Program Overview

Introduction to the Certificate Program

The Certificate Program in Geospatial Intelligence is accredited by the United States Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Foundation (USGIF) and is designed for individuals engaged in geospatial intelligence applications. This program is a perfect fit for those currently employed by federal agencies, working in the corporate sector, or entering the field. Through this program, students will acquire essential GEOINT knowledge and develop the skills necessary to apply this knowledge effectively in diverse geospatial intelligence scenarios.

Qualifications

To qualify for the certificate, students must have a cumulative average of "B" for all core courses and get a "C" or better in each one. As required by USGIF, students should also submit a portfolio of their geospatial work to demonstrate their geospatial skills. This portfolio should comprise four paragraphs and supporting evidence for each paragraph, addressing individual core competencies such as:

• GIS and Analysis Tools
• Remote Sensing and Imagery Analysis
• Geospatial Data Management
• Data Visualization

Core Courses

The core courses for the certificate program include:

• GEOG 215: Cartography and GIS
• GEOG 216: Earth Observation and GPS
• GEOG 365: Cartography and Geospatial Visualization
• GEOG 366: Intermediate Geographic Information Systems
• GEOG 385: Principles of Remote Sensing
• IA 200: Introduction to National Security Intelligence
• CISE 460: Selected Topics in Intelligence Analysis

Course Objectives

The objectives of the overall certificate program are to assure that students who complete the program can:

• Explain basic concepts of geospatial intelligence
• Identify various potential sources of data, along with their strengths and weaknesses
• Describe how technology can help in dealing with a variety of issues, such as data management
• Identify and apply appropriate methods of research and analysis, including multidisciplinary perspectives
• Assess the quality of their work based on rigorous standards of critical thinking
• Work effectively in teams, including using planning and time management
• Communicate the results of research and analysis effectively orally, in writing, and through visualizations

Careers

Geospatial intelligence is a career that allows individuals to make a direct difference in people's lives and make the world a better and safer place. Some activities being undertaken by recent graduates include using geospatial technologies such as GIS and satellite/aerial imagery to:

• Help communities predict and respond to natural disasters
• Predict where violence may break out
• Help respond to the migration crises
• Protect US infrastructure from terrorist attacks
• Create maps and other data used by soldiers and other people on the ground in conflict areas

This career has a bright future and solid compensation, with the US Department of Labor listing it as a career with a 'bright outlook' and as a 'green career'. The industry is growing at approximately 10% per year, with growth expected to continue into the future. According to a study conducted by the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 68% of geospatial technology employees earn over $50,000/year, and 41% earn over $75,000.