coursework. The program benefits from faculty who attend academic conferences and engage with professional organizations, ensuring access to the latest tools and teaching approaches.
Hands-on Activities
The Minor in Geosciences (Geography) includes multiple opportunities for applied learning, reinforcing academic theory with real-world application. The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) One course is highly interactive, featuring software-based exercises, technical problem-solving, and a final spatial project that mirrors tasks commonly found in planning departments and research settings.
These experiences extend beyond textbook learning and prepare students for careers requiring hands-on data interpretation and environmental assessment. Whether through lab simulations of the water cycle or mapping population shifts digitally, each assignment has built practical competence.
What You’ll Learn:
- Understanding Earth systems processes
- Fundamentals of human and cultural geography
- Technical skills using GIS software
- Interpreting spatial and environmental data
- Analyzing human-environment interaction
- Regional and global geography studies
How You’ll Learn:
- Field-based and lab-based coursework
- Hands-on GIS training
- Flexible elective courses
- Online and on-campus access
- Guided faculty expertise and support
- Cross-disciplinary integration
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,055.95* (on-campus) or $3,975.75* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Students interested in a Minor in Geosciences (Geography) often explore additional programs that align with their academic interests and professional goals. Fort Hays State University offers complementary minors, majors, and certificates that enhance geographic study with broader interdisciplinary skills or technical expertise:
- B.S. in Geosciences (Geology)
- Minor in Biology
- Certificate in GIS User
- Certificate in Sustainability
Information about the Department of Geosciences
The Department of Geosciences at FHSU offers students the opportunity to explore the world from a scientific and geographical perspective, preparing them for diverse careers that impact our understanding of the planet. Our programs, available both online and on-campus, are designed to cultivate critical thinking and perseverance, equipping students with the tools they need to excel in fields such as education, government, industry, and research. With a curriculum that blends academic study with practical field experiences, students are empowered to drive their future success.
Our faculty are experts in geology and geography and are dedicated to providing personalized guidance and support to help students navigate their academic journey. Graduates from our department are highly sought after in various industries, supported by a strong network of accomplished alumni. Whether you choose to study on-campus or online, the department is committed to helping you achieve your academic and professional goals, ensuring that you are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in your chosen field.