The Master of Science in Geospatial Intelligence (MS GEOINT) program encompasses a 30-credit (10 units of 3-credit courses) course structure comprising five core courses and a selection of five courses among electives. Our Master of Science in GEOINT program is one of a few MS programs in USA that have received the USGIF accreditation.

The Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence (GC GEOINT) program entails 12 credits from four courses (GEOG661, GEOG662, and two elective courses). The GC GEOINT is considered a subset of the MS GEOINT: the credits earned from a GC GEOINT can be transferred towards the MS GEOINT. Our GC GEOINT program is one of a few Graduate Certificates in USA that have received the USGIF accreditation.

Courses offered in MS and GC GEOINT expose students to material far beyond the existing offerings in geospatial information sciences (GIS) at UMD, and they cater to an entirely new population seeking employment and skills in the intelligence industry. MS and GC GEOINT provide us some “cover” at the higher end of the geospatial intelligence job market and specifically help UMD to distinguish itself from a growing cohort of university programs that are offering basic software-oriented GIS courses at the lower end of the market.

Courses are delivered in a hybrid format: Instructors present lectures and lead discussions tangibly in a classroom setting, while also streaming the lectures Online. Students that can attend in person may do so, while those that require access remotely can also participate (via Zoom). Similarly, laboratory sessions may be attended tangibly, or students may access instruction remotely using video conferencing and virtual machine access to our software and data at UMD.

Courses are scheduled in evenings (e.g. 5:30 pm - 8 pm) to accommodate working professionals. 
 

Program Course List:

The MS and GC in GEOINT consist of the following courses:

*Note: Courses* are shared from the MS GIS program.

Courses are subject to updates with the emergence of new technologies in the GEOINT industry.

Prerequisite Course List:

To get admission, the applicants are not required to have any GIS background. However, before starting the program, students must meet the GIS prerequisite. For students applying for Graduate Certificate and Masters track, only GIS is required as a prerequisite.  The prerequisite course Introduction to GIS is offered online during the Summer or Winter term proceeding the Fall or Spring term when the program starts. You can either take the prerequisite courses here at the University of Maryland or an equivalent course at other institutions. The prerequisite course does not count toward the degree. It is highly recommended for applicants who need to take a prerequisite course at UMD to submit their applications before the summer term starts.

Course Descriptions

GEOG661: Fundamentals of GEOINT
Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) is the collection, analysis, visualization and dissemination of geospatial information to support decision-making.  This course introduces the fundamental knowledge required to become a successful GEOINT practitioner, including the history of the GEOINT discipline, the intelligence applications of remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies, and how GEOINT products are used to support national security and humanitarian missions.  Upon completion of this course you will understand the roles that technology, policy, doctrine, government, and industry play in shaping the Geospatial Intelligence discipline, and develop the technical knowledge and domain expertise to create basic GEOINT products that provide context for decision-makers. 

• Prerequisites: None
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG662: Advances in GIS and Remote Sensing
Assuming a basic understanding of geographic information systems and services, and remote sensing techniques, this course focuses on state-of-the-art advances in geographic information science and remote sensing as they support geospatial intelligence. The course will focus on synergies between GIS and remote sensing in informatics, computer science, and spatial engineering, and their application to problem domains in human systems, physical systems, and cyberspace. Advances in GIS presents recent advances regarding fundamental issues of geo-spatial information science (space and time, spatial analysis, uncertainty modeling and geo-visualization), and new scientific and technological research initiatives for geo-spatial information science (such as spatial data mining, mobile data modeling, and location-based services). Advances in remote sensing will provide the opportunity to understand and work with the latest developments in the Remote Sensing datasets. The curriculum covers a wide range of remote sensing data interpretation and processing techniques.

• Prerequisites: None
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG664: GEOINT Systems and Platforms
There are numerous systems and platforms that support the collection, visualization and dissemination of Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT).  Platforms such as satellites and aircraft carry sensors systems that can detect both physical and man-made objects on the earth. Ground-based processing systems are used to analyze and visualize sensor data, and also to create and disseminate GEOINT products that guide decision-making. In this course you will learn how to develop and implement source-to-screen GEOINT workflows, and will understand how to use a system of systems approach to describe the programmatic and technical strengths and weaknesses of many different GEOINT systems and platforms.

• Prerequisites: None
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG665: Algorithms for GEOINT Analysis
With increasing sources and platforms of geospatial and imagery data, GEOINT analysts face new challenges in data exploitation and analytics. This course focuses on communicating the knowledge and capabilities that allow GEOINT analysts to be more efficient in analyzing and understanding the activities, relationships, and patterns discovered from these GEOINT sources. The purpose of this course is to expose students to fundamental algorithms in geospatial intelligence and their application in methodological and substantive domains, and their implementation in computer programs and software systems. This course provides an introduction to theoretical and applied aspects of GEOINT systems and quantitative methods with a focus on spatial analysis. Emphasis will be placed on the analysis of continuous and discrete geographical data for spatial problem-solving in both the human and physical spatial sciences. We will explore algorithms, data structures, and advanced computational topics. Implementation of algorithms will be explored through pseudo-code and a variety of scripting, data access, and programming languages.

• Prerequisites: Students should have a background in GIS (GEOG 662)
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG697: Capstone Project
The Capstone is an independent research project that demonstrates competence in geospatial intelligence technologies. This project can originate from an internship, from relevant work at a current or past employer, or can be developed in conjunction with GCIS faculty. The student will prepare a project report and presentation which shall contain an executive summary, background information including a literature review and establishment of requirements, a detailed technical description of the project data and methods, a discussion of results obtained, and final conclusions and recommendations. The final project submission will include all data, computer code and/or workflow documentation required to replicate the project results. In completing this project, students develop a concrete example of how GEOINT technologies can be applied to solve real-world problems, and begin developing a portfolio that can be presented to potential employers.

• Prerequisites: None
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG663: Big Data Analytics
This course is designed to introduce the analysis environment over big data sets (and tackling big data problems), primarily in geography and spatial sciences, but with broader appeal throughout the socio-behavioral sciences. Students will be introduced to a range of tools and environments that can be applied to the exploration, modeling, and visualization of big quantitative data. This course explores deep learning in the environment of Hadoop, Spark, Tensorflow, etc.

• Prerequisites: GEOG685
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG680: Geospatial Intelligence Networks
Networks are an important part of the Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) cycle, from the sensor networks that are used to collect raw geospatial information to the telecommunication networks that are used to disseminate finished GEOINT products.  Transportation networks, computer networks, social networks, and many other man-made and natural features can also be characterized by link-node network topology, and can be studied using network science methods.  Upon completion of this course you will be able to characterize and classify real-world GEOINT networks and their components, understand network dynamics including routing, scalability, and robustness, and be able to apply engineering methods for network design and network analysis.

• Prerequisites: None
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG682: Open Source Intelligence
Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) is information that is publicly available which is collected and analyzed to support decision-making.  The collection and analysis of OSINT is often considered to be the first step in developing an “all-source” intelligence product, where OSINT is fused with Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Measurement and Signature Intelligence (MASINT), and Human Intelligence (HUMINT).  In this course you will learn about the sources, ethics, and methods that are associated with OSINT, and will also develop knowledge and skills related to open-source geospatial technologies and organizations such as the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC).

• Prerequisites: None
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG683: Hazards and Emergency Management
Timely and accurate Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) is essential for protecting people from hazardous events such as floods, wildfires, tsunamis, hurricanes, industrial accidents, and terrorist attacks. GEOINT plays a critical role in all four stages of emergency management: preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery.  The use of remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) before, during, and after Hurricane Katrina and the 9/11 terror attacks are two of the case studies that are discussed during this course.  You will develop a deeper understanding of the emergency management successes and failures that occurred during these historic and deadly events, and learn the technical skills to develop and disseminate GEOINT products that support decision-making at all four stages of emergency management.

• Prerequisites: None
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG685: Machine Learning and Data Mining
This course is designed to introduce statistical and spatial analysis over machine learning in mining data sets (and tackling big data problems), primarily in geography and spatial sciences, but with broader appeal throughout the socio-behavioral sciences. Students will be introduced to a range of methods that can be applied to the exploration, modeling, and visualization of big quantitative data.This course explores data cleaning, statistical analysis, and data-mining for geospatial and non-geospatial data in structured and unstructured form, with an emphasis on large silos of data across diverse sources and assumptions.

• Prerequisites: GEOGG665
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG686: Mobile GIS and Geocomputing
Designed as an introduction to mobile GIS, to the programming concepts underlying mobile GIS development, and more importantly, to the design and implementation of a mobile GIS application. Covers how to develop, test, and publish mobile GIS native apps working across two mobile platforms: Android and iOS. Leverages the capabilities of JavaScript, Swift, Google maps, ArcGIS Server and runtime SDK to develop and publish mobile GIS apps.

• Prerequisites: None
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG687: Applied GEOINT- Regional GeoStrategic Issues
This course of study applies a geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) lens when examining the political, military, economic, and cultural effects of geography in historical and contemporary terms: the specific emphasis is placed on the role of geography in the formulation of regional, e.g., Africa, military/political policy in land power, sea power, and air power. Comprehensive geopolitical theories will be incorporated with geospatial technologies as analytical tools in this course.

• Prerequisites: None
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG646: Intro to Programming for GIS
This course provides an introduction to computer programming using Python and web programming languages. It is required for students in the MSGIS program before they enroll in the more advanced programming courses (GEOG656). This course teaches students the fundamental concepts of computer science. Students will learn about the components of a computer program such as data management, conditional statements, iterative statements, and file processing. Students will develop programs and web apps for the purpose of automating tasks and assisting with data analysis.

• Prerequisites: None
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG656: Advanced Programming and Scripting for GIS
This course teaches programming and scripting for GIS users. The concepts of scripting and object-oriented programming using the Python programming language are reviewed. This course teaches students to design clearly structured programs and introduces ArcPy, a library providing access to ArcGIS geoprocessing tools. ArcPy includes a series of modules such as data access, mapping, spatial analysis, and network analysis. Students will develop geoprocessing programs to edit, query, manipulate, and analyze spatial data (both vector and raster data) with Python, ArcPy, and other modules like NumPy.

• Prerequisites: GEOG646
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG660: Advanced Remote Sensing using Lidar
This course will expand on remote sensing concepts with a focus on light detection and ranging (lidar) technology. Lidar, also known as laser scanning, is an active remote sensing tool that can produce high-resolution point clouds. This course will cover the fundamentals of lidar, explore current developments in lidar technology, and discuss different applications where it is being used. Students will get hands-on learning about lidar data management, processing, and analysis. It is recommended that students have some background in spatial modeling and computer programming.

• Prerequisites: Students should have a background in passive remote sensing analysis.
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG666: Drones and Data Collection
Topics covered in this class include: how to prepare students to obtain their FAA Remote Pilot License; understand how to pick drone systems for a data need; and utilize Pix4D to process drone imagery. Before talking about data students will learn about drone and aviation-specific laws that will affect them while carrying out operations. Once legal limitations of drone flights have been covered the course will shift toward learning how to select a drone system based on specifications of the equipment and needs of the project. Students will then move on to data processing utilizing Pix4D, Python, and Bash to clean data and automate processing. By the end of the course students should be prepared to design flight plans taking into account regulations, data requirements, and environmental impacts.

• Prerequisites: None
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG677: Web GIS
This course is designed to: (1) introduce the concepts and theories that are related to an increasingly important technology – Internet/Web GIS; (2) introduce various technologies or techniques for creating, analyzing, and disseminating GIS data and services via the Internet. The topics covered include the hardware/software structure of the Internet (e.g. server-client model, TCP/IP protocol), the evolution of Web GIS, and most importantly, different technology options. Students will be required to practice almost all of the Web GIS tools including Google Map API, ArcGIS Server, JavaScript API, GeoJSON, Mapbox, and Leaflet. Students will also be exposed to the experience of working with the cloud environment such as AWS EC2 and ArcGIS Online

• Prerequisites: It is recommended students have some background in basic web design
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

Introduction to GIS

An introduction to the basic concepts and techniques of geographic information systems/science (GIS). Topics include map interpretation of spatial and environmental relationships, cartographic principles, raster and vector data manipulation, projections and coordinate systems, geospatial data entry and collection, creating and editing geodatabases, and brief spatial analysis. Examples of GIS applications in government, business, and society will be presented. Lab demonstrations use GIS software to practice various techniques for exploring, manipulating, and analyzing geospatial data. Students will develop a conceptual and practical foundation that will serve as a gateway to more advanced GIS courses. 

• Prerequisites: Admission to the MS GEOINT program. Credits received for this course will not count toward the degree.

STEP 1: Qualifications

Frequently Asked Questions

• Important Dates, Courses, and Registration
• ELMS, Email, and Software
• Departmental and Campus Services
• Graduate Forms and Financial Aid

Important Dates, Courses, and Registration [Back To FAQ]

1. Where can I find an updated list of courses, schedule and contact information?

• The best place to locate all pertinent information regarding the MS and GC GEOINT programs is to visit the program website at https://geospatial.umd.edu/education/overview

2.  How do I register for MS courses?

• With the UMD email account, you can go to TESTUDO at http://www.testudo.umd.edu/ to register for the courses online by yourself. Register for ALL courses by:

1. Clicking on Registration (Drop/Add)
2. Logging into your account
3. Adding your desired courses
4. Click Submit and Sign-off

• Once you get your UMD account and register for classes, you will be automatically added to ELMS (http://elms.umd.edu). The instructors will send you the syllabus and other information before the class starts. Please note that you can attend the lectures and lab sessions either in real classroom or online. 

3.  What are the course dates, schedule adjustment periods, and withdrawal deadlines?

• MS courses do not meet for the standard semester or term dates. Courses with non-standard dates have different Schedule Adjustment periods and Drop with 'W' dates.
• Non-standard course date listings and schedule adjustment periods can be found HERE; 
• 12 week course Academic deadlines can be found HERE
• Schedule Adjustment information can be found HERE

4.  Where can I find an Incomplete Contract?

• If for any reason you are unable to complete all of the material for a course by the end of the course's term, you need to discuss this with the course instructor and fill out an Incomplete Contract 
• Send a copy of the signed contract to Kristen Halliday at khallida [at] umd.edu

5. What is the MS academic schedule?

• The schedule for each term changes slightly each year but is approximated as follows. You can find the schedule for the current year here: https://geospatial.umd.edu/education/study-plan

6.  What are the registration dates for each term for MS GEOINT courses?

• The Graduate School requires continuous registration.  If you need to miss a term, you must fill out a Waiver of Continuous Registration and email it to Erin Jacobs at ekjacobs [at] umd.edu before the start of the term.

8. What are the Graduate School policies and how can I request a modification?

• All Graduate School students must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA to retain admission status
• Some students are admitted provisionally. These students must receive a B or higher in all classes the first term or year.
• For a request of modify policy, a Waiver of Regulation must be filled out and emailed to Kristen Halliday at khallida [at] umd.edu
• A complete list of the Graduation School policies can be found HERE

ELMS, Email, and Software [Back To FAQ]

1. Where do I go to receive my photo identification card?

• Where to get your ID? What happens if you lose your ID? What programs and services are accessible with your ID? etc. You can find important information about students IDs here: http://registrar.umd.edu/current/Policies/id-cards.html
• For Lefrak Hall 24/7 access please contact: Erin Jacobs at ekjacobs [at] umd.edu

2. Where can I access free software such as office tools, downloads, design and productions and more?

• The University of Maryland provides free downloads of many software packages via Terpware: https://terpware.umd.edu

3. My ArcGIS license code has expired, where can I get a new one?

• Please contact Kristen Halliday at khallida [at] umd.edu
• Note: You can download and use ArcGIS Pro alongside ArcGIS for Desktop using your existing EVA license code: http://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/get-started/install-and-sign-in-to-arcgis-pro.ht

4. Who do I contact about issues relating to the GEOG servers or VMware?

• Please contact our tech staff at geoghelp [at] umd.edu

5. Who do I contact about issues relating to ELMS, such as log-in problems?

• ELMS offers 24/7 tech support at https://umd.service-now.com/itsc

6. How do I create and log in to my University email account?

• TERPmail is the email client used for the University of Maryland.
  • This link will guide you in creating your student Terpmail (email) account: https://cgi.oit.umd.edu/cgi-bin/account/activation.cgi
• With your Terpmail you will be able to access many UMD resources online.
  • How to activate your TERPmail: http://goingterpmail.umd.edu/user_actions.html

Departmental and Campus Services [Back To FAQ]

1. Where can I find information about the department's Computer Lab hours and policy?
   • The Department of Geographical Sciences has open computer labs in 1104, 1136 and 1138 LeFrak Hall. 
2. Where can I find information regarding on campus parking, shuttle information, maps and visitor directions?
   • The Department of Transportation Services has many helpful links and guides for on campus parking and shuttle information using the following links:
     • Parking http://www.transportation.umd.edu/student.html
     • Shuttle UM: http://www.transportation.umd.edu/shuttle.html
     • Directions to Mowatt Lane Garage: https://goo.gl/maps/1zjew2M9UCt
     • Directions to LeFrak Hall from Mowatt Lane: http://maps.umd.edu/map/
3. Where can I find information about recreational services?
   • You can find out about University gym memberships. Personal training and intramural sports and other facilities here: http://recwell.umd.edu/
4. Where can I find online resources to supplement the knowledge and skills that we learn in class?

• All UMD students have free access to LinkedIn Learning, an online library with thousands of videos and tutorials on a wide range of skills such as Python Programming, R Programming, and Web Programming. You can find the UMD login page for LinkedIn Learning here: linkedinlearning.umd.edu

MS & GC Graduation Process  [Back To FAQ]

I am ready to graduate! What do I need to do?

If you are graduating with either a Master's Degree or a Graduate Certificate, follow these steps:

• Complete an Application for Graduation within the first TEN DAYS of the term in which you will graduate. Visit testudo.umd.edu and click on Graduation Application & Diploma Status

Please remember that you must be registered for at least 1 credit during the term in which you are graduating. It is VERY important that you turn in ALL forms when they are due. If you miss the deadline for submission, the Graduate School requires a Waiver of Regulation Petition that can take up to two weeks to process and may delay your graduation.

Graduate Forms and Financial Aid  [Back To FAQ]

1. Where can I find Health Forms such as Immunization, Medical history etc.?
   • The University Health Center requires each student to complete and submit an immunization form in order to remove registration blocks. You can find the forms here: http://www.health.umd.edu/about/forms
2. Where can I find graduate school forms?
   • If you need any forms such as financial, petition and/or waiver you can find them here: http://gradschool.umd.edu/forms
3. Where can I access and pay my student bill or view my student account balance?
   • The Office of Student Financial Services and Cashiering (formerly Bursar's office): billpay.umd.edu
   • It includes everything students need to know about billing, payments, and refunds.  
   • Billing is run on the 25th of each month. Payment is due on the 20th of each month.
   • Students and families with questions about their accounts will continue to call us at (301) 314-9000 or visit us in the Financial Service Center, Suite 1135 in the Lee Building. 
4. Does MS GEOINT program provide financial aids (scholarships, assistantships, etc.)?
   • Unfortunately, MS GEOINT program does not provide financial support. Students are encouraged to seek support from their employers or external opportunities.
     • Students are eligible for Graduate Assistant positions offered by the University of Maryland that can help cover some of their tuitions. Positions can be found here: https://ejobs.umd.edu
     • Internships are available to students from different agencies and organizations.
     • Students are eligible to participate in federal scholarship programs.
5. What are the requirements for a loan?
   • If you need any information on loan requirements or financial aid you can go to the Office of Student Financial Aid website at http://www.financialaid.umd.edu
   • If you have any specific questions about loan requirements you can contact: Malina Heng at mheng [at] umd.edu or 301-314-9859
6. Currently serving or served in the army? Know your education benefits?
   • Serving in the Armed Forces gives you great benefits including education. More information about education benefit for a service member, veteran, or family member can be found here: https://www.registrar.umd.edu/veteran-benefits.html
   • Veterans may qualify for an Application fee waiver if they apply early.  

Contact Information