Post-bachelor’s certificate positions grads for success in Spatial Data Science

A new post-bachelor’s certificate in spatial data science at Mount Royal University will enable graduates to conduct spatial analysis and discover data insights through cutting-edge technology and innovative techniques, giving them an edge in a growing job market looking for these skills.

The course, building on MRU’s new Bachelor of Science - Data Science, which began in winter 2024, introduces students to geospatial tools, data and applications critical to location-based IT solutions. It draws from geography, computer information systems and mathematics, and includes a focus on  machine and deep learning. Students will receive hands-on learning opportunities to enhance teaching in the classroom. The program is intended for university graduates wanting to build on their education and gain skills valued in the environmental,  IT and business sectors.

In Alberta, data science skills are in demand across the economy and particularly in high-growth sectors such as health care and cleantech, where spatial data and analysis are critical.

“Students from many disciplines across MRU have reached out to ask how they can build more spatial science expertise when they can't fit more courses into their programs,” said Dr. Lynn Moorman, PhD, professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at MRU.

“With the launch of the new data science degree and the strength of the faculty in both data science and spatial science, it made sense to offer a one-year post-graduate option to allow students to build a robust geospatial skill set to complement their undergraduate education. The certificate also responds to international and local industry demands for geospatial education that integrates data science, particularly programming, web solutions, and AI capabilities, like deep learning.”

The program starts in fall 2025 and has 36 seats available. It will be delivered at Mount Royal with face-to-face classes supported with practical laboratory exercises, field trips, audio-visual presentations and seminars.

Spatial data science is at the intersection of two growing fields — geospatial/locational analytics and data science. Geospatial employers are demanding skills in database management and programming and data science positions increasingly require skills in managing and working with the unique aspects of spatial data.

Growth is fuelled by increases of big data, most with a spatial component due to the massive growth of Internet of Things sensors, earth observation sensors (satellite, nanosats, UAVs), the use of augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR) in modelling the Earth, and the use geospatial data as a key component of management and operational information systems, as well as 3D-spatial modelling, across industry and governments, locally and worldwide.

“To paraphrase a statement made from an industry leader at the end of a geomatics conference, 'We have the computer scientists and programmers, but they don't have the geography, an understanding of location coordinates or spatial analysis.' We hope to help rectify this situation by offering students who have already earned an undergraduate degree this blend of geography, GIS and remote sensing with data science, machine learning and  computing,” said Pam MacQuarrie, associate professor in earth and environmental sciences at MRU.

“The Spatial Data Science Certificate will help to set the students up for success in their career.”

Read more about the Data Science Certificate and Data Science Degree at MRU.