# 2026-2027 Course Catalog
**Source**: https://catalog.illinois.edu/undergraduate/aces/minors/spatial-quantitative-methods-natural-resources-environmental-sciences/
**Parent**: https://catalog.illinois.edu/degree-programs/undergraduate_index/
*for the Undergraduate Minor in Spatial and Quantitative Methods in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences*
---
The Spatial and Quantitative Methods in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences minor is ideal for students in NRES and allied fields seeking preparation for careers requiring skills in geographic information systems, statistics, research design, and/or mathematical modeling. This minor is open to students in all majors and is especially relevant for those pursuing a major related to natural resource and environmental issues who want to distinguish themselves with more advanced analytical skills. In order to be eligible to declare this minor, a student must have successfully completed:
1. [MATH 220](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MATH%20220 "MATH 220"), [MATH 221](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MATH%20221 "MATH 221") or [MATH 234](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MATH%20234 "MATH 234")
2. [CPSC 241](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CPSC%20241 "CPSC 241"), [ECON 202](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=ECON%20202 "ECON 202"), [PSYC 235](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=PSYC%20235 "PSYC 235"), [SOC 280](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=SOC%20280 "SOC 280") or [STAT 100](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=STAT%20100 "STAT 100")
The minor requires the completion of an additional 18 hours of coursework selected from the [required courses list](https://catalog.illinois.edu/undergraduate/aces/minors/spatial-quantitative-methods-natural-resources-environmental-sciences/#degreerequirementstext). Students must earn credit for at least three hours in each of the three categories. At least six hours of 400-level courses must be distinct from any credit earned for the student’s major, concentration, and any other minor.
*for the Undergraduate Minor in Spatial and Quantitative Methods in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences*
---
Course List
| Code | Title | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Required Courses for a Minor in Spatial and Quantitative Methods in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences | | |
| Statistics & Research Design | | |
| Select one of the following: | | 3-4 |
| [NRES 340](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=NRES%20340 "NRES 340") | Environ Social Sci Res Meth | |
| [NRES 421](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=NRES%20421 "NRES 421") | Quantitative Methods in NRES | |
| [CPSC 440](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CPSC%20440 "CPSC 440") | Applied Statistical Methods I | |
| [NRES 445](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=NRES%20445 "NRES 445") | Statistical Methods | |
| [STAT 200](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=STAT%20200 "STAT 200") | Statistical Analysis | |
| Mathematical Modeling | | |
| Select one of the following: | | 3-4 |
| [NRES 401](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=NRES%20401 "NRES 401") | Watershed Hydrology | |
| [NRES 403](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=NRES%20403 "NRES 403") | Watersheds and Water Quality | |
| [NRES 407](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=NRES%20407 "NRES 407") | Wildlife Population Ecology | |
| [NRES 427](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=NRES%20427 "NRES 427") | Modeling Natural Resources | |
| [NRES 482](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=NRES%20482 "NRES 482") | Aquatic Biogeochemistry | |
| [NRES 490](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=NRES%20490 "NRES 490") | Surface Water System Chemistry | |
| [IB 494](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=IB%20494 "IB 494") | Theoretical Biology + Models | |
| [ABE 227](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=ABE%20227 "ABE 227") | Computer-Aided Problem-Solving for ABE I | |
| [ABE 228](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=ABE%20228 "ABE 228") | Computer-Aided Problem-Solving for ABE II | |
| Spatial Analysis | | |
| Select one of the following: | | 3-5 |
| [CPSC 444](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CPSC%20444 "CPSC 444") | Introduction to Spatial Analytics | |
| [NRES 454](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=NRES%20454 "NRES 454") | GIS in Natural Resource Mgmt | |
| [NRES 455](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=NRES%20455 "NRES 455") | Advanced GIS for Environmental Management | |
| [NRES 465](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=NRES%20465 "NRES 465") | Landscape Ecology | |
| [GGIS 460](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=GGIS%20460 "GGIS 460") | Aerial Photo Analysis | |
| [GGIS 476](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=GGIS%20476 "GGIS 476") | Environmental Remote Sensing | |
| [GGIS 477](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=GGIS%20477 "GGIS 477") | Introduction to Remote Sensing | |
| [GGIS 478](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=GGIS%20478 "GGIS 478") | Techniques of Remote Sensing | |
| [GGIS 489](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=GGIS%20489 "GGIS 489") | Programming for GIS | |
| Minimum hours required for the minor | | 18 |
*for the Undergraduate Minor in Spatial and Quantitative Methods in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences*
---
The Spatial and Quantitative Methods in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Minor provides students skills in geographic information systems, statistics, research design, and/or mathematical modeling. Courses in the minor are also part of the NRES major and each course addresses one or more of the following NRES major learning outcomes.
1. Understand the scientific method/ways of knowing and critically evaluate information.
2. Integrate principles of biological, chemical, physical, and social sciences and apply them to resource and environmental issues using a systems approach.
3. Understand ecological principles underpinning management of resources, populations, communities, and ecosystems.
4. Use data collection and analysis tools (such as field methods, GIS, modeling, and statistics) to develop plans for managing resource/environmental challenges and adapt plans in response to rapid change.
5. Understand the policies governing resources and the environment and identify social dimensions (stakeholders, interests, trade‐offs, synergies, ethical principles) to consider in the development of management plans.
6. Communicate effectively with colleagues, stakeholders, and the public about environmental and resource management issues.
7. Recognize how diverse groups understand the environment, experience positive and negative environmental impacts, and perceive just and equitable solutions.
*for the Undergraduate Minor in Spatial and Quantitative Methods in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences*
---
## **Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences**
[Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences website](https://nres.illinois.edu/)\
W-503 Turner Hall\
1102 S. Goodwin Ave.\
Urbana, IL 61801\
(217) 333-2770\
[nres@illinois.edu](mailto:nres@illinois.edu)
### **Advising**
[Advising Website](https://nres.illinois.edu/academics/undergraduate-degree/academic-resources)\
(217) 333-5824\
[nres-ssc@illinois.edu](mailto:nres-ssc@illinois.edu)
## **College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences**
[College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences website](https://aces.illinois.edu/)
## **ACES Office of Academic Programs**
128 Mumford Hall\
1301 West Gregory Drive\
Urbana, IL 61801\
(217) 333-3380\
[aces-academics@illinois.edu](mailto:aces-academics@illinois.edu)
### **Admissions**
[ACES Undergraduate Admissions](https://aces.illinois.edu/admissions)\
[University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Undergrad Admissions](https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/)\
(217) 333-3380\
[visitACES@illinois.edu](mailto:visitACES@illinois.edu)