A 100% Online, 30-Credit Interdisciplinary Master’s for Today and the Future

Imagine a degree fusing the eye-on-the-world of remote sensing with the strategic mind of environmental planning and management as well as aspects of policy and law.

The Remote Sensing and Geospatial Data Analytics concentration, part of the Master of Energy and Environmental Management (MEEM) program at UConn, does just that. Through an interdisciplinary approach, it prepares you to not only visualize and analyze environmental changes through satellite imagery and geospatial data but also to translate insights into effective conservation strategies and sustainable development plans.

You'll learn to identify habitats, monitor deforestation, map critical infrastructure, assess the impacts of weather and extreme events, and model future environmental scenarios. By understanding both technical tools and policy frameworks, you'll be uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between data-driven understanding and real-world solutions.

This unique combination creates professionals prepared to overcome complex environmental challenges via innovative and informed approaches.

Remote Sensing and Data Analytics Concentration Courses

Our curriculum offers a solid foundation in remote sensing and geospatial data analytics. These thoughtfully chosen courses deliver a thorough understanding of the technical and analytical tools necessary for deriving meaningful insights from spatial data. Alongside a well-crafted plan of study that includes 12 credits of core courses, you’ll have the freedom to dig deep into areas of interest.

• Remote Sensing of the Environment: Gain a foundational understanding of remote sensing science and technology, focusing on sensors, environmental applications, and basic data analysis skills.
• Remote Sensing Image Processing: Enhance your understanding of remote sensing and image processing techniques using optical satellite data and gain practical experience with image processing software.
• Quantitative Remote Sensing Methods: Elevate your skills by exploring advanced quantitative methods for processing satellite imagery through computer programming and data analytics.
• High-Res Remote Sensing: Applications of UAS & LiDAR: Explore emerging high-resolution remote sensing technologies, gaining knowledge in drone operations, data collection, and LiDAR fundamentals, including 3D point cloud analysis and visualization.
• Geospatial Techniques for Environmental Management: Introduces the collection, management, display, and analysis of geospatial data for environmental applications.
• Python Scripting for Geospatial Analysis: Develops GIS scripting skills in Python for advanced geospatial data processing and analysis.

Along with the required plan of study that consists of 12 credits of core courses, you will have the opportunity to explore courses in other areas that interest you.

Explore Courses

Earn a Master’s and Graduate Certificate Simultaneously

By fulfilling the requirements of the MEEM degree and completing all course requirements for the RSGDA Online Graduate Certificate, you can earn both a master’s degree and a graduate certificate from the University of Connecticut.

Career Opportunities in Remote Sensing

Currently, remote sensing technology is a pivotal tool across many sectors, providing critical data for environmental monitoring, precision agriculture (crop health, yield prediction), urban planning, energy transmission, construction, autonomous vehicle perception systems, disaster response (wildfire mapping, flood extent), and weather and extreme event studies (ice melt, deforestation).

From satellites and drones capturing high-resolution imagery to sophisticated sensors measuring spectral signatures and terrain elevation, its applications are widespread.

The interdisciplinary nature of this program opens doors to a wide array of impactful careers where professionals integrate geospatial technologies with planning and implementation strategies. Graduates are equipped to excel in roles that demand both analytical skills and a deep understanding of environmental and regulatory contexts. These roles include:

• Environmental Planners
• Land Use Planners
• Recreation Planners
• Transportation Planners
• Urban Planners
• Precision Agriculture Professionals
• Conservation Planners
• Energy Resource Mapping Specialists
• Site Planning Analysts
• LiDAR Analysts
• Photogrammetrists
• Geospatial Intelligence Analysts

The Future of Remote Sensing

Looking ahead, the field is poised for significant advancement with greater integration of AI and machine learning for automated analysis. The development of less expensive satellite systems is positioned to provide near real-time data, that’s more accessible and of higher quality.

Expect to see even more precise environmental modeling, proactive disaster management, and increasingly detailed insights into our planet's systems.
Remote sensing and geospatial data analytics are - and will become more so - one of the most important tools we have concerning our interconnectedness with the planet and space.

Your Next Steps

Are you ready to focus on remote sensing and geospatial data analytics as part of our Master's in Energy and Environmental Management program?

Join our mailing list to stay up-to-date concerning program developments - and contact us to discuss your professional goals and learn more about how this program can help you reach them.