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Spatial Studies Minor
Become a spatial thinker by learning to visualize data, analyze patterns and trends, and uncover new insights across disciplines with the spatial studies minor at University of Redlands.
Degrees Offered
Degree concentration
Program Types
Undergraduate, Minor
Mode of Study
On Campus
Department
Geographic Information ScienceSchool / College
College of Arts and SciencesWhat is a spatial studies minor?
The spatial studies minor is an interdisciplinary program focused on how the use of two- and three-dimensional representations of information can help us understand the world and find solutions to complex challenges. Through hands-on work with mapping tools and spatial data, you'll learn how to visualize and interpret location, distance, direction, movement, and change through space. These skills will prepare you to identify patterns and connections that lead to more informed decisions.
By taking select courses from departments across the university, you'll develop a strong foundation in spatial literacy and gain experience approaching problems from a broader point of view. This minor will empower you to apply spatial thinking in meaningful ways throughout your academic, personal, and professional life.
Why should you minor in spatial studies at Redlands?
At Redlands, the spatial studies minor is intentionally designed to complement any major. Whether you're studying business, history, chemistry, or religious studies, spatial thinking will deepen your understanding of your field and expand what you can do with your degree. As demand rises for professionals who can think spatially, this minor helps you build practical skills that set you apart in today's job market.
With Redlands' strong connection to Esri, the global leader in GIS technology headquartered just minutes from campus, you'll gain unique exposure to the field and access to networking, internships, and career opportunities. In your coursework, you'll learn to use ArcGIS, Esri's leading mapping software used by professionals around the world. These experiences ensure you will graduate ready to adapt to change, lead with spatial insight, and make an impact in your chosen career.
Classes you'll take
To complete the spatial studies minor, you'll take six courses totaling 22-24 credits, including two core spatial courses and four electives selected from a diverse range of programs across the university.
I. Two Core Courses
Complete two of the following core courses:
- GIS 100 Foundations of Spatial Thinking
- GIS 110 Introduction to Spatial Analysis & GIS
- GIS 210 Advanced Spatial Analysis & GIS
II. Four Elective Courses
Complete four elective courses, selected from at least two of the following elective categories:
At least two of the electives must be taken at the 200-level of higher.
Physical World Elective Courses
- BIOL 111 Introduction to Marine Biology
- CHEM 290 Environmental Chemistry Field Experience: Mile High Chemistry
- CHEM 311 Environmental Chemistry Field Experience: Environmental Modeling
- CHEM 312 Advanced Environmental Chemistry
- EVST 323 Great Environmental Disasters
- EVST 220 Physical Geography
- EVST 343 Biodiversity
- EVST 250, 350 Environmental Design Studio I & II
- EVST 283 Mapping Animals
- EVST 233 Environmental Geology
- EVST 243 Ecology for Environmental Scientists
- EVST 351, 451 Panamapping: Geodesign to Conserve the Rainforest
- EVST 334 Environmental Hydrology
- EVST 333 Oceanography
- EVST 430 Advanced Geology Seminar
- PHYS 360 Topics in Physics*
Culture and Communities Elective Courses
- BUS 333 Labor in the Global Economy
- ENGL 334 Representing the Holocaust
- EVST 213 Environmental Justice
- HIST 227 Mapping African American History
- HIST 251 Mapping African History
- HIST 275 Mapping Metal: A Historical Geography
- HIST 376 California Indian Seminar
- MUS 347 History of Opera
- POLI 202 Statistical Analysis and Mapping of Social Science Data
- REL 125 Introduction to World Religions*
- REL 206 The “Other” Jesus
- REL 252 African American Religion and Spirituality
- REL 308 Christian Scriptures
- REST 330 Mapping Race in the IE
- SOAN 307 Mapping People Mapping Place
Methods and Representations Elective Courses
- ART 132 2-D Design
- ART 145 Introduction to Sculpture
- ART 252 Introduction to Graphic Design
- BUS 351 GIS and Spatial Analysis for Organizations
- GIS 411 Fundamentals of Geographic Information, Research, and Applications
- GIS 467 Introduction to Programming for GIS
- MATH 111 Elementary Statistics with Applications
- MATH 221 Calculus II
- MATH 222 Vector Calculus
- MATH 231 Introduction to Mathematical Modeling*
- MATH 241 Linear Algebra*
- MATH 251 College Geometry
- PHYS 107 Sound Physics
- PHYS 232 General Physics with Lab II
- PHYS 332 Electricity and Magnetism
- PHYS 360 Geophysical Waves & Instability
- GIS 230 GIS Field Methods
- GIS 260 Topics: Spatial Thinking
- GIS 360 Advanced Topics: Spatial Thinking
- GIS 425 Remote Sensing Image Analysis
* Eligible if instructor includes spatial content
Negotiable Electives
Appropriate additional courses from a variety of departments may be counted toward the SPA minor. To be eligible, a course must include significant attention to spatial studies in an explicit, rather than implicit, fashion. Students should discuss the potential of a course counting toward the minor with the instructor as early as possible (ideally, before the course has begun) and negotiate special assignments or projects in consultation with the instructor and the Spatial Studies Advisory Committee. Negotiable courses must be approved by the Advisory Committee for credit toward the minor.
Student Portfolios
Although not required, a Senior Story Map Spatial Portfolio is highly recommended to showcase your work and to use as a resume piece. See your SPA minor advisor for details.
Undergraduate application deadlines
Fall Term - First Year
Early Action 1: November 1
Fall Term - First Year
Early Action 2: December 1
Fall Term - First Year
Regular Decision: January 15*
Fall Term - Transfer
Priority Deadline: March 1*
Spring Term - Transfer
Priority Deadline: November 1*
Note
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline based on capacity.
Want to know more?
Get in touch with our admissions team.
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