Connecting Data and the Planet

Have you ever encountered an environmental challenge and thought, “This is an important issue—but how can I make an impact?”

Maybe you’ve even wondered, “I could use data to help uncover answers … but where do I start?”

You don’t need to be a data expert to start making a difference—just the right training.

Yale’s Environmental Data Science Certificate Program gives you the tools to move from curiosity to action. You'll learn how to wrangle environmental data, code in R and Python, collaborate using GitHub, and apply spatial and text analysis to solve today’s most pressing environmental issues. 

These are skills you’ll use today to make an impact now and exactly what you’ll need to set yourself up for success in tomorrow’s data-driven careers.

Master the skills you need to work with environmental data and drive solutions to local, regional, and global problems, including:

aerial view of flamingos in a lake
  • Apply data science methods with instruction from Yale Faculty
  • Clean and code data using R and Python
  • Collaborate effectively with GitHub and other tools
  • Analyze spatial data and convert text into data insights
  • Find, access, evaluate, and prepare environmental datasets

The Environmental Data Science Certificate Program is designed to equip learners with the technical skills to interpret and communicate environmental data insights. This program provides essential knowledge and skills related to the types, acquisition, and visualization of data to tackle complex global environmental challenges. The curriculum includes lectures, experiential learning opportunities, special topics, and a capstone project. Learners also engage in peer discussions and collaboration across environmental disciplines. The popular open-source R language is the primary coding language used in the course, with an introduction to Python.

 

Admissions Dates

07 Jul

Information Session

  • 8-9am Eastern Daylight Time
  • Online
31 Jul

Application Closes

  • 11:59pm Eastern Daylight Time
circular flowchart of conceptual framework

Program framework and key learning outcomes

Key Learning Outcomes

  • Build a foundation of best practices in obtaining, integrating and managing data for environmental data science. Acquire expertise in data acquisition, ensuring data quality, consistency, and accessibility for analysis using environmental datasets.
  • Convert data into meaningful insights and solutions from local to global environmental challenges. Learn the details of data access, data management/maintenance and learn to recognize when advanced analytical methods are necessary.
  • Identify and address issues within data to maximize environmental insights. Learn how to effectively program and interpret environmental data through various exploratory data analysis techniques, including basic descriptive statistics and regression analysis.
  • Communicate your findings through meaningful visualizations to deepen understanding and support decision-making. 

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Who Should Apply

Our program is ideal for individuals who are passionate about using data science to address environmental challenges, particularly those from the Global South. It is well-suited for:

  • Professionals in environmental science, sustainability, or related fields
  • Recent graduates looking to enhance their data science skills
  • Professionals seeking to pivot into the environmental data science sector
  • Anyone committed to making a positive impact on global environmental issues through data-driven solutions
     

Whether you're just starting your career or looking to specialize, our program provides the tools and knowledge needed to make a meaningful difference.

Program Outline


Program Length

6 month non-degree program 
October 2025 - March 2026

Courses

  • Data Foundations
  • Data Stewardship
  • Data Cleaning & Analysis
  • Data Communication
  • Mapping Spatial Data
  • Text to Data Applications
  • Capstone

Cost

$6,000


Eli Fenichel

Eli Fenichel

Yale School of the Environment  
Knobloch Family Professor of Natural Resource Economics
Jennifer Marlon

Jennifer Marlon

Yale School of the Environment; Yale Program on Climate Change Communication
Research Scientist and Lecturer
Simon Queenborough

Simon Queenborough

Yale School of the Environment 
Senior Lecturer and Research Scientist; Musser Director, Tropical Resources Institute