Program Overview

Geoinformatics and Geospatial Analytics, Ph.D.

The Geoinformatics and Geospatial Analytics Ph.D. program at Saint Louis University focuses on the science and technology dealing with the acquisition, storage, processing, production, presentation, and dissemination of geoinformation using the theory and practical implications of geodesy within information science infrastructure.

Program Highlights

• The program provides students with in-depth knowledge in geoinformatics and geospatial analytics required for solving todays grand challenges, such as climate change, public health, refugees and migration, transportation safety, and food, water, and human security from local to global scales.
• Graduates of the Ph.D. program will gain the multidisciplinary knowledge and quantitative skills necessary to handle big geospatial data and solve big problems.

Curriculum Overview

• This 45-credit Ph.D. program focuses on educating next-generation talent with advanced and emerging technologies like machine learning/AI, satellite geodesy, image analysis, change detection, GIS modeling, photogrammetry, and automation that are critical to developing research skills to address todays grand societal challenges.
• The curriculum includes a 21-credit core, 12 credits of electives, and 12 credits of dissertation research.

Core Requirements

• GIS 5030: Geospatial Data Management (3 credits)
• GIS 5040: Introduction to Remote Sensing (3 credits)
• GIS 5050: Digital Image Processing (3 credits)
• GIS 5061: Photogrammetry (3 credits)
• GIS 5080: Digital Cartography and Geovisualization (3 credits)
• GIS 5090: Introduction to Programming for GIS and Remote Sensing (3 credits)
• GIS 5120: Geospatial Analytics (3 credits)

Elective Courses

• GIS 5010: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
• GIS 5091: Advanced Programming for GIS and Remote Sensing
• GIS 5092: Machine Learning for GIS and Remote Sensing
• GIS 5100: Microwave Remote Sensing: SAR Principles, Data Processing, and Applications
• GIS 5130: Human Geography
• GIS 5140: Satellite Geodesy
• CSCI 5750: Introduction to Machine Learning
• CSCI 5830: Computer Vision
• CSCI 5760: Deep Learning
• SOC 5670: Spatial Demography Applied Spatial Statistics

Dissertation Research

• Students take 12 hours total over multiple semesters (GIS 6990: Dissertation Research)

Admission Requirements

• Successful applicants possess sufficient GPA and English proficiency scores (for international students) and research interests compatible with ongoing research in the department.
• Application requirements include:
  • Application form
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcript(s)
  • Professional goal statement
  • Résumé
• GRE scores are optional.

Requirements for International Students

• Demonstrate English language proficiency
• Academic records must include an English translation.
• Unofficial copies may be accepted in some cases for initial admission review; however, official copies must be received prior to enrollment.
• Course-by-course transcript evaluations are accepted.
• Students must submit financial documents to be issued an I-20 for their F-1 visa application.
• Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University

Tuition

• Graduate Tuition: $1,400 per credit
• Additional charges may apply.

Scholarships, Assistantships, and Financial Aid

• For priority consideration for a graduate assistantship, apply by the program admission deadlines listed.
• Fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and may include health insurance and a tuition scholarship for the duration of the award.

Continuation Standards

• Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmap

The roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for the program and assumes full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.

• Year One:
  • Fall: GIS 5040, GIS 5061, GIS 5090 (9 credits)
  • Spring: GIS 5030, GIS 5050, GIS 5080 (9 credits)
• Year Two:
  • Fall: GIS 5120, GIS Elective, GIS Elective (9 credits)
  • Spring: GIS Elective, GIS Elective (6 credits)
• Year Three and Four:
  • Dissertation Research (GIS 6990) for 12 credits over multiple semesters.