UAVs Applications in Geological and Environmental Sciences

The Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences jointly with the College of Aviation (COA) at Western Michigan University is offering a nine credit hour certificate in the geological and environmental applications of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The certificate program provides a comprehensive understanding of the available geophysical and remote sensing sensors mounted on UAVs, and training on the acquisition of the UAV observation and their applications in addressing geological and environmental problems of interest such as mapping of environmental hazards (e.g., algal bloom distribution, contaminant releases, flood assessment, landslides, fire and volcano monitoring), and mapping of natural resources (water, mineral, forestry, vegetation intensity and type, and wildlife). Two courses will be taught in Geological and Environmental Sciences each for three credit hours, one in remote sensing fundamentals, methods, and applications in geological and environmental sciences, and the second in geophysics fundamentals, methods, and applications in geological and environmental sciences. Both courses will also cover the acquisition, download, processing, and analysis of UAV datasets in the department. One three credit hour hybrid course will be taught by the COA; the course will provide an introduction to unmanned aerial systems, operations, Federal Aviation Administration regulations, fundamentals of flight and weather, and preparation for the FAA UAS knowledge examination. All classes will be offered during summer sessions.

Admission Requirements

A BS degree and completion of application online. Applicants planning on enrolling in the graduate UAV certificate in conjunction with a graduate degree program must submit separate online applications for each program.

1. Copy of passport identification page
2. Proof of English language proficiency*
3. Transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended or are attending, including diplomas, examination results, mark sheets and certificates.* Unofficial transcripts and other academic documents are acceptable for admission decision-making. Uploaded documents will show as received only AFTER an admissions counselor has completed the evaluation.

   The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (I3S) may accept credential evaluation reports from certain credential evaluation services to make admission decision at Western Michigan University for undergraduate and graduate international admissions. Although it is not required, we strongly encourage submission of evaluation reports to expedite application processing and decision-making. Admitted and enrolled students are required to send your official high school or university transcripts and proof of degree before the beginning of the second semester of your studies. Following are the evaluation agencies that you may use to get your transcripts evaluated: World Education Services: www.wes.org Educational Credential Evaluators: www.ece.org Academic Evaluation Services: www.academicevaluations.org Global Credential Evaluators: www.gceus.com Spantran: The Evaluation Company: www.spantran.com

4. $100 non-refundable application fee
5. Proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU according to estimated cost of attendance. Proof of sufficient funds is a bank statement in your own name for cost of attendance. If the bank statement is not in your own name, then additionally provide a letter signed by your financial sponsor indicating that they will pay your cost of attendance.

*Official documents are those sent directly to International Student and Scholar Services (I3S) from the issuing institution or testing agency. Hand-carried transcripts will be accepted if in a sealed envelope from the institution. Documents sent by the student cannot be accepted as official.If any original documents are not issued in English, also provide an official English translation of each document. 

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