Mapping Minor

Maps help people find, visualize, and define patterns of behavior. They allow us to model physical landscapes and structures made by humans at both local and global scales. Digitization, databases, and computer software are foundational tools used by today’s mapmakers. Students in WSC’s Mapping minor gain experience using computer-aided design (CAD), geographic information systems (GIS), and global positioning systems (GPS) within the context of cities. CAD applications produce technical drawings and documentation used in construction and infrastructure design. In GIS, map layers that model the real world are used for evaluating suitability, determining routes, or showing patterns. A minor in Mapping prepares you for careers in the energy, engineering, telecommunications, and transportation sectors. These fields often use both CAD and GIS technologies to improve workflows in project design and modeling processes. Learn to map the world and everything in it!

Credit hours: 21
School: Arts and Humanities
Departments: History, Politics, and Geography, Technology and Applied Science

Courses for the Mapping minor

A minor must include a minimum of 12 hours unduplicated by your major(s) and minor(s). A minimum of 12 of the 21 hours must be upper level (300-400) courses.

  • GEO 320 Urban Geography (3)
  • GEO 425 Urban Geographic Information Systems or GEO 430 Geographic Information Systems (3)
  • GEO 435 Computer Mapping (3)
  • ITE 214 Residential Drawing (3)
  • ITE 219 Mechanical Engineering and Drafting (3)
  • ITE 304 Surveying and Print Reading or ITE 314 Architectural Design (3)

Choose one of the following:

  • ENG 200 Expository Writing (3)
  • ENG 206 Workplace Writing (3)
  • GEO 320 Urban Geography (3)
  • GEO 425 Urban Geographic Information Systems (if not taken as a required course) (3)
  • GEO 430 Geographic Information Systems (if not taken as required course) (3)
  • GEO 440/540 Remote Sensing (3)
  • GEO 497 Internship (3)
  • ITE 304 Surveying and Print Reading (if not taken as a required course) (3)
  • ITE 314 Architectural Design (if not taken as a required course) (3)
  • ITE 404 Commercial and Structural Design (3)
  • ITE 497 Internship (3)

WSC Course Catalog

Popular pairings

Recent students paired the Mapping minor with the following programs:

A WSC student practices a geography lecture

Department of History, Politics, and Geography

History, Politics, and Geography at Wayne State
WSC students program the CIM Cell a the Manufacturing Lab

Department of Technology & Applied Science

Our programs empower graduates by developing technical skills, as well as career, leadership, and life skills.

Technology and Applied Science at Wayne State