Economics Comprehensive Major: GIS Emphasis, 72 hours: B.S.—No Minor Required
CIP: 450699
This is an interdisciplinary major between the School of Business and the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences.
The Economics: Geographic Information Sciences (GIS) major is an innovative and interdisciplinary program designed to empower students with a unique blend of economic analysis and spatial data expertise. This program combines the analytical rigor of economics with the geospatial capabilities of GIS to provide students with comprehensive methodological approaches for understanding and addressing complex economic challenges in the context of geographic location.
Students will have the opportunity to explore the dynamic relationship between Economics and GIS through a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking capabilities and communication skills. By integrating concepts from Economics and GIS, students will develop a unique skill set that will prepare them for professional careers in today’s business world. The program introduces students to the fundamentals of Geographic Information Sciences. They will learn how to collect, analyze, interpret, and visualize spatial data using advanced GIS tools and techniques. Students will explore various GIS applications in spatiotemporal trend analysis, spatial microeconomics, globalization, and localization.
Moreover, the program offers specialized courses focusing on the integration of Economics and GIS. Students will learn how to leverage spatial data to enhance understanding of socioeconomic issues such as uneven development, spillover, global supply chains, international financial networks, infrastructure development, and industrialization, and make informed decisions based on geospatial insights. They will gain practical experience by working with real-world datasets and engaging in hands-on projects that require the application of GIS techniques to solve economic problems.
The Economics: GIS program will provide students with a unique educational experience, equipping them with the necessary skills to excel in understanding economics that involve spatial analysis and data-driven decision making.
To successfully complete the program, students must fulfill the requirements of the comprehensive major, with at least 60 percent of the major coursework being completed at Northwest Missouri State University.
Students choosing a comprehensive major in Economics: GIS must complete and earn a minimum grade of C for each of the courses in the Common Professional Component and the required courses in the major.
Requirements
The Northwest Core (44-47 hours)
Institutional Requirements (4 hours)
Common Professional Component (48 hours)
Required Courses (15 hours)
Approved Economics Elective (3 hours)
Choose one of the following courses:
Approved GIS Electives (6 hours)
Choose two of the following courses:
Free electives as needed to reach minimum 120 graduation hours