Program Overview

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Remote Sensing and Earth Observation is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to leverage data gathered from drones, satellites, and lidar. This certificate focuses on remote sensing, terrain mapping, and image analysis, drawing upon the resources of one of the most respected online GIS programs in the U.S.

Program Details

• The program is 100% online, allowing students to complete their coursework at their own pace.
• The application deadline is December 15 to start January 7.
• The program consists of 12 credits, with a cost of $1,037 per credit.
• The program operates on five 10-week terms, providing students with flexibility in completing their degree.

Program Objectives

• Work with remotely sensed imagery and terrain models.
• Use computational methods to automate the spatial analysis of earth observation data and integrate those skills into a GIS workflow.
• Collect data and analyze images to provide spatial insights for improved decision-making in business, crisis management, natural resources and energy, urban planning, and public safety.
• Prepare to sit for the GISP, ASPRS, and/or USGIF certification exams.

Required Courses

• GEOG 480: Exploring Imagery and Elevation Data in GIS Applications (3 credits)
• GEOG 481: Topographic Mapping with Lidar (3 credits)
• GEOG 883: Remote Sensing Image Analysis and Applications (3 credits)

Electives

• GEOG 589: Emerging Trends in Remote Sensing (3 credits)
• GEOG 892: Geospatial Applications of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) (3 credits)

Career Opportunities

The knowledge gained from this program can be used to pursue careers in a variety of fields, including business, crisis management, natural resources and energy, urban planning, and public safety.

Admission Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a tertiary degree deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution.
• Official transcripts from each institution attended.
• English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores).
• No GRE test scores are required.

Tuition and Financial Aid

• Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register.
• Tuition rates for the 2025-26 academic year: $1,037 per credit for 11 or fewer credits, $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 your education, including an installment plan and third-party payments.

Faculty

• Brandi Gaertner, Ph.D., assistant teaching professor of spatial data science.
• Karen Schuckman, M.S., teaching professor of geographic information systems.
• Anthony C. Robinson, Ph.D., professor of geography and director of online geospatial education.