Urban Planning Analytics Certificate

The certificate trains students to make decisions that are not only technically efficient, economically sound, environmentally aware, but also socially, ethically, and politically informed. In addition, the certificate equips students with essential foundational skills that arise from actively engaging in data science combined with an understanding of cities as systems. In doing so, the certificate promotes the educational mission of Virginia Tech to offer its students an innovative, interdisciplinary learning environment in which they can take leadership roles in data sciences for the cities of tomorrow. The certificate seeks to meet the increasing workforce demand for analytical skills and literacy.

How to Apply:
Fill out the online application for participation in the certificate program.

Upon processing of the application, you will be contacted
with information about the submission of additional
required materials. Thank you for your interest.

Eligibility

Open to Virginia Tech students located at either the Blacksburg or National Capital Region campus who are pursuing a Masters or Ph.D. We welcome students from disciplines across campus, such as:

Urban Affairs and Planning
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Computer Science
Landscape Architecture
Architecture
Building Construction
Sociology
Statistics

Course Requirements

Students will be required to complete coursework to develop knowledge and skills related to data analytics and public policy for cities and urbanized places. Students will gain an understanding of the fundamental competencies needed for data collection, cleaning, management, and analysis as well as manage teams that conduct analyses related to cities. Students seeking the Certificate must complete the following four courses (click course name for most recent syllabus):

UAP 5114: Computer Applications in Urban Planning and Management

UAP 5224: Planning Methods and Technologies

UAP 5494: Advanced Quantitative Techniques for Urban Research

UAP 5564: Information Technology, Society, and Public Policy