To pursue the Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence Applications (GEOAPP) or the Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence Analytics (GEOINT) you must be admitted by two Penn State organizations: (1) Penn State's Graduate School, and (2) the Department of Geography. To apply, you will complete a single online application form that will submit the necessary information to each organization on your behalf. In addition to completing the online application form, transcripts must be submitted to the program by surface mail.
The Geospatial Intelligence Certificate Program Admissions Committee reviews applications on a continuous basis with notification within a few weeks of the completion of your application.
The Committee ranks applications based upon the following admissions criteria, which are listed in order of importance:
- Résumé. A one- to two-page résumé including (a) your professional experience, (b) educational experience, (c) previous experience with GIS technology, and (d) contact information for two references.
- A transcript from each post-secondary institution attended to date. Transcripts will be uploaded to the Graduate School. International Applicants: Transcripts/records must be in the official language of the institution(s) attended, but if that language is not English you must also send official English translations.
Additional criteria:
- Baccalaureate degree In addition to these criteria, the Graduate School requires applicants to possess any baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution earned under residence and credit conditions substantially equivalent to those required by Penn State. Contact the Graduate School if unsure whether your school qualifies.
- TOEFL scores International applicants whose first language is not English or who have not received a baccalaureate or master's degree from an institution in which the language of instruction is English must submit a TOEFL score. The Graduate School recommends that a minimum overall total score of 80 points (out of 120) on the new test, with a minimum of 23 points (out of 30) on the new speaking portion, should be required for new admissions beginning Spring 2006. Submit official scores using Penn State’s Institution Code: 2660.
Enrollments in the GEOINT program are limited. The GEOINT Program Admissions Committee will select incoming classes of no more than 35 students per intake period. The best qualified applicants will be admitted. Applicants who are only able to participate part-time and at a distance, while maintaining full-time professional responsibilities (and who are, therefore, effectively excluded from participation in the department's resident program) are preferred.
Applications that are ranked highly, but not highly enough for immediate admission, may be retained for consideration in a subsequent application pool.
To apply to the Graduate Certificate Program in Geospatial Intelligence, complete the following steps:
- Complete the official online application You will be asked to select the Certificate that you are seeking. Select "Essentials of Geospatial Intelligence" or "Advanced Geospatial Intelligence" from the options, then complete the online form to apply to the program. The information requested on the application form includes:
- Personal contact information,
- Educational background,
- Transcripts
- Unofficial TOEFL scores (if needed),
- Recent employment history,
- List of higher education institutions from which you have requested transcripts,
- Résumé
- Request that TOEFL scores be sent directly to Penn State from the testing center, using Penn State's Institution Code (2660):
- Official TOEFL scores (if needed)
For questions and further inquiries contact: info@geoint.psu.edu or call 814-865-2557 or 877-778-4471 (toll free).
Once you have applied and are accepted, follow the registration procedures on the next page.