Professional Science Master’s in Geospatial Data Science  

Expand your expertise in geospatial analysis with the Professional Science Masters (PSM) in Geospatial Data Science in Temple University’s College of Liberal Arts. One of the first of its kind in the U.S., this 30-credit master’s program is specifically designed to train data scientists and geographic information systems (GIS) professionals with geospatial analysis, programming and advanced analytical skills.

Data science is a growing field with roots in computer science, mathematics and statistics. It can be applied across disciplines and industries for which spatially referenced data informs prediction and decision-making, including climate adaptation, urban and environmental planning, retail and business location, and spatial epidemiology. This degree emphasizes advanced statistics and computer programming to meet the increasing demand for professionals with expertise in these areas. 

Geography and Urban Studies Department faculty have extensive experience in

  • cartography, 
  • GIS,
  • machine learning,
  • remote sensing,
  • spatial analysis,
  • spatial data science,
  • spatial statistics and
  • urban analytics.

Students learn the fundamentals of geospatial data science as well as the latest trends in the field. The program’s faculty imparts an in-depth understanding of ethics, preparing students to put them into practice in their careers. 

Coursework addresses the geospatial aspects of core data science competencies in big data analytics, machine learning and simulation. You’ll use industry-standard tools such as SQL, R, Python and other emerging technologies, with an emphasis on open source tools, social coding and reproducible research.

Many of the program’s courses focus on programming and include peer review, code walkthroughs and live demonstrations of coding projects. You’ll learn to write documentation and leverage social coding platforms such as GitHub to share and publicize your work.

Choosing the Geospatial Data Science Professional Science Master’s

The Geospatial Data Science PSM distinguishes itself from the Geographic Information Systems PSM through a specific emphasis on big data handling, data mining, geospatial analytics, machine learning and geosimulation. Compared to the Geographic Information Systems program, the Geospatial Data Science program focuses on advanced statistical knowledge and computer programming. Graduates are trained to work outside the realm of traditional GIS jobs, including in corporate environments. 

The Geospatial Data Science PSM program also produces different outcomes from the College of Science and Technology’s Computational Data Science MS and the Fox School of Business’s Statistics and Data Science MS by providing a distinctive focus on geospatial data and spatial analytics and through its curriculum designed for current professionals.

Our Community

The College of Liberal Arts at Temple comprises many academic disciplines and research areas. Now more than ever, an interdisciplinary liberal arts education is invaluable for your future pursuits. It offers the opportunity to further push your drive to create real change in the world, here at Temple and beyond. In this graduate program, you’ll work closely with diverse faculty members who are highly esteemed in their field and with a curious, passionate community of peers.  

Program Format & Curriculum

All classes for the Geospatial Data Science PSM program are held after 4:30 p.m. on Temple’s Main Campus. The curriculum is designed so that full-time students can complete the program in one academic year and quickly reenter the workforce. Working professionals may complete the degree program on a part-time basis over two to three academic years.

Advanced training in the sciences, as well as courses in policy and business, are incorporated into the core data science and spatial analysis coursework. 

Program evaluation is based on students producing working applications and/or reproducible analysis pipelines, and explaining their work to a variety of audiences. Assessment includes demonstration of technical competency, professional writing and presentation of results. Program culmination includes a student capstone project.

Elective courses allow students to specialize based on their personal and professional interests. Required courses for the Geospatial Data Science PSM include the following.

  • Advanced Statistics for Urban Applications
  • Application Development for GIS
  • Big Geospatial Data
  • GIS Capstone 
  • GIS Ethics and Professional Practice
  • Geovisualization

Learn more about the courses for the Professional Science Master's in Geospatial Data Science.

Related Graduate Degrees

*Fox School of Business
**College of Science and Technology

Related Graduate Certificates

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Professional Science Master's 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 2023–2024 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,053.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,449.00 per credit

You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

LA-GSDS-PSM

Additional Program Information