Data Science for Environmental Applications Certificate

Introduction

This graduate certificate will allow students to develop skills, tools, and techniques to address increasingly complex environmental questions using data science. The certificate consists of three 4-credit classes and three 2-credit studio classes. The core classes are applied statistics in environmental science (pre-requisite for other core classes) and any two of the remaining core classes: multivariate methods, time-series analysis, and spatial analysis. The studio classes cover various topics (e.g., data wrangling & data visualization, machine learning, and dashboard & app development). All work will be done in an open-source environment using R, R markdown, and Shiny.

Why Consider a Data Science for Environmental Applications Certificate?

The role of big data, statistical analysis, and programming are critical aspects of today’s environmental job market. The emphasis throughout the certificate will be on applied methods to increase job-ready skills.

Student Resources

Department website: Environmental Sciences

Contact information: 

• Academic Program Director: John Rybczyk, 360-650-2081, John.Rybczyk@wwu.edu
• Graduate Program Specialist: Ed Weber, 360-650-3646, webere3@wwu.edu

Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.

Career Services Center: Connect major to a career

Sample Careers: Environmental Scientist, Environmental Consultant, Project Manager, Data Analyst, Statistician

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Applicants will apply via the Graduate School. Admission to the certificate is based on available space with first preference given to students in pursuing careers in data analysis and modeling.

Prerequisite: A bachelor’s degree with completion of a 300-level statistics course

Fall

• Core (required)
  • ESCI 502 – Applied Statistics in Environmental Science (4 credits)
• Studio
  • *ESCI 506 – Env Data Sci Studio: Data Wrangling and Data Visualization (2 credits)

Winter/Spring

• Core (choose 2, offerings may vary year to year but at least 2 will be offered over winter/spring)
  • ESCI 503 – Multivariate Methods for Environmental Science (4 credits)
  • ESCI 504 – Time-Series Analysis for Environmental Data (4 credits) 
  • ESCI 505 – Spatial Analysis for Environmental Data (4 credits)
• Studio
  • *ESCI 506 – Env Data Sci Studio: Machine Learning (2 credits)
  • *ESCI 506 – Env Data Sci Studio: Dashboard and App Development (2 credits)

*Studio topics may vary depending on instructor expertise and timeliness of content.

Certificate Completion

Certificates are awarded only upon the student’s submission of a Certificate Completion Application. Review application fees on the Certificate Information website.

• Graduate School Certificate Completion Application

Coursework required for completion of a certificate may not be eligible for financial aid. Contact the Financial Aid department for questions regarding certificate coursework aid eligibility.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s certificate courses, and supporting courses for certificates.