MS in Accounting
Northeastern University in Boston offers a robust MS in Accounting pro...
MS in Urban Informatics
Boston
INTAKE: Jan, Mar & Sep
Program Overview
The MS in Urban Informatics at Northeastern University is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to use data and technology to address complex urban challenges. This interdisciplinary program merges data science, urban planning, and technology to help students understand how cities function and how to use technology to improve urban living. Students will gain expertise in data collection, analysis, and visualization, with a focus on solving real-world problems related to urban infrastructure, mobility, public health, and environmental sustainability.
Curriculum: The MS in Urban Informatics program at Northeastern University offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends technical skills with real-world applications. Core courses cover subjects such as data analytics, urban sensing technologies, smart cities, and geographic information systems (GIS). Students also engage in hands-on projects that address specific urban challenges, allowing them to apply their learning to real-world scenarios. The program is structured to give students a solid foundation in data science and urban planning while offering flexibility through elective courses in areas such as sustainability, transportation, and public policy.
Research Focus: The research focus of the MS in Urban Informatics is on the intersection of data science and urban planning. Students are encouraged to explore how technology and data can be used to make cities more sustainable, efficient, and equitable. Key areas of research include smart cities, urban mobility, environmental sustainability, public health, and data-driven urban policy. Faculty and students often collaborate with local government agencies, technology companies, and nonprofit organizations to address pressing urban issues through research-driven solutions. The program also emphasizes the importance of using data to understand and improve urban inequality and social justice.
Industry Engagement: One of the key strengths of the MS in Urban Informatics program is its strong industry engagement. Northeastern University has established partnerships with various technology firms, government agencies, and urban planning organizations that provide students with opportunities for internships, co-op programs, and collaborative research. These industry connections allow students to gain practical experience while contributing to real-world projects. Through Northeastern’s renowned co-op program, students can work in top urban tech companies, city governments, or think tanks, gaining valuable industry exposure that enhances their career prospects.
Global Perspective: The MS in Urban Informatics program emphasizes a global perspective on urban issues. Students learn about urban challenges in both developed and developing cities and are encouraged to think about solutions that can be applied in different global contexts. The program’s international focus includes opportunities for students to participate in global research initiatives, study abroad programs, and collaborations with international partners. By exploring urban issues on a global scale, students are better prepared to tackle the complex, interconnected problems facing cities worldwide, from climate change to urbanization and inequality.
Location
Boston
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 46101
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Northeastern University in Boston offers a range of scholarship opportunities for international students to help alleviate the financial burden of studying in the United States. These scholarships are designed to support academically talented students from around the world, promoting diversity and fostering an inclusive campus environment.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Northeastern University provides merit-based scholarships to international students based on academic excellence and achievements. These scholarships are awarded during the admissions process and are highly competitive. The amount and criteria for these scholarships may vary, but they aim to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, leadership potential, and a strong their chosen field of study.
Northeastern International Scholars Program: This prestigious program offers scholarships to outstanding international students who exhibit leadership, academic excellence, and a desire to contribute to the global community. The Northeastern International Scholars Program provides both financial support and opportunities for personal growth through networking events, leadership training, and involvement in community service initiatives.
Need-Based Financial Aid: Although Northeastern University does not offer need-based financial aid to international students, there are still many merit-based scholarships available that can significantly reduce tuition costs. However, international students are encouraged to seek external scholarships or funding from their home country to help cover the remaining costs.
External Scholarships and Funding: In addition to institutional scholarships, international students at Northeastern University can explore a variety of external scholarship opportunities from governments, foundations, and organizations in their home countries. Many international students receive funding from these sources to support their education at Northeastern.
MS in Urban Informatics program at Northeastern University are positioned for exciting and diverse careers in the growing field of smart cities and urban innovation. They contribute to transforming urban environments into more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive spaces.
Data Scientist in Urban Planning: Graduates of the MS in Urban Informatics program can pursue careers as data scientists focused on analyzing large datasets related to cities. These professionals use data analysis to help urban planners make data-driven decisions regarding infrastructure, transportation, and resource allocation.
Smart City Engineer: With expertise in urban technologies and data, graduates can work as smart city engineers, implementing IoT (Internet of Things) systems to improve city services. This role involves optimizing energy consumption, traffic flow, and waste management through smart technologies.
Urban Analytics Consultant: Graduates can become consultants who specialize in urban analytics, advising municipalities and organizations on how to leverage data to improve urban services, policy-making, and long-term planning.
Urban Designer: As urban designers, graduates integrate urban informatics into the design and development of more livable, sustainable cities. They focus on creating environments that are resilient to challenges such as climate change, population growth, and resource scarcity.
Transportation Planner: With the growing reliance on data to manage urban mobility, graduates can work as transportation planners, analyzing traffic patterns, public transportation data, and designing more efficient, sustainable transportation networks.
Policy Analyst: Graduates can enter the public sector as policy analysts, using data to assess and recommend policies related to urban development, sustainability, housing, and social services. They help government agencies and NGOs make informed decisions based on urban data.
Urban Informatics Researcher: For those interested in academia or R&D roles, graduates can become urban informatics researchers, focusing on the application of big data, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and machine learning to solve urban challenges like pollution, housing, and social inequality.
Urban Sustainability Specialist: As sustainability specialists, graduates work with city governments, corporations, and non-profits to develop data-driven strategies that reduce the environmental impact of urban living. This includes focusing on renewable energy, waste management, and green infrastructure.
Environmental Data Analyst: Environmental data analysts focus on using informatics to solve problems related to the urban environment, such as air quality monitoring, climate change adaptation, and pollution management. This role combines environmental science with urban data analysis.
Technology Solutions Architect for Urban Systems: Graduates can work as technology solutions architects, designing and implementing digital solutions that enable cities to manage resources more effectively. This could include building data platforms for municipalities or developing software that integrates urban data for real-time decision-making.
Urban Health Data Specialist: With a focus on improving public health outcomes, graduates can analyze health-related data from urban environments. By studying patterns of disease outbreaks, healthcare access, and environmental health factors, these specialists support urban health initiatives.
