The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) announced today it has accredited the U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s (USCGA’s) Undergraduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence. USCGA is the 20^th such program to be awarded this prestigious accreditation since USGIF began to accredit programs in 2008. Through the accreditation program, USGIF provides academia with an independent, expert and rigorous program review and a benchmark for assessing its geospatial curricula. This process helps students, colleges, universities, industry, and government identify disciplinary intersections, align curricula with workforce needs in the GEOINT industry, and contribute to the talent pipeline needed for today and tomorrow.

USGIF accreditation recognizes that the USCGA GEOINT certificate program complies with the highest standards for GEOINT curriculum, faculty expertise, novel research approaches, and availability of adequate resources for state-of-the-art teaching and learning.  It also recognizes that the Academy has committed to continuous improvement of its program. In particular, USGIF recognized the strength of USCGA’s interdisciplinary teaching and research; the depth, diversity, and accessibility of USCGA faculty expertise; the student-to-instructor ratio; and the Academy’s plan for assessment and monitoring of both student and faculty performance.

In her letter of notification to the USCGA, USGIF CEO Ronda Schrenk noted, “This is clearly a very strong undergraduate GEOINT Certificate program with a well-rounded proposed suite of curriculum…supported by excellent faculty and additional lab space.”

“The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is honored to earn this accreditation and thank USGIF for their confidence in our program,” said Rear Admiral Bill Kelly, academy superintendent. “The Academy is proud to deliver a world-class educational curricula designed to inspire personal and professional growth. Every day, graduates of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy are leading and executing vital missions across the globe. Our GEOINT certificate program is an exciting part of this mission to educate our cadets to enter a complex operating environment as the Coast Guard’s global mission grows ever more important.”

Featured image: U.S. Coast Guard Academy cadets conduct a regimental review (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Hunter Medley via DVIDS).

Related Links:

• USGIF Certificate Programs
• U.S. Coast Guard Academy