The interdisciplinary doctoral program in Geospatial and Environmental Analysis focuses on the application of geospatial analysis for improving the science, management, and conservation of natural resources and the environment. Based in the College of Natural Resources and Environment, the program draws upon the expertise of faculty from the Departments of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, Geography, Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, and Wood Science and Forest Products, as well as from those in departments in other colleges, including Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Biological Systems Engineering.

Geospatial research involves Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the Global Positioning System (GPS), remote sensing, and imagery analysis. Environmental analysis focuses on the complex interactions among people, nonhuman biota, and environmental conditions. This doctoral program combines cutting-edge training and research in the theory and application of geospatial science with environmental analysis to enhance research on a broad range of contemporary natural resource and environmental issues. Graduates will be prepared for careers in higher education, government, research, and industry.

Students must complete 90 credit hours and a dissertation that involves original research. The program has three areas of required coursework totaling 31 credits. The first is composed of required Core Courses consisting of 13 hours of classes that provide training in advanced research techniques, statistical and spatial analysis, and discussion of contemporary issues in GIS and remote sensing. The second area of coursework requires the selection of 12 hours of electives in geospatial classes involving both GIS and remote sensing. The third area involves 6 hours of classes from electives in environmental analysis. Students must also complete a minimum of 30 hours of Research and Dissertation and 29 hours of other coursework and/or additional hours of Research and Dissertation.