Jefferson’s MS in Urban Analytics & Geodesign leverages GIS and advanced geospatial technologies in identifying and finding innovative solutions to urban design and urban planning problems. Emphasizing GIS-based tools, 3D parametric design and modeling, sustainable design approaches, collaboration and innovation within an integrated process, this STEM-designated graduate program is intended to empower students to find resilient solutions to 21st century urban challenges resulting from population growth, decreasing resources, natural disasters, and climate change. Geodesign is sustainability in practice, and our graduates are leaders in this innovative field.

Urban Analytics & Geodesign students are directly involved in collaborative applied research projects with industry partners, state and federal agencies, and community partnerships. They work with advanced technologies including parametric 3D modeling, spatial data collection using emerging technologies such as LiDAR, UAVs (drones), UAV-based photogrammetry, advanced geospatial mobile applications, and BIM while they help develop and test new tools that inform future industry software. Graduates possess highly sought-after GIS skills and are well prepared for dynamic careers in interdisciplinary firms, state and federal agencies, NGOs, academia and more.

The MS in Urban Analytics & Geodesign is a 36-credit post professional degree open to those interested in GIS and the allied design disciplines: architecture, landscape architecture, planning and engineering, as well as students with backgrounds or interest in GIS. Classes are offered on a full-time or part-time basis and are held in the evenings and Saturdays in order to meet the needs of our professional students.

Our 4+1 or 5+1 programs allows Jefferson students and partner universities of associated undergraduate programs to earn the Masters degree in one additional year.
"The future of design excellence and sustainability across the design disciplines will require ever-increasing complex problem-solving skills to empower creativity. The cross-disciplinary masters students will be equipped to apply exciting and rapidly emerging geospatial technologies to lead in defining and solving contemporary design and planning challenges with highly informed sustainable design solutions. Geodesign is 'smart' design."
- James Querry, Associate Professor and former Director of
Enterprise GIS, City of Philadelphia