Geoinformatics and Geospatial Analytics, Ph.D.
Students in Saint Louis University's geoinformatics and geospatial analytics doctoral program study the science and technology dealing with the acquisition, storage, processing production, presentation and dissemination of geoinformation using the theory and practical implications of geodesy within information science infrastructure.
The core of geoinformatics is geospatial analytics, a branch of data science that focuses on developing cutting-edge technologies supporting processes of acquiring, analyzing and visualizing geospatial Big Data. Advances in various location-aware technologies, (e.g., GPS, the Internet of Things (IoT), mobile sensors, remote sensing), and ever-increasing time-stamped, location-based data from sensors as diverse as satellites, drones and smartphones have created unprecedented demand and opportunities for code-savvy geospatial professionals with the ability to automate processing, visualizing and finding patterns in both structured and unstructured data.
Program Highlights
The goal of the Geoinformatics and Geospatial Analytics Ph.D. program is to provide students with in-depth knowledge in geoinformatics and geospatial analytics required for solving today’s grand challenges, e.g., climate change, public health, refugees and migration, transportation safety, and food, water and human security from local to global scales. The graduates of the Ph.D. program will gain the multi-disciplinary knowledge and quantitative skills necessary to handle big geospatial data and solve big problems.
Curriculum Overview
This is a 45-credit Ph.D. program focused on educating next-generation talent with advanced and emerging technologies like machine learning/AI, satellite geodesy, image analysis, change detection, GIS modeling, photogrammetry and automation that are critical to developing research skills to address today’s grand societal challenges such as food security, healthcare delivery, national security and beyond with high impact research.
Admission Requirements
Successful applicants possess sufficient GPA and English proficiency scores (for international students) and research interests compatible with ongoing research in the department.
Geophysics Concentration
Prerequisites include structural geology, college physics, mechanics and mathematics through differential equations.
Environmental Geosciences Concentration
Prerequisites include an undergraduate degree in a STEM discipline with at least one semester each of calculus, physics, biology, chemistry and geoscience; a second semester of calculus or one semester of statistics.
Application Requirements
- Application form and fee
- Three letters of recommendation
- Transcript(s)
- Professional goal statement
- Résumé
GRE scores are optional.
Requirements for International Students
All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements:
- Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
- Financial documents are required to complete an application for admission and be reviewed for admission and merit scholarships.
- Proof of financial support that must include:
- A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
- A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University
- Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include:
- Courses taken and/or lectures attended
- Practical laboratory work
- The maximum and minimum grades attainable
- The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
- Any honors or degrees received.
WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
Application and Assistantship Application Deadlines
Students typically begin the program in the fall semester. Students who want to be considered for an assistantship must submit their applications by Jan. 2. Late applications and applications for the spring semester will be considered if positions are available.
Review Process
Faculty committee members examine qualified applicants’ materials and make recommendations.
Tuition
| Tuition/Fee | Cost Per Credit |
|---|---|
| Graduate Tuition | $1,310 |
Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:
Information on Tuition and Fees
Scholarships, Assistantships and Financial Aid
For priority consideration for a graduate assistantship, apply by the program admission deadlines listed. Fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and may include health insurance and a tuition scholarship for the duration of the award.
The Geoinformatics and Geospatial Analytics Ph.D. is a 45-credit hour degree that includes a 21-credit core, 12 credits of electives, and 12 credits of dissertation research.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| GIS 5030 | Geospatial Data Management | 3 |
| GIS 5040 | Introduction to Remote Sensing | 3 |
| GIS 5050 | Digital Image Processing | 3 |
| GIS 5061 | Photogrammetry | 3 |
| GIS 5080 | Digital Cartography and Geovisualization | 3 |
| GIS 5090 | Introduction to Programming for GIS and Remote Sensing | 3 |
| GIS 5120 | Geospatial Analytics | 3 |
| Elective Courses | 12 | |
Students can choose among the following options: | ||
GIS 5010 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | |
GIS 5091 | Advanced Programming for GIS and Remote Sensing | |
GIS 5092 | Machine Learning for GIS and Remote Sensing | |
GIS 5100 | Microwave Remote Sensing: SAR Principles, Data Processing and Applications | |
GIS 5130 | Human Geography | |
GIS 5140 | Satellite Geodesy | |
CSCI 5750 | Introduction to Machine Learning | |
CSCI 5830 | Computer Vision | |
CSCI 5760 | Deep Learning | |
SOC 5670 | Spatial Demography – Applied Spatial Statistics | |
| Dissertation Research | 12 | |
Students take 12 hours total over multiple semesters | ||
GIS 6990 | Dissertation Research | |
| Total Credits | 45 | |
Continuation Standards
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| GIS 5040 | Introduction to Remote Sensing | 3 |
| GIS 5061 | Photogrammetry | 3 |
| GIS 5090 | Introduction to Programming for GIS and Remote Sensing | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| GIS 5030 | Geospatial Data Management | 3 |
| GIS 5050 | Digital Image Processing | 3 |
| GIS 5080 | Digital Cartography and Geovisualization | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| GIS 5120 | Geospatial Analytics | 3 |
| GIS Elective | 3 | |
| GIS Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| GIS Elective | 3 | |
| GIS Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| GIS 6990 | Dissertation Research | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| GIS 6990 | Dissertation Research | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| GIS 6990 | Dissertation Research | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| GIS 6990 | Dissertation Research | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 45 | |
For more information about any School of Science and Engineering graduate program, please email ssegrad@slu.edu.