Geoinformatics and Geospatial Analytics, Ph.D.

Students in Saint Louis University's geoinformatics and geospatial analytics doctoral program study the science and technology dealing with the acquisition, storage, processing production, presentation and dissemination of geoinformation using the theory and practical implications of geodesy within information science infrastructure.

The core of geoinformatics at SLU is geospatial analytics, a branch of data science that focuses on developing cutting-edge technologies supporting processes of acquiring, analyzing and visualizing geospatial Big Data. Advances in various location-aware technologies, (e.g., GPS, the Internet of Things (IoT), mobile sensors, remote sensing), and ever-increasing time-stamped, location-based data from sensors as diverse as satellites, drones and smartphones have created unprecedented demand and opportunities for code-savvy geospatial professionals with the ability to automate processing, visualizing and finding patterns in both structured and unstructured data.

Program Highlights

The geoinformatics and geospatial analytics Ph.D. program provides students with in-depth knowledge in geoinformatics and geospatial analytics required for solving today’s grand challenges, e.g., climate change, public health, refugees and migration, transportation safety, and food, water and human security from local to global scales. The graduates of the Ph.D. program will gain the multidisciplinary knowledge and quantitative skills necessary to handle big geospatial data and solve big problems.

Curriculum Overview

This 45-credit Ph.D. program focuses on educating next-generation talent with advanced and emerging technologies like machine learning/AI, satellite geodesy, image analysis, change detection, GIS modeling, photogrammetry and automation that are critical to developing research skills to address today’s grand societal challenges such as food security, healthcare delivery, national security and beyond with high impact research.

The Geoinformatics and Geospatial Analytics Ph.D. is a 45-credit hour degree that includes a 21-credit core, 12 credits of electives, and 12 credits of dissertation research.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

For more information about any School of Science and Engineering graduate program, email ssegrad-admissions@slu.edu.