Credits required
18
Cost per-credit*
$288.50
Delivery
Online
Start Terms
3 Per Year
The University of Nevada, Reno, offers undergraduate students the opportunity to explore human-environment relationships, spatial systems and regional development through a flexible, interdisciplinary lens. With coursework in physical and cultural geography, urban and regional systems and geotechnology, this 18-credit program supports a broad range of majors while building career-relevant analytical skills.
Offered entirely online, this minor in geography enhances your major with new ways of understanding the world. It equips you with tools like geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial analysis to pursue meaningful, applied learning opportunities across disciplines.
*Program tuition. Base in-state tuition cost. Does not include student fees. Please note everyone's net tuition costs is specific to their own situation and will be different for each person. Learn more about tuition and fees.
Why Choose a Geography Minor?
The Department of Geography offers a curriculum grounded in natural and social sciences, with strengths in climatology, water resources and cultural geography. This minor builds real-world, transferable skills while allowing students to shape their studies around interests in urban planning, environmental management or international development.
Benefits include:
- Fully online format with asynchronous delivery
- Courses aligned with faculty expertise in environmental and regional analysis
- Training in geotechnologies, including GIS and spatial modeling
- Option to transfer up to 9 credits
- Broad interdisciplinary relevance across science, policy and engineering
Curriculum and Course Structure
Students pursuing the minor complete 6 credits of core coursework and 12 credits of electives.
Core Courses (6 credits):
- GEOG 103 Physical Geography of the Earth’s Environment
- GEOG 121: Climate Change and Its Environmental Impacts
- GEOG 106: Introduction to Cultural Geography
Elective Areas (12 credits):
| Focus Area | Course Title |
| Geotechnology | GEOG 210: Introduction to Geotechnology GEOG 405: GIS I – Spatial Data Analysis |
| Human-Environment Systems | GEOG 325: Climate Change Impacts GEOG 434: Water Resource Management |
| Urban and Regional Studies | GEOG 313: Urban Geography GEOG 422: Political Ecology |
Please refer to the University Course Catalog for complete details.
Depending on the elective selected, courses may require specialized software such as ArcGIS. Software access is coordinated upon enrollment.
Who Should Enroll?
This online geography minor is ideal for undergraduate students who want to deepen their understanding of the environment and spatial systems and seek technical or policy-based careers in various sectors. Students majoring in environmental science, engineering, economics, political science, anthropology or natural resource management will find the minor especially valuable.
Declare the Minor
Adding the geography minor is simple:
- Meet with your academic advisor
- Declare the minor in MyNevada
- Register for your first set of courses
Most students complete the program in 2–4 semesters, either alongside their major or during summer sessions.
Career Opportunities
Graduates with a minor in geography are prepared for roles in:
- Environmental planning and sustainability
- GIS and spatial data analysis
- Urban and regional development
- Climate adaptation and resilience
- International development and resource management
These career paths span industries, including government, consulting, nonprofit and environmental services. Graduates can expect salaries competitive with national averages. For national data, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Expand Your Geographic Thinking
The program cultivates spatial awareness, critical thinking and a systems-level understanding of global and regional issues. Whether pursuing a future in sustainability, planning, education or analytics, this minor enhances your degree and broadens your impact. Ready to take the next step?
Why Choose Nevada Online For Your Geography Minor?
Nevada Online provides an accredited, fully online asynchronous Geography Minor taught by university faculty. It features multiple start dates, access to a Carnegie R1 research university, and a curriculum combining natural and social sciences to develop analytical and spatial skills for various careers.
Benefits of learning online with Nevada Online
Classes taught by University of Nevada, Reno faculty
Access to a Carnegie® R1 research university
Choose from accessible, fully online programs
Continue your education from anywhere in the world, free from a fixed schedule