MS in Geospatial Intelligence
Geospatial intelligence informs and influences policy, military, diplomatic, environmental, and disaster relief and recovery decisions and operations by governments at every level. Increasingly, in non-governmental sectors, it is informing and influencing public health, business, infrastructure, energy, regulatory, and advocacy decisions.
The MS in Geospatial Intelligence program unites three fields of study: the history of geospatial intelligence; the science and mathematics of digital geography and its related databases; and the art of converting geospatial data into written, spoken, and visual intelligence. Students analyze historical intelligence examples to understand the development of the concepts and practices behind collection, analysis, reporting, and technology. They also focus on current challenges in the profession, among them the analytics and technology needed for the volume of current and future collection, the challenges of new sensors, and the development of new non-governmental geospatial communities.
Please note that this entry is for currently enrolled students only. The MS in Geospatial Intelligence program is not currently accepting new students.
Admissions Criteria for All Advanced Academic Programs
PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
Please note that this entry is for currently enrolled students only. The MS in Geospatial Intelligence program is not currently accepting new students.
Program Requirements
Students complete 12 courses to earn their degree:
- Eight required core courses
- One customizable core course
- Three elective courses
Please note that this entry is for currently enrolled students only. The MS in Geospatial Intelligence program is not currently accepting new students.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses - Required: | ||
| AS.472.600 | Introduction to Geospatial Intelligence | 3 |
| AS.430.601 | Geographic Information Systems (GIS) | 4 |
| AS.430.603 | Geospatial Statistics | 4 |
| AS.430.604 | Spatial Analytics | 4 |
| AS.473.600 | The Art & Practice of Intelligence | 3 |
| AS.430.612 | Cartographic Design and Visualization | 4 |
| AS.472.613 | Geospatial Law and Ethics | 3 |
| AS.472.800 | Capstone in Geospatial Intelligence | 3 |
| Core Courses - Customizable: | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Technical Collection of Intelligence | ||
| Remote Sensing: Systems and Applications | ||
| Electives | 9 | |
| Select three of the following: | ||
| Web GIS | ||
| Programming in GIS | ||
| Spatial Data Management: Quality and Control | ||
AS.430.611 | ||
| Advanced Topics in Remote Sensing | ||
| Big Data Analytics: Tools and Techniques | ||
| Advanced Python Scripting for GIS | ||
| Web Application Development | ||
| Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Geospatial Technology | ||
| Drones in Geospatial Decision Making | ||
| GIS for Emergency Management | ||
| Climate Change and National Security | ||
| Machine Learning Methods and Applications | ||
| Energy, Security, and Defense | ||
| Commercial Imagery and the Impact of Small Satellites | ||
| Analyzing Social Media and Geospatial Information | ||
| Geospatial Analysis: Communicating with Multiple Audiences | ||
| Applied Critical Thinking and Analysis | ||
| Intelligence Ethics | ||
| Intelligence Analysis | ||
| Total Credits | 40 | |
Learning Outcomes
The MS in Geospatial Intelligence weaves the history, science, mathematics, and art of geospatial analysis into a program that will enable its graduates to lead and shape this rapidly-growing intelligence discipline. The program combines recognized faculty with extensive geospatial experience and publications, an interactive and online curriculum, and the research resources, tools, and opportunities for its students to:
- Understand the history and evolution of geospatial intelligence and its enduring challenges.
- Develop the habits of mind and the conceptual framework to thrive as analysts, researchers, program leaders, and managers in the geospatial communities.
- Employ the appropriate mathematical models and scientific sensor knowledge necessary to design advanced commercial geospatial collection management for big data and small data problems, and to design geospatial databases for complex issues.
- Develop analytic processes and products as well as demonstrate the ability to communicate geospatial information and analysis accurately and persuasively in writing and briefing.
- Produce original research on the history and methodologies of geospatial intelligence.
Please note that this entry is for currently enrolled students only. The MS in Geospatial Intelligence program is not currently accepting new students.