Foundations in Rural Data Science - Certificate

Prepare for one of today’s fastest-growing fields through a blend of analytical, technical and place-based learning.
Program at a Glance
Length
8 months
Credential
Certificate
School
University Arts & Sciences
Delivery Method
On Campus
Campus
Castlegar
Intake Dates
Fall
Contacts
Dylan Sargent
UAS School Chair, Instructor
Phone
1 (888) 953-1133
21318
Contact by email
Overview

Data is shaping the future of work and the Foundations in Rural Data Science Certificate at Selkirk College gives you the skills to be part of it. This beginner-friendly program teaches you how to analyze, interpret, and communicate data while applying those skills to real challenges in rural communities.

Apply Now!Get More Information About Foundations in Rural Data Science

Build In-Demand Data Skills

Data science is one of the fastest-growing fields in Canada and globally. Employers across industries are looking for people who can turn data into insights. In this program, you’ll learn:

•    Data analysis and visualization
•    Programming fundamentals
•    Statistics and problem-solving
•    How to communicate data insights clearly

These are transferable, future-proof skills that apply to careers in business, healthcare, environmental science, and more.

Start Your Data Science Journey - No Experience Required

This certificate is a true entry point into data science, with step-by-step learning that builds your confidence and technical ability from the ground up. You don’t need advanced math or coding experience, just curiosity and a willingness to learn. You’ll gain:

•    Experience working with real datasets
•    Exposure to applied research projects
•    Opportunities to connect with regional organizations

Graduates can continue to an Associate of Science degree, ladder into related Selkirk College programs (such as Geographic Information Systems) or transfer to a data science degree at another institution.

 

Program Outcomes

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

Application Procedure

  1. Before an applicant's file is considered to be complete, the following must have been received by the Admissions office:
    a) Completed application form.
    b) Official transcripts of high school grades (an interim statement of grades is acceptable if applicant is currently a student).
    c) Official transcripts of all post-secondary education grades.
    d) Computer skills questionnaire, which may be followed up with an interview in some instances. Applicants requiring an
    interview will be contacted. Students may voluntarily withdraw their application or choose to complete preparatory training if,
    following the interview, they determine they do not have the computer skills necessary for success in this program.
  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.
Graduation and Promotion
  • 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.
Domestic
International
Domestic
2026/27
Foundations in Rural Data Science - Certificate, Year 1
Tuition and Mandatory Fees
Tuition
$3,870
Mandatory Fees
$475
Student Union Fees
$465
Total
$4,810
International
2026/27
Foundations in Rural Data Science - Certificate , Year 1
Tuition and Mandatory Fees
Tuition
$14,370
Mandatory Fees
$860
Student Union Fees
$465
Total
$23,495

All amounts are estimates and are subject to change. Tuition amounts are based on a full-time course load. Please note that many programs have additional costs beyond those listed here. For more information, please visit Tuition & Fees.

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