Environmental Observation and Informatics Curriculum | Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies

The 32-credit Environmental Observation and Informatics (EOI) curriculum provides the expertise that the market demands, focusing specifically on three pillars.

Remote sensing
and integrated technology

Learn the fundamentals of earth observation by interpreting aerial photos and satellite data, then quickly advance to learn and apply new technology such as drones, LiDAR and radar, and cloud computing.

Modeling
and analysis

Construct scenarios and models of environmental phenomena, natural processes, and human actions to predict and project future outcomes and inform decision making.

Innovative
leadership

Drive strategic thinking to design and manage the use of observation technologies to advance policy, program direction, and executive decisions.

Details and Timeline

Here’s how the 15-month curriculum program breaks down each semester.

First Summer

In Person at UW-Madison

Kick off the summer with a two-week intensive seminar that includes:

Field trips to learn about local conservation issues
Social events to meet members of our professional network
Classroom lectures and discussions to learn about the relevance of observational data for a variety of environmental topics

First summer curriculum details

Fall Semester

In-Person at UW-Madison

Campus will be buzzing with students in the fall as you dive deeper into the applications and analysis of spatial data. The two technical courses in GIS and remote sensing give you hands-on experience working with local and global conservation organizations, and with cloud computing platforms and open-source applications.

Fall semester curriculum details

Spring Semester

Online

Online learning is at its best when it is through carefully crafted courses. The spring semester has a series of one-credit modules that are frequently updated based on what you need. In addition, you will be a master of earth observation by learning advanced image processing techniques and the emerging technologies. While you can learn from anywhere in the world, if you choose to stay in Madison, you can come to campus weekly to meet with your peers and instructors — the choice is yours.

Spring semester curriculum details

Second Summer

Distance

The final summer of the program is all about practical hands-on learning. By this time, you will have worked with program staff and a partner organization to develop a project that is just for you. Under the guidance of a faculty advisor and supervision of your host organization, you will execute your plan and set yourself up to enter the workforce with your new skills and credentials.

Second summer curriculum details

Looking for More Detail?

View complete enrollment guides with course descriptions: Summer | Fall

Visit the UW-Madison Office of the Registrar

Instructors

All courses are taught by UW-Madison faculty and instructional staff who are passionate about this field and excited to bring you into it. Here are a few of the core instructors for the EOI curriculum.