2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Geospatial Intelligence Graduate Certificate


Banner Code:  SC-CERG-GI

This graduate certificate program is for persons employed in geospatial intelligence applications (i.e., federal agency and/ or corporate or association personnel) or those interested in entering this field. Our program offers fundamental knowledge on geospatial intelligence and the ability to apply this knowledge to a diverse range of constantly evolving geospatial intelligence situations.

This program of study is offered by the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science in the College of Science.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to this graduate certificate program should hold a BA or BS degree in a discipline related to the certificate’s theme from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 3.00.  Applicants must submit a completed Mason graduate application, along with official transcripts, résumé, Virginia domicile classification form, and TOEFL scores if they are foreign nationals. GRE scores and letters of recommendation are not required but will considerably strengthen an application, if available.

Applicants should have undergraduate backgrounds that include courses in differential and integral calculus, and they should possess working knowledge of a computer programming language. Depending on the background of the individual student, the coordinator may recommend remedial or preparatory courses tailored to the student’s needs. Students may not pursue this certificate concurrent with any other graduate degree programs or certificates offered by COS (because this certificate will charge students a differential tuition rate). However, students enrolled in academic programs outside COS may enroll in this certificate program concurrently. Students may transfer no more than 3 credits into the certificate program with the approval of the academic director.

Certificate Requirements


The Geospatial Intelligence (GI) certificate requires a total of 18 credits, or 6 courses. These comprise five mandatory core courses and one elective. The mandatory core courses reflect the three key science emphases areas of this program, namely geospatial image analysis, spatial analysis, and information technology, as reflected in the following list of mandatory core courses:

Total: 18 credits