Geospatial Data Science Graduate Certificate

Develop proficiency in data science and programming tools with the Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Data Science in Temple University’s College of Liberal Arts. This 12-credit certificate program’s curriculum focuses specifically on location-based data.

The Geospatial Data Science Graduate Certificate is designed for data science professionals seeking to enhance their geospatial analysis skills and for current graduate students in public health, sociology and environmental science programs. It can also serve as a gateway to the Geospatial Data Science Professional Science Master’s. 

Drawing on computer science, engineering, math, spatial science and statistics, the certificate’s coursework explores geographic analysis, solutions that help advance science and society, and solutions to location-based problems. You’ll study big data handling, data mining, geospatial analytics and machine learning, as well as core data science competencies and industry-standard tools.

Housed in the Department of Geography and Urban Studies, this graduate certificate program emphasizes faculty expertise in cartography, geographic information systems, remote sensing, machine learning, spatial data science, spatial statistics and urban analytics. 

Demand for data scientists is increasing as many industries rely on geospatial analysis to inform decision-making within their organizations. 

Program Format & Curriculum

All classes for the Geospatial Data Science Certificate (Graduate) are held after 4:30 p.m. on Temple’s Main Campus. Students in the certificate program can transfer all 12 credits into Temple’s Geospatial Data Science Professional Science Master’s program if they apply to the master’s program prior to completing their fourth and final course in the certificate. 

Students have up to four years to earn the certificate.

The curriculum includes the following required courses.

  • Geovisualization or Statistics for Urban Spatial Analysis
  • Big Geospatial Data

Students complete the graduate certificate by choosing two electives from any of the required or elective courses in the Geospatial Data Science Professional Science Master’s program, including

  • Advanced Remote Sensing,
  • Applied Machine Learning for Spatial Data Students, 
  • Geosimulation,
  • GIS Application Development,
  • GIS Programming,
  • Remote Sensing and
  • Spatial Database Design.

Learn more about Geospatial Data Science Certificate (Graduate) courses.

Careers

Geospatial data science is an emerging field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts faster-than-average job growth for cartographers and photogrammetrists—both careers that leverage geospatial data science. Graduates are prepared for jobs in technology-based sectors, government and nonprofit organizations. They are prepared to pursue careers in the following areas.

  • Agriculture
  • Cartography
  • Climate adaptation
  • Education 
  • Healthcare 
  • Human security 
  • Marketing
  • Retail and business location
  • Social services 
  • Spatial epidemiology
  • Transportation
  • Urban and environmental planning

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Graduate Certificate offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,105.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,518.00 per credit

You can view the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

LA-GSDS-GRAD

Additional Program Information

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