The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation reaccredits Mason’s Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence and Master’s in Geoinformatics and Geospatial Intelligence
Programs’ faculty expertise, combined with Mason’s location to vital industry players and government agencies, uniquely benefits students, offering direct access to industry insights, networking opportunities, and potential career pathways.
George Mason University’s Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence and Master’s in Geoinformatics and Geospatial Intelligence received reaccreditation by the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF), effective February 1, 2024 through January 31, 2029.
USGIF accredits programs that it determines meet the current Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) hiring needs through cross-disciplinary classroom coursework. This award signifies to employers that graduates of Mason’s Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence and Master’s in Geoinformatics and Geospatial Intelligence receive the needed foundational knowledge, technical skills, as well as critical thinking, reporting and synthesis abilities to successfully contribute to the GEOINT Community.
“This reaccreditation is a testament to our commitment to delivering an education that exceeds the current demands of the geospatial intelligence industry,” said Dieter Pfoser, chair of the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science. “For employers within the geospatial intelligence community, this reaccreditation acts as a stamp of approval, affirming that Mason’s graduates are well-equipped with the critical thinking, reporting, and synthesis abilities required to make substantial contributions to the field,” Pfoser explained.
According to Christine Devine, director of education and professional development at the USGIF, Mason’s two programs demonstrated several strengths including:
- A strong prioritization of student success and development of skills, both technical and non-technical
- Adaptability of the programs to meet student interests and goals
- Depth and breadth of faculty expertise
- Impressive record of faculty and student research, publication, and community engagement
- Courses and curriculum that exceeds standards and serve as an example for GEOINT education and workforce development
- Flexible learning that bolsters student engagement and retention
“George Mason University was part of the first cohort of accredited geospatial intelligence programs, back when USGIF started the program in 2008,” said Ronda Schrenk, chief executive officer at the USGIF. “We are delighted to continue our partnership with them and look forward to many more years working together to build the next generation of GEOINT talent.”
Pfoser added that the expertise of the faculty, combined with Mason’s location to vital industry players and government agencies, constitutes a unique strength of the program—enhancing the learning experience by facilitating direct access to industry insights, networking opportunities, and potential career pathways.
“A distinction of this nature shows the dedication Mason GGS faculty have to differentiate our graduate students, providing the necessary skillsets to thrive in the GEOINT community,” said Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm, dean of Mason’s College of Science.
