The routine use of remote sensing techniques has become an indispensable element of many activities in our modern world. Numerous applications that impact our daily lives rely on data from sensors on satellites, airplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles ("drones"), and other platforms. From natural disaster response and oil spills to monitoring ship traffic and floating sea ice, remote sensing technology enables us to acquire high-resolution satellite images of most areas in the world. It also allows us to obtain near-real-time measurements, including sea surface temperatures, currents, wave heights, wind speeds, atmospheric temperature profiles, aerosols, and more. The Applied Remote Sensing MPS track prepares students for these positions in government agencies, research institutions, and the private sector, which have a growing demand for specialists who understand what can be measured and how to obtain and process the data.

South Florida is strongly impacted by climate change effects from rising sea levels to the increasing number and intensity of hurricanes. It is no coincidence that the Rosenstiel School is among the leading research institutions in this field, working closely with strong local partners, such as the NOAA Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory and the National Hurricane Center, as well as numerous international partners. Our scientists also have direct access to many satellites and related data products through the Center for Southeastern Advanced Remote Sensing (CSTARS), one of the leading receiving and processing facilities for satellite data in the United States. With all of this combined, our students have excellent opportunities to take courses with some of the best experts in this field, to gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art satellite data products, and to connect with our colleagues and project partners in the US and beyond for internships and future job opportunities.

Some of our students have found employment in government agencies such as NOAA, NASA, the Department of Homeland Security, and the military, as well as private sector remote sensing companies and companies that use remote sensing techniques and data products. Others have found positions in research institutions and universities, including PhD programs. A typical first position is that of a data analyst who participates in the routine analysis of satellite images–for example, studying weather patterns or detecting oil pollution or unidentified ships.

There is a growing demand for data analysts and experts who understand how to use remote sensing techniques and satellite data products for a variety of applications, and the Applied Remote Sensing MPS track is an ideal stepping stone for students looking for a career in this field. Our students learn from some of the top experts in the fields of remote sensing and ocean and atmospheric science, acquire hands-on experience with state-of-the-art satellite data products, and take advantage of our excellent connections to potential future employers.