Dr. John Wilson

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Biography

John Wilson is an internationally recognized leader in research focusing on spatial perspectives of human health and sustainability in relation to the environment. He is the founding Director of the Spatial Sciences Institute at the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and serves as a Professor in multiple departments, including Sociology, Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, and Preventive Medicine at the University of Southern California. Wilson’s professional work involves guiding a staff of researchers, including visiting scholars, post-doctoral researchers, and graduate and undergraduate students, affiliated with the Wilson Map Lab. His research projects heavily utilize Building Information Modeling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and various remote sensing technologies to support healthier and more resilient communities across urban and rural landscapes. He is the editor-in-chief of the journal Transactions in GIS and has published over 130 book chapters and refereed articles on subjects such as geodesign, geographic information science, hydrology, and spatial data science, with a career spanning over four decades. His latest work focuses on advancing spatial data science.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2000-01-01 — Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Professor leading research and teaching in spatial sciences, focusing on applications in health and sustainability.

Director

2000-01-01 — Present

Spatial Sciences Institute • Los Angeles, CA

Founding Director of the Spatial Sciences Institute, overseeing research and educational initiatives.

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.