Humanity is increasingly confronting global challenges caused by massive changes such as population growth, rapid urbanization and climate change. These concerns require the help of professionals who can create geodesign frameworks within physical and built environments that help us move toward a healthier planet and a more sustainable future.
The M.S. in Geodesign, Environment and Health provides an expansive education with a focus on the intersection of health, environmental sustainability and geospatial science. This geodesign degree is truly multidisciplinary, featuring coursework in geodesign, spatial science, architecture, engineering and public policy.
Coursework in the program covers the scientific underpinnings of spatial science and the theories, methods and tools that geodesign employs to promote human wellbeing and environmental sustainability. During the program, students will use the latest geospatial technologies as tools for evaluation, simulation, comparison and decision-making.
USC’s home base in the Los Angeles metropolitan area is home to world-class companies in the geospatial, IT and AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) industries, giving students crucial networking and career opportunities. With its environmental and population diversity and its challenges related to rapid urbanization, environmental degradation and income disparity, Los Angeles offers students the perfect space to envision initiatives that could solve city-wide problems.
“Geodesign uses spatial thinking, spatial methods and spatial data to imagine what the world could become as opposed to what it is today. When designing the program, we sought contributions from the School of Public Policy and the School of Architecture and drew on their methods and ways of thinking.”
– John P. Wilson,
Professor of Sociology and Spatial Sciences and Founding Director
Request Brochure
Fill out the information below to learn more about the University of Southern California’s GIS Graduate Programs and download a free brochure. If you have any additional questions, please call 877-650-9054 to speak to an enrollment advisor.
Program Curriculum
This full-time, 32-credit residential program provides a broad geodesign education and specialized skills in spatial science, architecture, public policy and engineering that can be applied to your future career. The program can be completed in four semesters.
Students customize their studies by choosing one of three concentrations:
- The Built Environment
- The Natural Environment
- Health and Place
Experiential learning is an important part of the M.S. in Geodesign, Environment and Health. The program includes a practicum course where students work to find solutions to real-world challenges. In addition, students will have the opportunity to build their professional network through networking at guest speaker events, industry meet-ups and other career development opportunities. Students will also be invited to Esri’s annual Geodesign Summit where they will be able to see a wide range of case studies that cover the breadth and depth of geodesign and learn from the leading geodesign practitioners in the world.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the M.S. in Geodesign, Environment and Health program will have the unique training to fulfill specialized roles in a variety of industries, including AEC, the public health and sustainability sectors and transportation. This program is beneficial for individuals who are new to these sectors as well as experienced practitioners who want to upgrade their skills to keep up with advancing GIS technologies.
“USC has extensive connections with industries and alumni. At Esri UC, the USC reception is always a great opportunity to socialize with your peers and to network.”
– Guoping Huang,Associate Professor (Teaching) of Spatial Sciences
Geodesign, Health and Environment
What is geodesign?
Geodesign is a relatively new field. It infuses spatially informed decision-making processes with science- and value-based information. When these are leveraged effectively, organizational stakeholders are able to make more informed decisions that impact our built and natural environments.
What is urban analytics?
The emerging urban analytics field uses data collection and analysis to gather insights on urban environments. These insights are used to ask questions and make informed decisions about the future of cities.
Ready to learn more? Download our program brochure, and explore our curriculum, admissions and FAQ pages.
Catalina Island Excursion
Students in the M.S. in GIST, M.S. in HSGI and Graduate Certificate in GIST programs will participate in a week-long fieldwork excursion...