Brookings Main Campus
Earth Observation
The Geospatial science and engineering (GSE) Ph.D. is an interdisciplinary program that combines advanced coursework with cutting-edge research to advance the field of geospatial sciences. The focus is on transforming geospatial data into relevant information through acquisition, processing, characterization, analysis and modeling in order to understand geographic patterns, processes and relationships at scales ranging from landscapes to the globe.
To achieve these aims, the geospatial sciences integrate the geographic disciplines of cartography, geodesy, geographic information systems and remote sensing with elements of mathematics, statistics, the natural sciences, the social sciences and engineering. The resulting array of geospatial concepts, methods, technologies and datasets are used to address a wide range of pertinent questions about the functioning of the biosphere and its implications for sustainability of natural resources, agricultural productivity, biodiversity, environmental quality and human welfare in a rapidly-changing world.
Current faculty research interests include quantitative remote sensing, land cover and land use change, geography, climate change, and fire science as well as applications of geospatial technologies in agriculture, meteorology, natural resource management and other fields. The program seeks highly motivated students with strong backgrounds in the geospatial sciences or a closely-related field to complement these efforts.
Is it for you?
This program will be a good fit if you:
- Have an undergraduate or master's degree in geography or related field.
- Have a genuine curiosity about the world.
- Enjoy both the hard sciences and social sciences.
- Like working with technology.
- Are a problem solver and analytical thinker.
Career Opportunities
- Professor/teacher
- Remote sensing specialist
- GIS specialist
- Federal employee