Geographic Information Technology graduate students are now eligible for USGIF Geospatial Intelligence Certificates

Herndon, Virginia (Oct. 8, 2014) — The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) announced the addition of the Northeastern University College of Professional Studies Master’s in Geographic Information Technology (GIT) program to the list of USGIF-accredited college and university programs. Students who take a select combination of classes within the program will receive USGIF’s Geospatial Intelligence Certificate.

“I am thrilled by this opportunity to partner with the USGIF,” said Cordula Robinson, faculty director for the GIT program. “The USGIF certificate provides a distinguished qualification for our students and graduates to work in areas such as international relief, disaster management, and national security, with direct links to industry connected to USGIF. This is an exciting time in the industry and the certificate meshes well with Northeastern’s ongoing involvement with the Intelligence Community and homeland security.”

Students in the program are exposed to cutting-edge skills in geospatial technology and will have the opportunity to turn data into actionable knowledge and develop as professionals via a practitioner-based education approach.

“When educational institutions and foundations partner to advance the field of geospatial technology, it has the potential to help solve critical issues in our world today, thus improving people’s lives,” said John LaBrie, dean and vice president for professional education, Northeastern University College of Professional Studies.”

To date, USGIF has accredited nine collegiate Geospatial Intelligence Certificate Programs: Northeastern University, University of Redlands, University of Utah, George Mason University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Missouri–Columbia, University of Texas at Dallas, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Several more university programs are in the pipeline to achieve USGIF accreditation.

"The newly accredited geospatial intelligence program offered by Northeastern University provides an online alternative for many working professionals in the GEOINT Community who want to cultivate skills but are unable to attend a traditional bricks-and-mortar program,” said Dr. Maxwell Baber, USGIF’s director of academic programs. “This program has particular strengths in remote sensing and instructors with real GEOINT experience."

Through USGIF’s Geospatial Intelligence Certificate Program, colleges and universities apply to have the Foundation accredit geospatial intelligence programs accompanying a college degree. Students who meet high academic standards and graduate from accredited programs receive USGIF’s Geospatial Intelligence Certificate, which is the first of its kind. USGIF accreditation and associated certificates ensure the GEOINT Community has a robust workforce now and in the future. To date, more than 450 students have graduated with USGIF GEOINT Certificates.

About USGIF

USGIF is a nonprofit educational foundation dedicated to promoting the geospatial intelligence tradecraft and developing a stronger GEOINT Community with government, industry, academia, professional organizations, and individuals who apply geospatial intelligence to address national security challenges. USGIF’s mission is to build the community, advance the tradecraft, and accelerate innovation.

About Northeastern University College of Professional Studies

Northeastern University College of Professional Studies is one of nine colleges that form the university. Northeastern University is recognized for academic excellence, ranking in the top 50 universities in the United States in U.S. News & World Report, as well as ranking sixth among U.S. universities sought by international students. Northeastern is renowned for experiential education, and the College of Professional Studies incorporates this strength in career-focused professional education at the bachelor’s, master's, and doctoral levels. Degrees reflect business needs, the reality of the present economy, and areas of professional growth and demand.

Contacts:
Kristin Quinn
Publications & Communications Manager
United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation
703-793-0109, ext. 115
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