Environmental Conservation: Environmental Observation and Informatics, M.S.

Program Overview

This 15-month program combines hands-on training, distance learning, and cross-cutting Earth observation technologies to transform students into leaders in environmental observation and interpretation. Students master remote sensing, modeling, and analysis techniques, and develop innovative leadership skills to advance organizational response to environmental change. Graduates are prepared for careers in environmental observation and informatics, including roles in government, non-profits, and private industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program combines hands-on, in-person training with distance learning and integrates cross-cutting Earth observation, technologies, and big data analytics into one unique, 15-month, 32-credit program. Its goal is to transform students' technical expertise into integrative synthesis and leadership in environmental observation and interpretation to advance organizational response to environmental change at local, regional, and global scales. The EOI named option is designed for early to mid-career professionals worldwide who aspire to leadership roles in the environmental field, such as project or program manager, senior analyst, or similar. Individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Outline:

• Remote sensing and integrated technology:
Students will master the selection and application of powerful platforms and technologies, including LiDAR, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems, cloud and social media, and crowd-sourced data, to tackle pressing environmental challenges.
• Modeling and analysis:
Students will be trained to create scenarios of environmental phenomena to gain a deep understanding of natural processes and human actions. They will also learn to predict and project future outcomes and conduct robust statistical analyses with distributed data for the purpose of identifying trends and informing management and policy decisions.
• Innovative leadership:
Students will engage in strategic thinking to plan and implement the use of observation technologies that advance policy, program direction, and executive decisions.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods include a leadership placement proposal and work plan, as well as a substantial written report or deliverable for their host organization and an exit seminar presentation.

Teaching:

The program is designed to enhance students' ability to communicate effectively to policymakers and the general public about the implications of scientific findings.

• Students who are enrolled in this program will work closely with an assigned advisor throughout their coursework.
• The program's faculty includes experts with a wide range of backgrounds in environmental and remote sensing science, engineering, and social science

Careers:

Graduates are prepared for a variety of career options in the fields of environmental observation and informatics, including positions with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private industry. Examples of potential career paths include:

• Environmental Analyst
• Remote Sensing Specialist
• GIS Analyst
• Data Scientist
• Environmental Consultant
• Sustainability Manager