Geography (Minor)




At a Glance: program details

Minor Map

Develop a deeper understanding of the physical world, geographic regions and cultures.

Program Description

The geography minor, rooted in a foundation of cultural and physical geography, encourages students to explore intersections of place and space. Students learn about the modern world from both the local and global perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of how humans impact landscapes. Students can select classes based on their specific interests in this customizable program.


Program Requirements

The minor in geography requires a minimum of 19 credit hours, of which at least 12 credit hours must be upper division. All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better.
Cultural Geography (choose one) -- 3 credit hours
Physical Geography -- 4 credit hours
Upper-Division Electives -- 12 credit hours
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.

Enrollment Requirements

GPA Requirement: None

Incompatible Majors: BA and BS in geography; BS in geography (urban studies); BS in geography (meteorology-climatology)

Other Enrollment Requirements: None

Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and minor.


Career Outlook

A minor in geography makes students stronger candidates for positions that require an understanding of landforms, water, plants, weather and people --- and the interactions that take place among them. This understanding can be valuable in a variety of careers and fields, including:

  • business
  • city and urban planning
  • community outreach
  • government agencies
  • marketing
  • nonprofit organizations
  • sustainability
  • tourism

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists


  • Growth: 5%
  • Median Salary*: 71890
  Bright Outlook

Climate Change Policy Analysts


  • Growth: 6.1%
  • Median Salary*: 76480
  Bright Outlook

Environmental Restoration Planners


  • Growth: 6.1%
  • Median Salary*: 76480
  Bright Outlook

Geographers


  • Growth: 1.1%
  • Median Salary*: 88900

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians


  • Growth: 9.7%
  • Median Salary*: 98740
  Bright Outlook

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers


  • Growth: 5.1%
  • Median Salary*: 87480
  Bright Outlook

Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists


  • Growth: 2.1%
  • Median Salary*: 107970

Sustainability Specialists


  • Growth: 4.1%
  • Median Salary*: 75990
  Bright Outlook

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.



Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.