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 a joint project between the Geographic Science and Intelligence Analysis Programs in the School of Integrated Sciences. This program is designed for individuals engaged in geospatial intelligence applications, whether they are currently employed by federal agencies, working in the corporate sector, or entering the field.

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. Additionally, students are required to submit a portfolio of their geospatial work to demonstrate their geospatial skills. The 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 of the 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

The US Department of Labor lists geospatial intelligence as a career with a 'bright outlook' and as a 'green career', with the industry growing at approximately 10% per year. According to a study conducted by the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 68% of geospatial technology employees earn over $50,000 per year, and 41% earn over $75,000.