A geographic information system stores, analyzes, and displays spatially oriented data to improve decision-making. The key to the rapid growth of GIS is its ability to integrate data and to model complex physical processes. Environmental scientists are using it for applications such as environmental impact analysis, hydrological modeling, and biodiversity studies. The objective of the minor is to enable the student to apply spatial analysis principles to their academic discipline.

The minor consists of a minimum of 17 credit hours. Nine of thee hours must be unique to the minor.