The overall objective of the 35-credit online MPS in Geodesign program is to help you gain the knowledge and skills to:
- lead the design of sites, developments, and regions to achieve ecological sustainability, economic viability, and social relevancy, by applying appropriate geodesign processes
- develop successful geoprocessing workflows to analyze and assess building and development impacts on the natural and cultural environment
- recognize the combined power of design- and science-based analysis and solution synthesis to ascertain opportunities for managing resources successfully, anticipating change, and imagining alternative futures
- achieve the advanced collaboration skills needed for creating multidisciplinary teams to develop geospatial models for development and conservation
Program Flexibility
All geodesign (GEODZ) courses operate on 8-week terms except for our studio courses. The studio courses will run for the full 14-week semester. 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. 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 degree at your preferred pace. You can choose to schedule your courses without any overlap, or take as many courses as possible to finish sooner.
Course List - Master of Professional Studies in Geodesign
| Title | Abbreviation | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geodesign History, Theory, Principles | GEODZ 511 | 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 |
| Geodesign Models I: Evaluation and Decision | GEODZ 822 | The principles, inherent values, and practical applications of evaluation and decision models as implemented within the geodesign framework. Prerequisite: GEODZ 511 |
3 credits |
| Geodesign Models II: Process and Impact | GEODZ 824* | The principles, inherent values, and practical applications of process and impact models as implemented within the geodesign framework. Prerequisite: GEODZ 822 |
3 credits |
| Geodesign Models III: Representation and Change | GEODZ 826* | The principles, inherent values, and practical applications of representation and change models as implemented within the geodesign framework. Prerequisite: GEODZ 822 |
3 credits |
| Geodesign Studio I: Rural/Regional Challenges | GEODZ 842 | Problems-based workshop where students apply geodesign process, in a collaborative setting, to regional-scale landscape change and land planning topics. Prerequisite: GEODZ 824 or GEODZ 826 |
6 credits |
| Geodesign Studio II: Urban/District-scale Challenges | GEODZ 852 | Problems-based workshop where students apply geodesign process, in a collaborative setting, to urban-scale landscape change and land planning topics. Prerequisite: GEODZ 842 |
6 credits |
*Students may choose to take either GEODZ 824 or 826
Geography Courses
You are required to take at least 8 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. GEOG 482 and 483 are recommended for those individuals without GIS experience. View all GEOG electives available through World Campus.
| Title | Abbreviation | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Studies—Geodesign Capstone Project Proposal and Peer Review | GEODZ 596A | Preparation and peer-review presentation of proposal for an individual capstone geodesign project. Prerequisite: GEODZ 852 |
3 credits |
| Individual Studies—Geodesign Capstone Project Dissemination | GEODZ 596B | Preparation and dissemination of geodesign capstone project results in a formal professional venue. Prerequisite: GEODZ 596A |
3 credits |
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.