GIS is used in civil engineering, environmental science, forestry, emergency management, urban planning and public health to map and analyze location data.
Skills a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) minor adds
- GIS software
- Mapping
- Spatial analysis
Majors that pair well with Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
| Major | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | Adds mapping and spatial analysis used in infrastructure planning. |
| Environmental Engineering | Adds mapping for environmental analysis. |
| Geology and Earth Sciences | Mapping is central to earth science work. |
| Emergency Management and Homeland Security | Mapping supports disaster planning. |
| Environmental Science and Sustainability | Mapping is used across environmental careers. |
| Forestry and Natural Resources | Mapping is central to resource management. |
Careers where a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) minor helps
Cartographer
Make maps and analyze geographic data.
- Typical training: Entry-level with a degree
Surveying Technician
Collect measurements in the field and help surveyors map land.
- Typical training: 1–12 months
Urban Planner
Plan how cities and towns grow, from housing and parks to roads and transit.
- Typical training: 6 years (bachelor’s + master’s)
Related career training
A self-paced online course on what cartographers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: GIS, cartographic design, and remote sensing
Why it fits: Builds practical knowledge for careers a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) minor points toward.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) minor FAQ
What is a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) minor?
A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) minor adds mapping and spatial data analysis skills. GIS is used in civil engineering, environmental science, forestry, emergency management, urban planning and public health to map and analyze location data.
What does a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) minor include?
A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) minor covers skills such as GIS software, mapping, and spatial analysis. Most minors require about 15 to 24 credit hours, often five to eight courses; each college sets its own requirements.
What majors go well with a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) minor?
It pairs well with Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geology and Earth Sciences, Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Environmental Science and Sustainability, and Forestry and Natural Resources.
Is Geographic Information Systems (GIS) a good minor for Civil Engineering majors?
It can be. Adds mapping and spatial analysis used in infrastructure planning.
Is Geographic Information Systems (GIS) a good minor for Environmental Engineering majors?
It can be. Adds mapping for environmental analysis.
Is Geographic Information Systems (GIS) a good minor for Geology and Earth Sciences majors?
It can be. Mapping is central to earth science work.
What skills does a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) minor add?
Skills such as GIS software, mapping, and spatial analysis.
What careers can a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) minor help with?
It can support careers such as cartographer, surveying technician, and urban planner, especially combined with a related major.
Is a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) minor worth it?
It is worth it if it fills a gap in your major or supports the career you want. GIS is used in civil engineering, environmental science, forestry, emergency management, urban planning and public health to map and analyze location data.
Can any major add a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) minor?
At most colleges, students in many majors can add a minor if they meet its prerequisites and can fit the courses. Check your college’s requirements.