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College of Social Sciences & Humanities

Urban Analytics

Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Urban Analytics prepares students to manage the progressively complex issues involved with rapidly expanding data and technological resources in cities.

Program curriculum Explore College of Social Sciences & Humanities
Two people reviewing an urban map with building and street layouts on a laptop and paper. One person points at the screen, while the other holds a pencil. Sunlight illuminates the workspace, with more maps visible in the background.
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Program Format
On ground
Time Commitment
Part time, Full time
Duration
1 Year(s)
Entry Term(s)
Fall, Spring, Summer
Meets F1 visa requirements
No
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Program overview

The future of cities starts here

With 75% of the world’s population projected to be living in cities by 2050, the need for professionals in urban planning and related careers is increasing. The Graduate Certificate in Urban Analytics prepares students to manage the complex issues involved with rapidly expanding data and technological resources in cities.

Students will be trained in the intricacies of interconnected urban systems with the practical knowledge to analyze how these systems work together. Focusing on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related technology, the program gives you the skills necessary to shape the future of cities across the globe.

The curriculum emphasizes the expertise needed to bridge emerging technological capacities and traditional policy-making processes to help create sustainable, resilient, and just cities.

  • The curriculum provides both practical and theoretical knowledge
  • Students will cultivate applied skills in visual presentation, analysis, and modeling of new datasets—all of which will help to inform investment and policy making
  • Students use Boston and cities around the world as learning labs
  • Students may choose to complete a research practicum
  • The certificate may be completed as a stand-alone graduate program or in conjunction with a graduate degree program at Northeastern
  • This certificate can stack into the Master of Science in Urban Informatics program

Admissions

Apply to the program

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.

Fall term: August 15

Spring Term: December 15

Summer 1 Term (domestic applicants only): April 15 

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis.


  • Application

  • Application fee

  • Personal statement

  • Resume

  • Three letters of recommendation

  • Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended

    • The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the

      FCE requirements

      by country.)

  • English proficiency for international applicants

Program objectives

Prepare for success

A graduate certificate in Urban Analytics prepares you for success in this pioneering field at the intersection of cities and data.

Gain applied skills in urban analytics

Students cultivate applied skills in visual presentation, analysis, and modeling of new data sets—all of which helps to inform investment and policy making.

Groundbreaking research

Students collaborate with faculty on use-inspired research in class and in our research centers-The Kitty and Michael Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy, The Social Impact Lab, and the Boston Area Research Initiative.

The city is your classroom

Inspired by Northeastern’s leadership in experiential education, students will use Boston and cities around the world as learning labs.

Lead in an emerging field

Only a handful of U.S. universities currently offer certificates in urban analytics.

Degree building

Stack your certificate

Earning a graduate certificate is a fast and affordable way to acquire specialized skills while building toward your master’s degree. Upon completion of this certificate program, you may be able to apply your credits to an eligible master’s program, saving time and money on your degree.

Some of the eligible master’s programs for this certificate include:

Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more about eligibility requirements.

Market outlook
Industry at a glance
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Occupations

Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $17,352
    Tuition in USD

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.

Visit tuition & financial aid

Total Cost of Attendance: This figure reflects the cost-per-credit pricing for the current academic year. The total cost of attendance is dependent on the pace at which students complete the program. Please visit the Student Financial Services site for a more detailed breakdown of pricing per credit and other program fees.

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Want more information?

We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team. 

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