The undergraduate planning minor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences provides nongeography undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue studies in the professional field of planning. Geography majors can pursue the urban studies option, so this minor would not be available to these majors.

Geography and urban and regional planning share a common concern for the spatial configuration of the places that we inhabit and enjoy. In recognition of this close association, there is currently an articulation agreement between the Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences and the College of Architecture and Planning that provides students with a mechanism for acceleration through the master of urban and regional planning (MURP) degree program, if accepted into that graduate program. Those students completing the requirements for an undergraduate planning minor may also be eligible to pursue an accelerated MURP degree.

To meet the requirements for this minor, students must complete three core requirements and two electives, totaling 15 semester hours. Although the three core courses may be taken in any order, it is advisable to begin with GEOG 1602, since this course familiarize students with many key concepts used in other classes. All core courses are offered on a yearly basis.