USGIF Accredits Harris-Stowe State University’s Geospatial Intelligence Program

The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) announced today it has accredited the Geospatial Intelligence program at Harris-Stowe State University, recognizing the university’s commitment to expanding access to GEOINT education and preparing students to contribute to the geospatial intelligence community.

The program has been awarded full five-year accreditation, effective Wednesday, June 24, 2026, through Tuesday, June 24, 2031.

“Harris-Stowe State University is expanding access to GEOINT education and opportunity for students in St. Louis and beyond,” said USGIF’s CEO, Ronda Schrenk. “This accreditation reflects the strength of the university’s curriculum and faculty, and its commitment to developing GEOINT professionals who are ready to contribute to the mission on day one.”

USGIF’s accreditation assessment noted that Harris-Stowe’s program is built on a rigorous curriculum aligned with USGIF’s Essential Body of Knowledge and strengthened by faculty with a broad range of teaching, research, and professional experience. The university has also cultivated strong ties to St. Louis’s geospatial intelligence community and demonstrated a sustained commitment to student research and conference participation.

“This accreditation affirms Harris-Stowe State University’s commitment to providing students with workforce-focused GEOINT education and expanding opportunities in a growing industry,” said Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith, President of Harris-Stowe State University. “As St. Louis’ only HBCU, we are proud to prepare a diverse pipeline of geospatial intelligence professionals and contribute to the growth of the geospatial community in the St. Louis region.”

USGIF is the only organization that accredits collegiate GEOINT certificate programs, ensuring they meet specific industry standards and the GEOINT Essential Body of Knowledge. The program enables universities to offer students GEOINT credentials that may accompany an undergraduate degree, stand alone as a graduate certificate, or be incorporated into full undergraduate or graduate degree programs. Accreditation helps ensure that classroom instruction reflects current workforce needs, signaling to hiring organizations that graduates have developed the foundational knowledge, technical skills, and critical thinking abilities required to contribute to the GEOINT Community. Harris-Stowe joins more than 20 academic institutions across the United States that have achieved accreditation.

ABOUT HARRIS-STOWE STATE UNIVERSITY

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU), located in midtown St. Louis, offers the most affordable bachelor’s degree in Missouri. HSSU is a fully accredited, four-year institution with more than 60 programs in education, business, arts, social sciences, humanities, and STEM fields. The university’s mission is to provide outstanding educational opportunities for individuals seeking a rich and engaging academic experience, fostering intellectual curiosity and preparing students for leadership roles in a global society. Learn more at HSSU.edu

ABOUT USGIF

The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational foundation dedicated to promoting the geospatial intelligence tradecraft and developing a stronger GEOINT Community among government, industry, academia, professional organizations, and individuals who develop and apply geospatial intelligence to address national security challenges. USGIF advances its mission through programs, initiatives, and events that support education, professional development, community engagement, and the continued growth of the GEOINT tradecraft. Learn more at usgif.org.