Geospatial Intelligence Certificate

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

Students working at computers.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Bob Watrel, Department Head
Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences
109 Wecota Hall
605-688-4511

Program Information

Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) is a broad field that encompasses the intersection of geospatial data with social, political, environmental, and numerous other factors. Geospatial Intelligence refers to the use of geospatial technologies to extract information for decision advantage in humanitarian response, strategic defense, security or investigative analysis. The Geospatial Intelligence Certificate focuses on geospatial techniques (GIS, remote sensing, data management, etc.) and analytical courses to provide students with foundational knowledge for success in the GEOINT community. This certificate is open to all students with an interest in a credential for working in national security, emergency management, or public safety careers.

Course Delivery Format

Coursework for the program is delivered in multiple formats including face-to-face lecture and online courses.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the certificate in Geospatial Intelligence, students will:

Understand basic concepts, components, structures, and functionalities of geographic information science (GISc).
Use common GISc techniques to collect, analyze, process, and present spatial or geographical data.
Demonstrate critical thinking skills in solving geospatial problems.
Communicate and present geographic data, theories, philosophies, and concepts in oral, written, and visual forms with ethical engagement and respect for the diversity of individuals, groups, and cultures.

Certificate Requirements

GEOG 547 - Geography of the Future (COM) Credits: 3 (Capstone)
or GEOG 790 - Seminar (COM) Credits: 1-4 (3 credits required) (Capstone)
GEOG 573 - GIS Data Creation/Integration Credits: 2
GEOG 573L - GIS: Data Creation and Integration Lab Credits: 1
GEOG 580 - Satellite Remote Sensing Credits: 2
GEOG 580L - Satellite Remote Sensing Lab Credits: 1

Select from the following

Select six credits from the following list. Credits: 6

GEOG 571 - Programming for Geospatial Data Analysis Credits: 3
GEOG 574 - GIS: Vector & Raster Modeling Credits: 2
GEOG 574L - GIS: Vector and Raster Modeling Lab Credits: 1
GEOG 575 - GIS Applications Credits: 2
GEOG 575L - GIS Applications Lab Credits: 1
GEOG 576 - Web GIS Credits: 2
GEOG 576L - Web GIS Lab Credits: 1
GEOG 577 - Spatial Databases Credits: 2
GEOG 577L - Spatial Databases Lab Credits: 1
GEOG 741 - Quantitative Remote Sensory for Terrestrial Monitoring Credits: 3
GEOG 760 - Advanced Methods in Geospatial Modeling: Topical Credits: 3
GEOG 784 - Machine Learning for Remote Sensing and GIS Credits: 3
GEOG 786 - Geographic Information Systems Credits: 3

Total Required Credits: 15

Additional Admission Requirements

TOEFL: 71 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 7.5
IELTS: 6.0
Duolingo: 100

Additional Information

Students enrolled in SDSU certificate programs are not eligible for federal student financial aid. The non-federal alternative loan programs may be used for students meeting the lender criteria as found at www.sdstate.edu (search alternative loans). For further information, please contact the SDSU financial aid office at 605-688-4695 or finaid@sdstate.edu.