University of Redlands’ GEOINT Program Receives USGIF Accreditation
Herndon, VA (PRWEB) July 25, 2013 -- The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) is proud to announce the addition of the University of Redlands’ Geospatial Intelligence Certificate Program to the list of USGIF-accredited college and university programs. The Foundation has approved the University of Redlands’ program for a five-year period from August 2013 to August 2018.
Redlands now offers a USGIF certificate through its one-year master’s program in geographic information systems. This program was established in 2001 by university President Dr. James Appleton and Esri President Jack Dangermond as a way for mid-career GIS professionals to earn a degree in this field. Dr. Karen Kemp, now a member of the USGIF Academic Advisory Board, also helped stand up the program. Since the program’s inception, it has graduated numerous GEOINT professionals from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and other agencies. The USGIF accreditation and certificate program integrates greater emphasis on remote sensing and GEOINT analytics with existing GIS strengths, further enhancing the Redland’s curriculum.
"We’re excited to be formally accredited by USGIF,” said Dr. Mark Kumler, professor of geographic information sciences at the University of Redlands. “Students from the Intelligence Community, particularly from NGA, have been some of our very best and we look forward to continuing a strong relationship with the Community, and taking advantage of our close ties with Esri."
To date, USGIF has accredited eight collegiate Geospatial Intelligence Certificate Programs: 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.
"The USGIF community of accredited geospatial intelligence programs is growing ever stronger with the recent addition of the University of Redlands MS GIS program,” said Dr. Max Baber, USGIF’s director of academic programs. “Students completing requirements for this program have exceptional capabilities in geographic information science, augmented with significant competencies in remote sensing. The University of Redlands is a valued NGA partner school, has exhibited at many GEOINT Symposia, and has graduated numerous GEOINT Community students who have accelerated innovation with consultancy-grade geospatial technology projects."
Through the USGIF Accreditation Certification Program, colleges and universities are able to 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 ensures the Community has a robust workforce now and in the future. To date, more than 300 students have graduated with USGIF GEOINT Certificates.
To find out more about the USGIF Accreditation Certification Program, visit USGIF.org/education/accreditation or contact Dr. Max Baber at max.baber(at)usgif(dot)org.
About USGIF
USGIF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational foundation dedicated to Building the Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) Community, Advancing the Tradecraft, and Accelerating Innovation. The Foundation works with and across government, military, industry, academia, professional organizations and individuals whose mission is the development and application of geospatial intelligence to address national security challenges. For more information, please visit http://www.USGIF.org.
Kristin Quinn, USGIF, http://www.usgif.org, 703.793.0109 115, [email protected]
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