Foundations in Rural Data Science

The Foundations in Rural Data Science Certificate introduces students to one of today’s fastest-growing fields through a blend of analytical, technical, and place-based learning. This two-term, 30-credit program builds core skills in data science, computer programming, calculus, statistics, and research methods while connecting coursework to real applications in rural, remote, and Indigenous community contexts. Students learn how data is collected, cleaned, analyzed, and communicated, and explore how data-driven insights support environmental, community, and scientific decision-making.

The certificate is designed for learners who want to explore data science or prepare for advanced study in pathways such as data science, computer science, mathematics, and geospatial technologies. Flexible electives allow students to tailor the program to future academic or career goals. Graduates may continue into the Associate of Science Degree, ladder into related Selkirk programs, or transfer to degree-level data science programs at other institutions.

By the end of the program, graduates will be able to:

1. Demonstrate best practices across the data science workflow to support decision-making in diverse applied contexts, including those commonly encountered in rural communities.
2. Apply the mathematical and statistical concepts needed to understand, model, and analyze introductory data science problems, and to continue studies in data-focused disciplines.
3. Implement foundational computer programming techniques to write, test, and debug code for data science applications.
4. Examine how the core principles of research design apply to studies in rural and Indigenous settings.
5. Using appropriate tools and approaches, create clear reports and visualizations at an introductory level to communicate technical findings for diverse audiences.

This program is accessible to learners from a wide range of backgrounds. Foundational skills may be demonstrated through prior coursework, professional experience, or a short skills assessment.

Academic requirements:

• High school graduation or equivalent.

• English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12 or ENGL 60 with 60% (or equivalent).

• Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of 60%. Applicants who have not completed Pre-Calculus 12 may still be admitted and asked to complete an assessment and upgrade their skills to ensure readiness for university-level mathematics.

Additional Requirements

• - Completion of a questionnaire assessing the student’s computer skills. Basic digital literacy, including file management, online research, and proficiency with common productivity tools, is necessary for success in the program.

Helpful but not required:

• - Experience with spreadsheets, statistics, introductory programming

• - Introductory coding experience (e.g. High school, coding clubs, technology clubs or events)

• - Micro-credentials in Python or data literacy

2. Students wishing to enroll in the Foundations in Rural Data Science Program on a part-time basis may do so providing the same entry requirements as full-time students have been met. Part-time students are only accepted if space is available after all full-time students are scheduled and with permission of the School Chair.

• Student academic progress is governed by Policy 8615.
• Students must meet course pre-requisites with a minimum grade of 60% unless otherwise noted.
• Foundations in Rural Data Science Certificate is awarded when a student completes at least thirty (30) credits of required and elective courses with a minimum GPA of 2.00.

Term 1

Required courses

Term 2

Required courses