S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources
Department of Environment and Society
The Remote Sensing and Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI) Foundations Certificate of Proficiency introduces students to the development and application of artificial intelligence to remote sensing and data-driven geospatial methods. Remote sensing via satellites and drones and advanced geospatial science tools that harness GeoAI allow for analyzing large amounts of data to understand and address a variety of complex social, economic, and environmental challenges facing society. Over the past few decades, technological advancements, the democratization of geospatial information, and the proliferation of consumer-grade drones have made high-resolution imagery and data more accessible than ever before, generating new demand for individuals skilled in gathering, analyzing, and delivering geospatial products. As automation through machine learning increases efficiency, the role humans play is transforming, moving from lower-level data management tasks to higher-level tasks of problem definition, inquiry, and innovation. Humans must engage with, troubleshoot, and guide GeoAI efforts, drawing upon critical thinking, creative problem-solving, complex reasoning, the application of emotional intelligence, and other distinctively human capabilities.
The Remote Sensing and GeoAI Foundations Certificate will prepare students at the convergence of geospatial analysis, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence for opportunities for innovation across various industry and government sectors, including for example environmental monitoring, urban planning, agriculture, disaster planning and response, and natural resource management. Students can pair the certificate with any major at USU and can pursue both the Applied Geographic Information Science - Certificate of Proficiency and the Remote Sensing and GeoAI Foundations Certificate for simultaneously broad and deep skillsets in emerging geospatial technologies. Program requirements consist of 16 credits of required coursework including a capstone experience that consists of either an internship experience with an industry partner or a project design and implementation experience under supervision of program faculty. The certificate can be completed fully online, or with a combination of online and in-person courses for students at the Logan campus.
Certificate Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this certificate, students will have a foundational understanding of remote sensing technologies and possess basic skills integrating artificial intelligence for geospatial applications. Students will be prepared to apply image interpretation and analysis techniques to practical scenarios.
Certificate Stacking: Ease of certificate stacking is a program goal. When stacked with the Applied Geographic Information Science - Certificate of Proficiency , the Remote Sensing and GeoAI Foundations Certificate requires only 6-9 additional credits, as the following courses can be applied to both certificates: GEOG 2800 or WILD 2800 or WATS 2800 ; GEOG 4860 or GEOG 4870 ; and WILD 5750 .
Admission Requirements
Students should make an appointment with an academic advisor in the S. J. and Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources to add this certificate: https://qcnr.usu.edu/advising/.
Course Requirements
To receive the certificate, a student must complete the following set of requirements:
- Register for and successfully complete at least 16 credits.
- Grades below C+ will not be accepted, and students must have a 3.0 minimum GPA across all courses used to meet certificate requirements.
- Abide by the Code of Policies and Procedures for Students at Utah State University.
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