Minor in Geographic Information Systems

GIS maps with legends

The Minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provides students in many disciplines the opportunity to gain further understanding of basic GIS concepts and mapmaking techniques relevant to all disciplines. The minor is open to students from any college or major with sophomore and good academic standing. Please note that students in the Urban Studies program are eligible to earn the Minor in GIS; however, they cannot apply courses used to fulfill selective requirements for the major towards the minor in GIS. Students may apply credits from courses taken prior to application to the minor. Students who wish to earn the Minor in GIS shall notify the department in writing on the form posted below.

GIS Minor Requirements Heading link

Why Learn Geo-Spatial Analysis and Visualization? Click here to know!

UDVL courses train students from across the UIC campus in the application of geospatial technologies. Students learn to analyze complex and interrelated data sources and create relevant and appealing visual representations that communicate meaningful information for decision-making. UDVL offers a 12-credit graduate certificate in Geospatial Analysis and Visualization (GSAV) for students pursuing in-depth data analysis and design skills, and a series of two undergraduate classes for the GIS Minor. Course offerings, Graduate Certificates, and Minors are offered within the Department of Urban Planning and Policy

GIS Minor Requirements

The Minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provides students in many disciplines the opportunity to gain a further understanding of basic GIS concepts and mapmaking techniques relevant to all disciplines. The minor is open to students from any college or major with sophomore and good academic standing.

Required Courses as of Spring 2024 (12 credit hours in total):

  1. GEOG 100 Concepts in Geography or US/GEOG 208 Mapping the Urban: Cartography and its Alternatives. 3 credit hours
  2. US 261: Mapping, Data, and Geographic Information Systems. 3 credit hours
  3. US 361: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems I. 3 credit hours
  4. UPP 461: Geographic Information Systems for Planning and Policy. 3 credit hours

CUPPA Minor Declaration Form Heading link

  • **Note: The new minor is Research Design and Data Analysis will not appear on your curriculum until Spring 2025.
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