Saint Louis University's Bachelor of Science program in geoinformatics and geospatial analytics prepares graduates for geospatial careers around the globe. It combines theory and practice to train the geospatial professionals of tomorrow.
SLU's Bachelor of Science in Geoinformatics and Geospatial Analytics from the Geospatial Institute and the Department of Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences is offered in cooperation with the mathematics and statistics and computer science departments. The B.S. in geoinformatics and geospatial analytics program trains students to be leading experts in the field of geospatial science. The program combines mathematical and geospatial theory with practical experience in computer science, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing and global position systems.
The program prepares students for the current and future challenges of the growing geospatial industry and to meet increasing demands for experts in geospatial intelligence, geospatial analytics, spatial modeling and statistics, photogrammetry, machine learning, artificial intelligence and more. As an applied science, SLU's B.S. in geoinformatics and geospatial analytics program focuses on modern, global issues such as the environment, society and economy.
Students develop a foundation in mathematical and geospatial theory and computer programming, while applying GIS, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), remote sensing, geovisualization, spatial analyses and statistics, database management and programming skills within the natural, social science and physical sciences using innovative technologies and software programs (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, ENVIIDL, SARscape, Python, GeoDA, Google Earth Engine, R).
Graduates from programs in the Geospatial Institute (GeoSLU) are employed in careers in environmental science, remote sensing, GIS and geospatial intelligence fields. Recent graduates work for organizations such as ESRI, the National Geospatial Intelligence Administration and the United States Geological Survey, Globally, the geospatial industry has a current growth rate of approximately 50% a year. The St. Louis region is emerging as a global center for innovative research and technology, particularly for geospatial technology. This is driven by a vibrant entrepreneurial community, excellent research universities, a robust network of established industry thought-leaders, and the presence of the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA). According to a recent report from St. Louis-based entrepreneurial support organization ITEN, technology positions in the region are expected to grow 60% in the next three to five years. The Missouri Department of Economic Development has estimated that the geospatial industry is growing quickly and is projected to earn 100 billion in revenue by 2030. The geospatial industry currently accounts for 500,000 jobs nationally and Missouri will have 5,000 new jobs in the next few years, contributing roughly 600 million to the state's economy.