Geography Minor

Overview

Geography is the study of the spatial distributions and interactions of peoples, places, and environments throughout the world. The discipline describes, analyzes, and represents these spatial phenomena. A geography minor relates to many other fields, with robust spatial sub-fields such as Environmental Science, History, Criminal Justice, Biology, Political Science, Leisure Studies, Cultural Studies, Ethnic and Gender Studies, and Economics and Management. 

Topics Covered

Students in the geography minor gain a background in Earth’s diverse environments, major cultural regions, and the processes and interactions that shape them both.  Students are also exposed to geographic methodologies such as computer mapping and geographic analysis in environmental, urban and social justice contexts. 

Outcomes

  • Students increase their understanding of global environments and major environmental issues and processes 
  • Students learn Earth’s major cultural realms and regions and apply this knowledge to further understand major geopolitical, social and economic issues and processes 
  • Students apply geographic perspectives to the search for sustainability in social, economic and ecological contexts  

Requirements

Program Description

Geography studies the spatial distributions and interactions of peoples, places, and environments throughout the world.  The discipline describes, analyzes and represents these spatial phenomena.  A geography minor relates to many other disciplines, with robust spatial sub-fields such as Environmental Science, History, Criminal Justice, Biology, Political Science, Leisure Studies, Cultural Studies, Ethnic and Gender Studies, and Economics and Management.

 

Twelve (12) of the Geography Minor credits must be taken in residence at Westfield State University.

Requirements for the Geography Minor

The minor requires a total of 18 - 19 credits as follows:

Part I: Foundation Courses

Students must select any three of the following courses:

Part II: Methods Courses

Students must select any one of the following courses:

Part III: Environmental Geography

Students must select any one of the following courses:

Part IV: Urban and Social Justice

Students must select any one of the following courses:

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.