Program Overview

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence Analytics is an online program offered by Penn State World Campus. This program is designed to help jumpstart or advance a career as a geospatial intelligence or imagery analyst. It applies geospatial information science and technology (GIST), knowledge of spatial relationships, and cognitive processes to improve problem-solving and decision-making.

Program Details

• The program is 100% online, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace.
• The application deadline for the spring semester is December 15, with classes starting on January 7.
• The program consists of 15 credits, with a cost of $1,037 per credit.
• The program is divided into 10-week terms, allowing students to finish their program faster with accelerated terms.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Integrate science, analytics, and the intelligence process to identify prominent threats to civil security.
• Use geospatial data to address problem scenarios faced by the geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) professional.
• Understand how GIS facilitates data analysis and communication to address common problems.
• Apply and interpret results of non-quantitative analysis and modeling techniques.

Online Geospatial Intelligence Analytics Certificate Courses

The program's customizable curriculum is designed to address the needs of both experienced practitioners and novice analysts. The courses focus on technical skills and analytical knowledge necessary to apply those skills in the real world.

Required Courses

• GEOG 571: Intelligence Analysis, Cultural Geography, and Homeland Security (3 credits)
• GEOG 882: Geographic Foundations of Geospatial Intelligence (3 credits)
• GEOG 594A: Culminating Experiences in Geospatial Intelligence Analysis (1 credit)
• GEOG 883: Remote Sensing Image Analysis and Applications (3 credits)
• GEOG 884: Spatial Data Science and Intelligence Analysis (3 credits)

Career Opportunities

The program can help start or advance a career as a:

• Geospatial intelligence analyst
• Midsenior-level geospatial intelligence analyst
• Imagery analyst
• Intelligence image analyst
• Remote sensing scientist or technician
• Remote sensing program manager

Costs and Financial Aid

• Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which a student registers.
• Tuition rates for the 2025-26 academic year are $1,037 per credit for 11 or fewer credits and $12,448 per semester for 12 or more credits.
• Students pursuing this certificate may be eligible for federal student aid.
• Penn State offers many ways to pay for education, including an installment plan and third-party payments.

Accelerated Admission to an Online Master's Program

Any geospatial certificate student who earns a 3.67 grade-point average or higher after completing the first three courses of the certificate may qualify for accelerated admission to the Master of Geographic Information Systems, Master of Science in Spatial Data Science, or Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security – Intelligence and Geospatial Analysis Option.

Faculty

The program is offered in partnership with Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. The faculty includes:

• Anthony C. Robinson, Ph.D.
• James Detwiler
• Fritz Kessler
• Karen Schuckman
• Gregory Thomas

News

The program has been featured in various news articles, including "Unlocking the Future of Geospatial Intelligence at Penn State with Greg Thomas" and "2024 Murphy Award honors Air Force veteran."

Student Success Story

A graduate of the program, Rusty Rex, stated that the World Campus certificate gave him an extra dimension to his professional toolkit and more drive and confidence to always continue thinking and ask questions in the office and in everyday life.

Other Academic Programs

Penn State World Campus also offers other academic programs, including:

• Geographic Information Systems - GIS (Master's Degree program)
• Geographic Information Systems - GIS (Postbaccalaureate Certificate program)
• Homeland Security – Intelligence and Geospatial Analysis Option (Master of Professional Studies program)
• Spatial Data Science (Master of Science program)