Geospatial Analysis and Visualization, Minor

Saint Louis University’s minor in geospatial analysis and visualization introduces students to the art and science of human geographic information science (GIS). The minor emphasizes hands-on training in data management, ethical and participatory mapping, spatial analysis, and map design. With GIS among the fastest-growing industries in the United States, this minor prepares students with in-demand skills for careers in data science, urban planning, environmental science and management, public health, public policy, business, social science research, and beyond.

In five required courses, you will gain practical GIS skills to understand, analyze, and address social and spatial inequities. You will learn how maps, spatial data, and visual storytelling reveal patterns of injustice across areas like housing, health, the environment, transportation, political representation, and access to resources while critically engaging with the ethics, power, and limitations of geospatial technologies.

Students must complete a minimum total of 15 credits for the minor.

Required Courses
SOC 1600The Power of Place: An Introduction to GIS3
SOC 2610Mapping Urban Inequity3
SOC 3600Cartography for Social Justice3
or SOC 3615 Our World in Big Data
Elective Courses6
Choose 2 of the following courses:
SOC 3600
Cartography for Social Justice
SOC 3615
Our World in Big Data
SOC 4640
Demographic Methods, Analysis, and Public Policy
SOC 4670
Spatial Demography – Applied Spatial Statistics
Total Credits15

Continuation Standards 

Students must have a minimum of a 2.00 average GPA in their minor-related courses. Students who fall below a 2.00 average in minor-related courses will be placed on probation. If the student fails to obtain at least a 2.00 average GPA in minor-related courses after two consecutive semesters on probation the student will not be allowed to continue in the program.

For additional information about this program, please contact soc-anth@slu.edu or call 314-977-2900.