Data Science for Policy
The Data Science for Policy (DSP) Concentration teaches students to understand and apply computational and data analytics, econometrics, and quantitative analysis to policy-related issues.
With the rise of big data and machine learning, large organizations, governments, and private sector firms seek top talent with advanced data skills. The DSP Concentration provides opportunities to pursue advanced work in computational and data analytics, econometrics, and quantitative analysis and allows students to apply these techniques to a broad array of policy issues.
DSP concentrators develop the skills and knowledge needed to help solve social problems, devise solutions backed by data, and further the public good. Our curriculum trains students to combine state-of-the-art computing and data analytic methods with well-informed public policymaking.
Who It’s For
DSP is designed for students who wish to pursue careers that leverage data science and quantitative reasoning to develop, implement, and assess public policies in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors.
Many students who choose this concentration have some professional experience or educational background in quantitative analysis and/or computational analysis, though the curriculum does not require prior coursework in these fields.
Curriculum and Courses
DSP's two tracks provide students with opportunities to pursue advanced work to study and work with data to inform a wide variety of policy and research questions. As such, we offer a unique curriculum at the intersection of data science and quantitative analysis for public policy. The Data Analytics track focuses on computational and data-analytics tools. The Quantitative Analysis track focuses on statistical and econometric methods. Students can take courses in coding, econometrics, machine learning, big data methods, or data visualization and use these skills to address the world’s most urgent policy challenges.
Student Career Paths
Our concentrators go on to work in fields such as data analysis, policy analysis, AI, evaluation research, survey research, and/or become policy professionals who develop, implement, and assess social programs.
Related Degree Programs
Designed for students looking to facilitate and lead international cooperation, the MIA equips students to understand international political and legal institutions, and develop the skills of conflict resolution, diplomacy, and inter-cultural competency necessary to achieve change on the worldwide stage.
Developed for students looking to lead the policymaking process, the MPA provides a data-rich analytical education, equipping students to understand policy challenges and to develop, implement, and evaluate policy solutions. The MPA is STEM-designated so that students in all policy domains will be eligible to apply for OPT extensions where relevant.
Contact Us
Cristian (Kiki) Pop-Eleches
Professor of International and Public Affairs; Concentration Co-Director
IAB Room 1401A | [email protected]
Alan Yang
Senior Lecturer in the Discipline of International and Public Affairs; Concentration Co-Director
IAB Room 1309B | [email protected]
Concentration Coordinator
TBA