Geospatial Intelligence: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Geospatial Intelligence is a specialized field focused on leveraging geographic data and analytical techniques to understand complex security and intelligence challenges. By integrating spatial analysis with human behavior and environmental contexts, professionals in this domain uncover critical insights across cultural, political, economic, social, and physical dimensions of the world.
- Aerial Photography Analysis: Interpreting imagery captured from airborne platforms to detect, identify, and assess objects, terrain features, and changes over time.
- Cartography: The science and art of designing, producing, and interpreting maps to communicate spatial information effectively and accurately.
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Advanced digital tools for capturing, storing, analyzing, and visualizing spatial data to support decision-making in intelligence and planning.
- Physical Geography: Study of Earth’s natural systems, including landforms, climate patterns, hydrology, and ecosystems, to contextualize human activity and environmental change.
- Remote Sensing: The acquisition and analysis of data about Earth’s surface from satellites, aircraft, or drones using electromagnetic radiation.
- Spatial Programming: Developing custom scripts and algorithms to automate geospatial data processing, analysis, and visualization tasks.
- Quantitative Methods in Geographic Research: Applying statistical and mathematical models to analyze spatial patterns, relationships, and trends in geographic data.
Geospatial Intelligence Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Geospatial Intelligence Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Geospatial Intelligence degrees, including First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives, Geographers and Detectives and Criminal Investigators. 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 294,940 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 |
| Geographers 19-3092 | $97,200 | $62,390 - $133,680 | 1,380 | $46.73 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators 33-3021 | $93,580 | $54,160 - $159,410 | 110,790 | $44.99 |
| Geography Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1064 | $86,730 | $49,990 - $164,350 | 3,290 | N/A |
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists 17-1021 | $78,380 | $50,500 - $121,440 | 12,790 | $37.68 |
| Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1111 | $71,470 | $45,640 - $143,130 | 13,560 | N/A |
Geospatial Intelligence Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $58,140 in Arkansas to $137,956 in California—a 137% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Alaska, and Hawaii. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 294,940 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 Geospatial Intelligence by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 6 institutions offering 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 Geospatial Intelligence is found at United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) (33 graduates), Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) (8 graduates), Mitchell Technical College (Mitchell Tech) (8 graduates), Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), Main Campus (2 graduates), and Wichita State University (WSU) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 53 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) |
Bachelor's
|
33 | USAF Academy, Colorado | Public | usafa.edu |
| Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) |
Other Award
|
8 | University Center, Michigan | Public | svsu.edu |
| Mitchell Technical College (Mitchell Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
8 | Mitchell, South Dakota | Public | mitchelltech.edu |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Indiana, Pennsylvania | Public | iup.edu |
| Wichita State University (WSU) |
Residency
|
1 | Wichita, Kansas | Public | wichita.edu |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (LSU) |
Post-Master's
|
1 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Public | lsu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Geospatial Intelligence programs
How much can I earn with a Geospatial Intelligence degree?
Salaries for Geospatial Intelligence graduates vary by role and location. First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives earn a median of $105,980 annually, while Geographers earn around $97,200. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $137,956 compared to $58,140 in Arkansas. Approximately 294,940 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 Geospatial Intelligence programs?
Currently 6 accredited institutions offer Geospatial Intelligence degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) (33 graduates), Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) (8 graduates), and Mitchell Technical College (Mitchell Tech) (8 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.
What career paths are available with a Geospatial Intelligence degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives, Geographers, and Detectives and Criminal Investigators. Related occupations employ approximately 294,940 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.
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