Geoinformatics and Geospatial Intelligence, MS

Program Overview

The program offers a balance of core courses in GIS, remote sensing, and spatial data structures, with electives allowing for specialization in image analysis, geographic information science, or computational geoinformatics. Graduates are equipped for careers in geospatial intelligence, geographic information systems, remote sensing, and data science in various industries including government, defense, environmental, and urban planning.

Program Outline

The program emphasizes the following:

• Geographic Information Science: Fundamentals and applications.
• Digital Image Analysis: As it relates to geoinformatics and geospatial intelligence.
• Computational Principles: For geoinformatics and intelligence.
While geospatial intelligence is often associated with the Department of Defense, the program's principles have broad applications, including:
• Intelligent navigation in urban spaces.

• Emergency response systems for natural and man-made disasters.

Outline:

The program requires a total of 30 credits and is structured as follows:

Core Courses (18 credits):

• GGS 553 Geographic Information Systems (3 credits): Covers the fundamentals of GIS, including data acquisition, management, analysis, and visualization.
• GGS 579 Remote Sensing (3 credits): Explores the principles and applications of remote sensing, including data acquisition, processing, and interpretation.
• GGS 664 Spatial Data Structures (3 credits): Focuses on the theoretical foundations and practical applications of spatial data structures.
• GGS 684 Selected Topics in Geospatial Intelligence (3 credits): Provides an in-depth exploration of current topics in geospatial intelligence.
• GGS 685 Capstone Course in Geoinformatics (3 credits): A culminating experience that integrates knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program.
• GGS 787 Scientific Data Mining for Geoinformatics (3 credits): Covers data mining techniques and their application to geoinformatics problems.

Thesis or Non-thesis Option (3 credits):

• Thesis Option: Students complete a thesis (GGS 799, 3 credits).
• Non-thesis Option: Students complete a comprehensive exam (GGS 700, 1 credit) and a master's research project (GGS 798, 2 credits).

Electives (9 credits):

Students choose three courses from the following groupings, with no more than two courses from a single group:

• Image Analysis: GGS 562, GGS 622, GGS 626, GGS 629, GGS 680, GGS 740, GGS 760, GGS 840
• Geographic Information Science: GGS 550, GGS 563, GGS 653, GGS 675, GGS 791

Careers:

The program prepares graduates for careers in various fields, including:

• Geospatial Intelligence: Working with government agencies, defense contractors, and private companies.
• Geographic Information Systems: Developing and managing GIS systems for various organizations.
• Remote Sensing: Analyzing and interpreting remote sensing data for environmental monitoring, resource management, and other applications.
• Students can add a secondary graduate certificate program to their master's degree.
• The program is offered by the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science in the College of Science.
• The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the theoretical principles and practical applications of geoinformatics and geospatial intelligence.
• The program is relevant to a wide range of industries and sectors, including government, defense, environmental, and urban planning.