The Bachelor of Science in Applied Environmental Spatial Analysis is a blend of both education and training designed to produce graduates with skills that meet the needs of employers in the Geospatial Technology field with little or no further training by employers. The Applied Environmental Spatial Analysis (AESA) degree is composed of a focused curriculum built on a firm foundation in science. The environmental science track focuses on the science of water resources. Georgia is facing increasing demands on its water resources as its population increases and economic activities expand. Water is central to the State’s future. Competition for water among stakeholders in Georgia and neighboring states has intensified and created regional conflicts. Water is needed for municipal, agricultural, and industrial use, navigation, hydropower generation, recreation, and fish and wildlife habitat. During 1998-2003, a protracted statewide drought forced Georgians to focus on the status of the state's freshwater resources. Today, the drought is over and many lakes including Lake Lanier are at capacity. Even though drought is not making headlines, critical water issues still face the State of Georgia and will need to be addressed.

In addressing these issues, there is a need for professionals who are educated in a holistic approach to watershed analysis and management and possess technical skills in the Geospatial Sciences. The aim of the watershed approach as outlined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency is to prevent pollution, achieve and sustain environmental improvements, and meet other community goals. In the environmental science track, GIS, remote sensing and environmental science are central to the watershed approach. These tools are used to define watershed boundaries; quantify watershed land uses; develop monitoring protocols; and analyze and present the plethora of data that are collected. Data relevant to watershed management are used by professionals from a variety of disciplines, including engineering, geology, hydrology, biology, chemistry, economics, and the social sciences.

Click here for information on the Environmental Science Track with Engineering Emphasis