The GEOINT applications certificate is ideal if you want to enter the field of geospatial intelligence or become more competitive within it. Penn State strives to offer a flexible curriculum to help you meet your professional and personal commitments. The program comprises five required courses totaling 13 credits, and the curriculum integrates geospatial information science and analytic thinking in a synergistic manner. The credits earned in this certificate program count toward Penn State's online Master of Geographic Information Systems degree, if you are accepted into the highly competitive master's program.
Prescribed Courses (13 credits)
- GEOG 882: Geographic Foundations of Geospatial Intelligence (3 credits)
- GEOG 482: Making Maps That Matter with GIS (3 credits)
- GEOG 483: Problem Solving with GIS (3 credits)
- GEOG 480: Exploring Imagery and Elevation Data in GIS Applications (3 credits)
- GEOG 594A: Culminating Experience in Geospatial Intelligence (1 credit capstone)
The GEOINT Applications postbaccalaureate certificate course content focuses not just on technical skills but also on the analytical knowledge necessary to apply those skills in the real world. In the capstone course, you will apply what you have learned to complete a semester-long virtual field experience.
Program Flexibility
The GEOINT Applications certificate program will operate on five 10-week terms. With two terms that partially overlap in fall and spring, and one term in the summer, you are provided with the greatest flexibility possible in completing your certificate at your preferred pace. You can choose to schedule your courses without any overlap, or take as many courses as possible to finish sooner.
Registration for most courses begins three months before the start of the course. Given the limited number of seats available in our courses, early registration is strongly encouraged.
It is strongly recommended that you take only one course during each of the five terms.
Course List - Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence Applications
In order to determine the first day you are able to register for classes, enter your semester, campus location, and student level into the Registrar's Registration Timetable. Note: Certificate students are considered "nondegree" as their student level.
| Title | Abbreviation | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geographic Foundations of Geospatial Intelligence | GEOG 882 | Orientation to the geographic foundations of geospatial intelligence and its applications in national security, international relief work, and disaster management. **This course is a prerequisite for all other courses in the certificate program and must be taken before enrollment in any of the other courses.** |
3 credits |
| Exploring Imagery and Elevation Data in GIS Applications | GEOG 480 | An introductory-level course focusing on the use of remotely sensed imagery and elevation data in GIS applications. | 3 credits |
| Making Maps That Matter with GIS | GEOG 482 | Case studies, student investigations, and projects reveal the scope, impact, and character of the Geospatial Revolution. | 3 credits |
| Problem Solving with GIS | GEOG 483 | How geographic information systems facilitate data analysis and communication to address common geographic problems. Prerequisite: GEOG 482 |
3 credits |
| Culminating Experiences in Geospatial Intelligence | GEOG 594A | Culminating Experiences in current professional and ethical problems facing the geospatial intelligence professional. Prerequisite: GEOG 882, GEOG 480, GEOG 482, GEOG 483 or equivalent courses This course is a capstone course that must be taken after all the other courses in the certificate program have been successfully completed. |
1 credit |
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.