The USC online Master of Science in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence (HSGI) program connects collaborative and interrelated sciences and disciplines, providing a valuable framework for graduate-level planning and leadership on future human security and geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) initiatives at local, regional, national and international scales.
Students can also gain the knowledge and practical skills to inform effective decision making related to “TCPED”: the tasking, collection, processing, exploitation and dissemination of human security risk geospatial data.
The coursework provides students with a deep understanding of human security issues and how they relate to man-made as well as natural disasters.
Students will also learn the critical role that geospatial intelligence plays in military, disaster management and humanitarian operations.
“I’ve already had opportunities to apply the coursework to my areas of interest. For example, in the geospatial intelligence tradecraft course, we were given a real-world assignment with the directive to create a disaster mitigation plan for Hurricane Maria. This was a very relevant assignment to the moment in time in which it was assigned, as well as aligning with my own interests, and an opportunity to apply academia to the real world.”
– Elin Henningsson, M.S. in HSGI, Class of 2019 (GIS Business Systems Analyst II, Southern California Gas Company)
Experiential Learning Requirement
Our MS in HSGI program will take students on a weeklong fieldwork excursion to the USC Wrigley Marine Science Center — a half-acre research and educational campus on Catalina Island.
Earn your Master of Science in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence online.
Career Options
- The MS in HSGI is ideal for anyone interested in a human security and GEOINT career as well as for those who are already working in GEOINT fields, such as disaster response, environmental change, business or national security.
- This master’s degree is especially relevant to individuals who are interested in elevating their careers in military geospatial units, domestic and international humanitarian, government agencies, military contracting organizations, and disaster relief and response organizations.
- Graduates will gain both the technical skills to be adept GEOINT practitioners as well as the leadership and communication skills to be effective human security and GEOINT leaders.
The HSGI master’s degree is accredited by the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF).
The Office for the Director of National Intelligence has designated the University of Southern California as an Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence (IC CAE).
