<p>Herndon, Va., Jan. 12, 2011 The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) announced today the official accreditation of the U.S. Air Force Academys geospatial intelligence program. The U.S. Air Force Academy is the first service academy to be accredited by USGIF.</p>
<p>The recently accredited Geospatial Intelligence Certificate Program at the U.S. Air Force Academy represents an important step forward for our discipline, said Dr. R. Maxwell Baber, USGIFs academic director. Effective utilization of geospatial technologies has become critically important for national security, and this accreditation affirms significant USAFA commitment to the growing importance of GEOINT for protecting our national interests.</p>
<p>USGIF accreditation of university geospatial intelligence certificate programs assures students are familiarized with a broad set of technical and critical thinking skills as well as provided with knowledge relevant to entering and fostering a career in the geospatial intelligence profession. USGIF accreditation, offered by institutions of higher education, will complement a college degree, support career development and provide professional recognition. USGIF will present students with a geospatial intelligence certificate upon successful completion of the course.</p>