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Environmental Remote Sensing

Undergraduate Certificate

Allendale • Face to face (?) • 12 Credits

The environmental remote sensing certificate offers advanced training in remote sensing technology, digital image processing, and big data visualization.

Overview

Grand Valley's Environmental Remote Sensing Undergraduate Certificate provides cutting-edge skills in remote sensing science, digital image processing, and big data visualization. The program emphasizes applications of remote sensing technology in environmental planning, sustainable development, climate change adaptation, urban resiliency planning, and natural resource management.

The coursework for the Environmental Remote Sensing certificate requires 12 credits. Students must complete core courses in remote sensing and digital image processing, and choose two elective courses covering GIS topics. This diverse range of courses ensures a comprehensive exploration of geospatial technologies and practical applications.

Studying Environmental Remote Sensing at Grand Valley offers students a competitive edge in the job market, as geospatial technology is one of the most important emerging fields in the United States. The program provides practical skills that benefit future careers, and the flexibility to attend full- or part-time allows students to balance their studies with other commitments. Additionally, the certificate enhances students' degrees and resumes with little to no additional cost.

Admission Information

For new students, visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements. Upon acceptance and for current students:

  • Declare your certificate via myBanner (Login to Banner Self-Service, click on Student, Student Records, Add a Certificate or Badge to your Program, Select the appropriate certificate from the drop down list, and click Submit)
  • Speak with the appropriate certificate coordinator to ensure criteria are being met (you will be able to track your progress toward the certificate in myPath as well!)
  • Once you are done with the requirements, apply to receive the certificate via myBanner.
  • Once the completion of your certificate has been verified, the certificate will be posted to your student record and will be viewable on your transcript. 

Department of Geography and
Sustainable Planning

gvsu.edu/geography
(616) 331-3065
B-4-105 Mackinac Hall
[email protected]

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions

 

Career Opportunities

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

Top skills
  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Mathematics
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 61,337.58 10%
$ 76,350.39 25%
$ 97,402.17 50%
$138,494.59 75%
$243,842.69 90%

Apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems, including waste treatment and site remediation, under the direction of engineering staff or scientists. May assist in the development of environmental remediation devices.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Learning
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 37,072.68 10%
$ 38,043.80 25%
$ 48,255.41 50%
$ 66,138.39 75%
$ 79,210.83 90%

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 49,942.27 10%
$ 60,906.49 25%
$ 76,657.20 50%
$ 96,563.00 75%
$108,798.69 90%

Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 40,618.08 10%
$ 45,134.79 25%
$ 51,082.69 50%
$ 65,657.19 75%
$ 88,783.25 90%

Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 59,779.20 10%
$ 80,641.60 25%
$100,089.59 50%
$127,296.00 75%
$144,435.19 90%

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

Top skills
  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Mathematics
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 60,601.58 10%
$ 81,479.62 25%
$116,969.01 50%
$172,560.49 75%
$222,824.22 90%

Apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems, including waste treatment and site remediation, under the direction of engineering staff or scientists. May assist in the development of environmental remediation devices.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Learning
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 39,146.98 10%
$ 47,786.62 25%
$ 58,645.90 50%
$ 75,711.42 75%
$ 94,490.01 90%

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 49,976.96 10%
$ 61,976.78 25%
$ 80,085.03 50%
$104,039.97 75%
$135,767.09 90%

Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 35,384.19 10%
$ 37,614.39 25%
$ 49,364.66 50%
$ 65,329.35 75%
$ 90,090.29 90%

Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 64,958.40 10%
$ 80,516.80 25%
$104,166.40 50%
$130,832.00 75%
$161,907.19 90%
85%
GVSU Students Receive Offers Before Graduation
25%
Of Students Participate in Research or Experiential Learning with Faculty
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Page last modified May 20, 2025