Program Overview

Master of Science in Spatial Data Science

The Master of Science in Spatial Data Science is designed to help students leverage vast amounts of geospatial data to identify patterns, develop insights, and solve location-based problems. This program prepares students to work at the intersection of GIS and spatial analysis with the principles of data science, visualization, and programming.

Program Overview

• The program is 100% online, allowing students to complete their coursework at their own pace.
• The program consists of 33-36 credits, with a cost of $1,037 per credit.
• The program can be completed in about two years, with five 10-week terms per year.
• Students can take semesters off to address the changing demands of their personal and professional lives.

Program Structure

• The program is structured into four distinct areas of study:
  1. Required courses (15 credits)
  2. Spatial data science methods electives (9 credits)
  3. Spatial data science application electives (6 credits)
  4. Scholarly paper or research thesis (3 or 6 credits)
• A minimum of 33 credits at the 400, 500, 600, or 800 level is required, with at least 18 credits in 500- or 600-level courses.

Required Courses

• GEOG 485: GIS Programming and Software Development (3 credits)
• GEOG 486: Cartography and Visualization (3 credits)
• GEOG 580: Geovisual Analytics (3 credits)
• GEOG 583: Geospatial System Analysis and Design (3 credits)
• GEOG 586: Geographical Information Analysis (3 credits)

Spatial Data Science Methods Electives

• GEOG 480: Exploring Imagery and Elevation Data in GIS Applications (3 credits)
• GEOG 481: Topographic Mapping with Lidar (3 credits)
• GEOG 482: Making Maps That Matter with GIS (3 credits)
• GEOG 483: Problem-Solving with GIS (3 credits)
• GEOG 484: GIS Database Development (3 credits)
• GEOG 489: Advanced Python Programming for GIS (3 credits)
• GEOG 585: Open Web Mapping (3 credits)
• GEOG 589: Emerging Trends in Remote Sensing (3 credits)
• GEOG 861: The Earth is Round and Maps are Flat: Working with Spatial Reference Systems in GIS (3 credits)
• GEOG 863: Web Application Development for the Geospatial Professional (3 credits)
• GEOG 865: Cloud and Server GIS (3 credits)
• GEOG 868: Spatial Database Management for the Geospatial Professional (3 credits)
• GEOG 883: Remote Sensing Image Analysis and Applications (3 credits)
• GEOG 884: Spatial Data Science and Intelligence Analysis (3 credits)
• GEOG 885: Analytical Methods and GeoAI in Geospatial Intelligence (3 credits)
• GEOG 892: Geospatial Applications of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) (3 credits)
• DAAN 862: Analytics Programming in Python (3 credits)
• DAAN 871: Data Visualization (3 credits)
• IE 575: Foundations of Predictive Analytics (3 credits)
• STAT 500: Applied Statistics (3 credits)
• STAT 508: Applied Data Mining and Statistical Learning (3 credits)

Spatial Data Science Application Electives

• GEOG 479: Spatial Data Science for Cyber and Human Social Networks (3 credits)
• GEOG 487: Environmental Challenges in Spatial Data Science (3 credits)
• GEOG 571: Intelligence Analysis, Cultural Geography, and Homeland Security (3 credits)
• GEOG 581: Spatial Data Science Ethics (3 credits)
• GEOG 587: Conservation GIS (3 credits)
• GEOG 588: Analytical Approaches in Spatial Data Science (3 credits)
• GEOG 591: GIS for Health Analysis (3 credits)
• GEOG 850: Location Intelligence for Business (3 credits)
• GEOG 858: Spatial Data Science for Emergency Management (3 credits)
• GEOG 871: Geospatial Technology Project Management (3 credits)
• GEOG 882: Geographic Foundations of Geospatial Intelligence (3 credits)
• APDEM 802: Data, GIS, and Applied Demography (3 credits)
• GEODZ 511: Geodesign History, Theory, Principles (3 credits)
• GEODZ 822: Geodesign Models I: Evaluation and Decision (3 credits)

Culminating Experience

• GEOG 570: Capstone in Spatial Data Science (3 credits)
• GEOG 600: Thesis Research (6 credits)

Career Opportunities

• Geospatial Analyst
• GIS Software Developer
• Geographic Data Visualization Specialist
• GIS/Geospatial Data Engineer
• Spatial Data Scientist

Faculty

• Anthony C. Robinson, Ph.D.
• Ryan Baxter
• Amy Burnicki
• James Detwiler
• Brandi Gaertner
• Panagiotis Giannakis
• Adrienne Goldsberry
• Fritz Kessler
• Beth King
• Karen Schuckman
• Marcela Suárez
• Gregory Thomas
• Michelle Zeiders

News

• Real-World Examples of How GIS Can Improve Business
• 2024 Murphy Award honors Air Force veteran
• Navy platoon commander is 2023 Murphy Award recipient
• Army Corps of Engineers officer is the 2022 Murphy Award recipient
• First student to graduate from spatial data science master’s program
• Remote sensing faculty member appointed to lead national organization
• 2021 Carolyn Merry Mentoring Award, University Consortium for Geographic Information Science
• Capstone project improves disease mapping tool for Penn State Cancer Institute

Costs and Financial Aid

• Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register.
• Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
• Some students may qualify for financial aid.
• Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities.

Application Instructions

• Review the admission requirements.
• Gather your required materials.
• Create a Penn State login account.
• Read the application instructions.
• Complete the application.

Contact Us

• Our program specialists are available to help you with your application and to answer any questions you have about our online geospatial programs.