The Nelson Institute’s Environmental Observation and Informatics (EOI) program is a 15-month professionally focused master of science degree. The program is rooted in the disciplines of environmental conservation, remote sensing and GIS, and informatics. By spanning these disciplines, you will be ready for a career at the intersection of the geospatial and environmental fields.
Applications are open for the summer 2023 Environmental Conservation and Environmental Observation and Informatics MS programs! Learn how to apply and contact our staff with questions.
Watch our informational webinars for more details about our programs and tips for a successful application.
A Program Built for Your Future
What You Will Learn
- Digital image analysis and interpretation (e.g. classification, change detection, atmospheric correction)
- Geospatial data science (e.g. data management, spatial statistics, machine learning algorithms, data visualization and storytelling)
- Programming (e.g. R, Python, Javascript)
- Policy and ethics of observational data
Areas of Focus
- Land use change and urbanization
- International and sustainable development
- Forest resources and management
- Sustainable agriculture
- Wildlife ecology and habitat conservation
Where Can Your Degree Take You?
90%
of our graduates perform geospatial analysis
50%
are employed by private industry
40%
stay in the Midwest
Cutting-Edge Curriculum
The 32-credit Environmental Observation and Informatics curriculum provides the expertise that the market demands, focusing specifically on three pillars:
Remote sensing and integrated technology
Modeling and analysis
Innovative leadership
Your Passion, Your Project
We help each student craft a unique and meaningful final project. We explore your background, your professional goals, and your dreams to make the world a better place. Together, we match you with our extensive network of partners around the world.
What Our Students Say
The program is incredibly well packaged and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to participate in it. I can’t express it enough, it’s such a great program and a great fit for me.
Learning how to use tools like Python, Java, and R studio has provided me with a core understanding of using data in a way that is transferable across many disciplines.
The decision to enroll in EOI was a combination of factors: the technological learning offered, the helpful staff and faculty, and the welcoming, supportive attitude of everyone involved.
Ready to Apply?
Check out the program requirements and qualifications, view the application timeline, and find tuition information and financial assistance.
Thinking of applying and have an interest in sustainable agriculture and remote sensing? Check out this opportunity to work on a project measuring pasture production with satellite data.
We're Here to Help
Wondering if the Environmental Observation and Informatics program is right for you? Our coordinators are happy to learn more about your background and interests and answer your questions.
Sarah Graves
Program Coordinator
sjgraves@wisc.edu
Sarah is the coordinator for the Environmental Observation and Informatics MS program. As the coordinator, she recruits and trains students to become leaders in using observational data to address pressing environmental issues. Sarah advises students and connects them to organizations who actively engage in the development of technologies or application of data.
In addition to working with students and partnering organizations, Sarah engages in research focused on using aerial hyperspectral and LiDAR data for mapping taxonomic species, biomass, and tree growth in forests of the United States and Central and South America.
She is currently supporting an NSF project on generating ecological data from NEON data and a NASA project on evaluating the impact of natural climate solutions for forests in the Guyana Shield. Sarah is also a certified workshop instructor for The Carpentries and helps lead UW-Madison Geospatial Data Carpentry workshops.