Learn to Use Geographic Information Systems to Understand the World
Applied GIS Minor
Physical geographers study patterns of climates, land forms, vegetation, soils and water. They forecast the weather, manage land and water resources, and analyze and plan for forests, rangelands and wetlands. Many human and physical geographers have skills in cartography and geographic information systems (GIS).
What Will I Learn?
This minor to teaches you the essential elements of using geographic information systems (GIS) technology and software (ArcGIS 8.x from ESRI). You will learn how to create and use GIS data layers from remote sensing, field methods and existing map products.
What is Unique About Our Program?
The North Country Is Your Classroom
The spectacular environment of the Adirondack Mountains and Champlain Valley allow the study of geography at the doorstep of SUNY Plattsburgh.
What Are My Career Opportunities?
What Can You do as a Geographer?
Geography’s theories and methods provide analytical techniques applicable to a wide range of questions asked over a broad spectrum of occupations. Geography provides a sound foundation for students who plan to enter graduate work in a variety of fields from geography to business, land use planning, law, and medicine.
The potential for practicing geography in private enterprise and government has grown considerably in recent years, although few such positions are designated with the title of geographer. Roughly a quarter of all geographers work in the private and public sectors.
Geographic Fields
The geography program at SUNY Plattsburgh provides students with the tools and experience needed to explore career opportunities in disciplines such as:
- Regional geography
- Environmental studies
- Cartography and geographic information systems
- Urban and regional planning
- Economic geography
- Geographic education
- Physical geography and earth science
- Cultural & human geography