About the Session

This in-depth information session will provide an overview of the following master’s degrees and certificates:

  • M.S. in Geographic Information Science & Technology (GIST)
  • M.S. in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence
  • Graduate Certificate in GIST
  • Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence
  • Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Leadership
  • Graduate Certificate in Remote Sensing for Earth Observation

The session will also cover these topics and more:

  • Our world-renowned faculty members who are established leaders in government, science and industry
  • The innovative curriculum which blends conceptual knowledge with hands-on experience using modern GIS software and techniques
  • How the programs prepare you for leadership roles at consulting firms, environmental preservation organizations, enterprise software companies and government organizations
  • Admissions requirements and standards
  • The session will close with a brief Q&A about the programs and featured topic

About the Presenters

Yi Qi
Yi Qi
Associate Professor (Teaching) of Spatial Sciences
Dr. Yi Qi is an associate professor (teaching) of spatial sciences with the Spatial Sciences Institute at the University of Southern California. Read More…
His research integrates remote sensing, geographic information systems and spatial data science in ecological monitoring, environmental studies and natural resource management. He focuses on satellite and airborne remote sensing, computational models, field work and AI to address how climate and human practices affect crop productivity and ecosystem functioning. Prior to joining the Spatial Sciences Institute in August 2022, Dr. Qi was an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. From 2014-2018, he was a senior spatial scientist with Brown University. He has published over thirty papers and has led over ten grants in the total amount of two million dollars.
Darren Ruddell
Darren M Ruddell, Ph.D.
Associate Professor (Teaching) of Spatial Sciences and Director of Graduate Studies
Dr. Ruddell teaches courses in the Spatial Sciences Institute undergraduate general education and GeoDesign programs as well as the GIST graduate programs.Read More…
He has developed expertise in geographic information science and associated technologies to acquire, organize, analyze, model and visualize spatial data. As an educator, he seeks to help students develop the critical and spatial thinking skills required to effectively manage and deploy these technologies in diverse settings to produce spatially-informed and scientifically sound results. He has been on the forefront of developing curriculum and pedagogical approaches in the field of geodesign, a forward-thinking, interdisciplinary and iterative process that aims to build a better world by promoting harmony between human and ecological systems.
Tom Sabey
Tom Sabey
Enrollment Advisor, Online Graduate GIS Programs
Tom Sabey provides support and assistance to prospective students throughout the online GIS admissions process. Read More…
With more than 17 years of experience in admissions advising, Tom has successfully prepared students for success in a variety of schools and settings.