Why Earn a Master's Degree or Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security Geospatial Intelligence?
A master's degree or graduate certificate in geospatial intelligence will prepare students for careers in business security, national security, disaster relief and response, the military, as well as with government, health care, humanitarian, and environmental agencies. A degree or certificate in geospatial intelligence is an ideal pursuit for those already working in such fields but want to transition into managerial or leadership roles.
What Skills Will I Learn While Studying for the Homeland Security Geospatial Intelligence Master's Degree or Graduate Certificate?
While studying for a master's degree or graduate certificate in Homeland Security Geospatial intelligence, students will be exposed to and prepared for important field-related competencies, including:
- Understand spatial science as it pertains to the environment, society, and politics.
- Participate in risk analysis and create emergency response plans.
- Interpret and anticipate surveillance and navigation demands.
- Build leadership skills and learn to function in high-stress, turbulent environments.
- Assess damage in the wake of disasters and create disaster relief scenarios.
- Successfully collaborate and work with others.
- Investigate, evaluate, and categorize potential hazards and threats, both domestic and abroad.
How are Geospatial Intelligence Courses Taught?
Master's degree and graduate certificate programs in geospatial intelligence promote the value of hands-on experience. Most programs examine real-world security issues and disasters, both natural and man-made, so students can gain the deepest understanding of how to assess and respond to present and future dangers. Most programs also require the completion of a project or practicum in order to graduate. Again, this affords students the opportunity to gain a vast amount of real-world experience, so they can be well on their way to becoming experts in the field of geospatial intelligence.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Master's Degree or Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence?
A graduate degree in geospatial intelligence requires approximately thirty to thirty-four credits to complete, while a graduate certificate requires anywhere from twelve to sixteen credits to complete, depending on the program.
How do Online Master's Degrees or Graduate Certificates in Homeland Security - Geospatial Intelligence Work?
Since most master's degree and graduate certificate programs in geospatial intelligence are designed with working professionals in mind, most universities offer the option to attend classes in person or online. Some schools, like the University of Maryland, stream lectures online so students may join and participate in real time or view them later. Labs are available in the same way, and students can access lab materials online or have lab kits mailed to them. Additionally, many courses are held solely at night, again, with working professionals in mind.
What if I Have Questions about the Online Geospatial Intelligence Master's Degree Format and Process?
Universities understand the value of time, and many offer upper-level and post-graduate degrees completely online. Because the market has become so saturated with choices, consider the following when researching an online master's or certificate program:
- Is the school accredited?
- What is the time commitment involved for researching projects and work completed in the field, if any?
- If field work is a requirement, does the school assist with placement?
- Are the courses taught by experts in the field of geospatial intelligence and what are their credentials?
- What type of work study and/or financial aid does the school offer, if any?
- What course materials and resources are available to students completing their degree online?
- Is there a support system among students, as well as among students and teachers?
What Will I Need to be Successful Studying Online?
An online degree in geospatial intelligence requires a level of time management other online master's degree and graduate certificates perhaps may not. Since most programs are designed for working professionals and require field work, effective time management is key. Students should set a goal, create a study plan, establish a set routine, and stay organized in order to be successful.
Homeland Security - Geospatial Intelligence Online Master's Degree or Graduate Certificate Course Examples
Courses taught online in pursuit of an online Homeland Security - Geospatial intelligence master's degree include:
- Homeland Security: Social and Ethical Issues
- Geospatial Science Fundamentals
- Spatial Data Structures
- Disaster Communication
- Geospatial Communication
- Earth Image Processing
- Scientific Data Mining for Geoinformatics
- Geographic Foundations of Geospatial Intelligence
- Intro to Homeland Security
- Geospatial System Analysis and Design
- Geographical Information Analysis
- Environmental Application of GIS
- Cartography and Visualization
- GIS Database Development
- Cyber-Geography in Geospatial Intelligence
Tuition and Costs for an Online Master's Degree or Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence
Tuition to obtain an online master's degree or graduate certificate in geospatial intelligence can cost as little as $9,636 and as much as $63,342 annually. Additional costs include one-time admission and transcript fees, as well as lab fees, books, travel, and field-work related expenses.
What Kinds of Jobs Can I Do with a Homeland Security - Geospatial Intelligence Master's Degree or Graduate Certificate?
Those with a master's degree in geospatial intelligence can go on to pursue careers in the following:
- Cartographer/Photogrammetrist $61,140
- Senior Geographic Information Systems Technician $62,000
- Geospatial Analyst $57,565
- Geographic Information Systems Web Developer $60,903
- Geographic Information Systems Director $95,048
- Geospatial Analyst $57,565
- Intelligence Officer $90,000
What are the Benefits of Having a Master's Degree or Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security - Geospatial Intelligence?
A master's degree or graduate certificate in geospatial intelligence is intended for those who hold a bachelor's degree and/or for working professionals, especially those already working in government or environmental agencies. Obtaining a master's degree or graduate certificate in the geospatial intelligence will aid students in acquiring knowledge about homeland security overall, as well as the more finite subject matter involved with surveillance, intelligence, and geography, preparing them to be experts and leaders in a field that is growing at an accelerated rate.
How Can I Get More Information on Homeland Security Geospatial Intelligence?
More information on geospatial intelligence can be found at: