Signal and Geospatial Intelligence: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Signal and Geospatial Intelligence is a specialized academic discipline centered on the advanced capture, analysis, and strategic application of multi-sensor data derived from remote and non-visual sources. This program equips students with the technical and analytical expertise to interpret complex signals and geospatial patterns, enabling informed decision-making in defense, security, and surveillance contexts.
Key modules and areas of study include:
- Applied Physics: Fundamental principles governing electromagnetic and mechanical wave behavior, essential for understanding sensor performance and environmental interactions.
- Wave Propagation and Capture: Techniques for modeling and optimizing the transmission and reception of signals across diverse atmospheric and underwater mediums.
- Radar Systems: Design, operation, and signal processing methods for active and passive radar platforms used in surveillance and target detection.
- Acoustics and Underwater Systems: Principles of sound transmission in marine environments, including sonar technologies and underwater signal detection.
- Infrared Systems: Detection and analysis of thermal emissions for night vision, target identification, and environmental monitoring.
- Synthetic Aperture Systems: Advanced imaging techniques that enhance resolution in radar and optical systems through signal processing algorithms.
- Collection and Processing Systems: Architecture and workflow design for high-throughput acquisition, filtering, and real-time analysis of sensor data.
- Signal Phenomenology: Study of signal characteristics and environmental effects to predict behavior and improve detection accuracy.
- Signal Analysis and Exploitation: Advanced methodologies for extracting actionable intelligence from complex, often noisy, signal data streams.
- Intelligence Applications: Real-world integration of signal and geospatial data to solve critical problems in national security, disaster response, and strategic operations.
Signal and Geospatial Intelligence Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Signal and Geospatial Intelligence Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Signal and Geospatial Intelligence degrees, including First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives, Detectives and Criminal Investigators and Cartographers and Photogrammetrists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 276,710 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives 33-1012 | $105,980 | $62,370 - $165,050 | 153,130 | $50.95 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators 33-3021 | $93,580 | $54,160 - $159,410 | 110,790 | $44.99 |
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists 17-1021 | $78,380 | $50,500 - $121,440 | 12,790 | $37.68 |
Signal and Geospatial Intelligence Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $58,405 in Arkansas to $130,497 in California—a 123% difference. The highest-paying states include California, District of Columbia, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 276,710 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Signal and Geospatial Intelligence by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 8 institutions offering Signal and Geospatial Intelligence programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Signal and Geospatial Intelligence is found at Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) (18 graduates), University of Maryland (UMCP), College Park (14 graduates), Elmhurst University (5 graduates), Johns Hopkins University (JHU) (5 graduates), and Brigham Young University (BYU) (5 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 52 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) |
Postbac Cert.
|
18 | Monterey, California | Public | nps.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMCP) |
Master's
|
14 | College Park, Maryland | Public | umd.edu |
| Elmhurst University |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 | Elmhurst, Illinois | Private | elmhurst.edu |
| Johns Hopkins University (JHU) |
Master's
|
5 | Baltimore, Maryland | Private | jhu.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| University of Alaska (UAF) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Fairbanks, Alaska | Public | uaf.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Post-Master's
|
1 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| University of Idaho (U of I) |
Master's
|
1 | Moscow, Idaho | Public | uidaho.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Signal and Geospatial Intelligence programs
How much can I earn with a Signal and Geospatial Intelligence degree?
Salaries for Signal and Geospatial Intelligence graduates vary by role and location. First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives earn a median of $105,980 annually, while Detectives and Criminal Investigators earn around $93,580. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $130,497 compared to $58,405 in Arkansas. Approximately 276,710 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Signal and Geospatial Intelligence programs?
Currently 8 accredited institutions offer Signal and Geospatial Intelligence degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) (18 graduates), University of Maryland (UMCP), College Park (14 graduates), and Elmhurst University (5 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Signal and Geospatial Intelligence growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 4 in 2010 to 52 in 2023-24. This represents a 1,200% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Signal and Geospatial Intelligence degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives, Detectives and Criminal Investigators, and Cartographers and Photogrammetrists. Related occupations employ approximately 276,710 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Military Tech Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Military Tech field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Military Technologies and Applied Sciences
Any instructional program in military technologies and applied sciences not listed above.
Intelligence Studies
A program that focuses on the principles and techniques of intelligence acquisition, analysis and exploitation. Includes instruction in intelligence organizations, the intelligence cycle,...
Strategic Intelligence
A program that focuses on the management, analysis and use of national-level, theatre-level, and international intelligence and related policy issues. Includes instruction in...
Command and Control Systems and Operations
A program that focuses on the theory, technology and operational use of information and decision systems in support of battlefield, theatre, and global...
Psychological Warfare and Military Media Relations
A program that focuses on the support of military and strategic operations and policy via the use of information as a tool of...
Cyber and Electronic Warfare
A program that focuses on the technological and operation aspects of information warfare, including cyber attack and cyber defense. Includes instruction in computer...