geodesign map
Graduate Certificate in
Geodesign

Courses

The 14-credit Graduate Certificate in Geodesign provides you with the flexibility to complete your course work at times and places most convenient for you, combined with a highly relevant, dynamic curriculum taught by faculty with world-class expertise. You can complete this online graduate certificate program in one year.

The courses can help you develop the skills needed to take the lead on complex environmental design problems that require the synthesis of geographic knowledge, geospatial analysis, and best practices of design. Through successful completion of the course work, you can learn to:

  • perform critical evaluations of specific geodesign model techniques relative to particular environmental and cultural contexts and conditions
  • demonstrate knowledge of the multidimensional scope and scale of projects to which geodesign can be applied
  • combine design with relevant science-based and value-based information, in a manner that explores alternative solutions from a cross-disciplinary, decision-driven approach

Program Flexibility

Geodesign (GEODZ) courses operate on 8-week terms. Our geography (GEOG) courses operate on 10-week terms. Two course terms will be offered in the fall and spring and one in the summer. Please see the course schedule for a complete listing of courses being offered.

With two sessions being offered in fall and spring, and one session in the summer, some courses may overlap. However, this term structure provides you with the greatest flexibility possible in completing your certificate at your preferred pace. You can choose to schedule your courses without any overlap or take as many courses as possible to finish sooner.

Required Courses (9 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Students study the theory and principles of geospatially based design by investigating the methods and collaborative nature of the geodesign process.

    • Prerequisite

      GEOG 482 (Please contact the program to discuss waiving this requirement.)

  • 3
    credits

    The principles, inherent values, and practical applications of evaluation and decision models as implemented within the geodesign framework.

    • Prerequisite

      GEODZ 511

    • 3
      credits

      The principles, inherent values, and practical applications of process and impact models as implemented within the geodesign framework.

      • Prerequisite

        GEODZ 822

    • or:
      3
      credits

      The principles, inherent values, and practical applications of representation and change models as implemented within the geodesign framework.

      • Prerequisite

        GEODZ 822

Elective Courses (5 credits)

Students are required to take at least 5 credits of geography courses at the 400 level or higher. Based on your experience in geographic information systems, you and your academic adviser will determine which GEOG electives will best meet your needs and interests.

Recommended Elective Courses if No GIS Experience

The following GEOG courses are recommended for those individuals without GIS experience.

  • 3
    credits

    Case studies, student investigations, and projects reveal the scope, impact, and character of the Geospatial Revolution.

  • 3
    credits

    How geographic information systems facilitate data analysis and communication to address common geographic problems.

    • Prerequisite

      GEOG 482

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

Penn State World Campus Students

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