What courses will I take in the online certificate?

The 4-course, 12-credit Remote Sensing and Geospatial Data Analytics Online Graduate Certificate is composed of two core courses and four electives, from which students choose two.

Program of Study:

Course Number Spring 2023
 Fall 2023
 Spring 2024
Fall 2024
NRE 5525 (Core) X X
NRE 5535 (Core) X X
NRE 5215 (Elective) X X X X
NRE 5545 (Elective) X X
NRE 5560 (Elective) X X
NRE 5585 (Elective) X X

Core Courses:

NRE 5525: Remote Sensing of the Environment (3 credits)

This intro-level course provides a jumpstart into remote sensing science and technology. Students will learn about various remote sensing sensors and their uses in environmental applications. It will help them gain a basic set of skills on remote sensing data analysis using software packages and a knowledge base for effective use of remote sensing in real-world problem solving.

NRE 5535: Remote Sensing Image Processing (3 credits)

This course will progress students’ knowledge on various kinds of remote sensing image processing techniques, primarily using optical satellite data (e.g., Landsat). The course covers a variety of related topics that include the physical processes involved in remote sensing and various image processing methods. Students will gain hands-on experience in using remote sensing image processing software.

Elective Courses:

NRE 5215: Intro to Geospatial Analysis with Remote Sensing (3 credits)

This course will help students building their knowledge and skills on basic geospatial data analysis and visualization. This course is geared towards beginners who want to develop their geospatial skills.

NRE 5545: Quantitative Remote Sensing Methods (3 credits)

This course will take students to the next level of remote sensing methods. It will cover advanced quantitative theories and methods to process satellite imagery using computer programming. If a student wants to delve deeper into advanced remote sensing data analytics, this would be the way to go.

NRE 5560: High Res Remote Sensing: Applications of UAS & LiDAR (3 credits)

This is ideal for gaining knowledge and hands-on experience in emerging remote sensing technologies. Students will gain knowledge on drone operations, data collections, and processing. The course will cover the fundamentals of LiDAR and analysis and visualization of 3D point clouds in various applications.

NRE 5585: Python Scripting for Geospatial Analysis (3 credits)

An introductory programming course aimed at people with GIS experience but not necessarily any programming experience. Python is the GIS industry's leading programming language. The course starts with the most basic programming ideas and builds up to a level where the student can write their own spatial analysis applications, leveraging the full power of the ArcPro analysis toolkits coupled with the flexibility of a general purpose, object-oriented programming language.

Tailor electives to your interests and job requirements. Students can choose two of four different electives depending on their needs and interests. Our electives are designed to help you take full advantage of your new knowledge in your current job.