Minors
Geographic Information Systems
Geographic Information Systems is a field of study that combines spatial theory, technology and software, geographic data and analysis (including GPS and field work) and cartographic design principles for the purpose of exploring and understanding the world around us from a spatial perspective.
This specialized scientific discipline utilizes software that visualizes social data; for example, poverty, access to healthcare, crime statistics, marketing methods in business and urban planning, to name a few. Careers that require GIS skills are growing quickly and offer impressive opportunities. You do not have to be strong in mathematics to master this fascinating technology. Data scientist is of the most valuable jobs emerging in the 21st century. With this minor, you will be prepared to enter this field.
Employers in the most competitive industries continue to seek applicants whose resumes include additional computational skills beyond the Microsoft Office Suite, and having a GIS Minor would give students an edge in the workforce. According to the Harvard Business Review, one of the most valuable jobs emerging in the 21st century is that of the "data scientist," which includes skills such as knowing how to find, manipulate and interpret different types of data. Being able to work with and visualize spatial data using GIS technology will be an invaluable tool for any student in a variety of majors and concentrations.
A GIS minor is particularly valuable when paired with the following fields of study: sociology, business administration, biology and STEM disciplines, though it is not confined to these disciplines. For instance, someone pursuing a career in urban planning, law enforcement, environmental science, forensics, healthcare and health policy, epidemiology and marketing could benefit greatly with a background in GIS, as nearly every company or governmental agency uses GIS within their organization.
Gerontology
It鈥檚 a fact: people are living longer, and our aging population is changing every aspect of our culture 鈥� including employment trends.
Every day, more jobs are being created in the gerontology and senior healthcare arenas to serve this growing need. And Mount Saint Mary鈥檚 University is meeting the challenge with the Gerontology minor degree program designed to provide specialized academic training to serve this expanding employment sector.
This minor prepares graduates for the rapidly expanding social services area of working with senior adults. Graduates with a gerontological background are in high demand as the percentage of the population 60 years and older increases. This program offers preparation for working with elders in a variety of settings and for graduate studies in gerontology, public policy, social work, the law and research.
Strictly speaking, gerontology as a discipline is an exploration of the biopsychosocial dimensions of life course development, with an emphasis on America's rapidly growing senior population.
Choose from career options that include case and care management; social work; nonprofit or for-profit care management and much more. Plus, earning a minor in Gerontology from the Mount provides solid background for graduate studies in social work, public policy, law and of course, gerontology.
Majoring in Social Work, Nursing, Biology, Psychology or Human Services? Add Gerontology as a minor to expand your career horizons. No matter what major you select, Gerontology is the ideal minor program for students considering health and human services careers.
In today鈥檚 healthcare marketplace, it simply makes sense to have additional expertise in the area of gerontology and elder care.