Data Analytics Degrees for Public Policy

Our guide to public policy analytics degrees has information on the intersection of data science and policy, and tips on industry applications, jobs, conferences, internships, and more.

Just want the schools? Skip ahead to our annotated list of data-focused public policy programs

Data Science & Analytics in Public Policy

The Role of Data in Public Policy Goals

Data plays an important role in the lives of public policy makers. Data can help answer the following questions:

  • What are the effects (intended or unintended) of our policies on different groups?
  • How much will these policies cost?
  • Can we predict whether this policy will be feasible? Can we really get it done?
  • Will we have buy-in from our stakeholders?

Social media, review sites, search terms, cellphones, the Internet of Things, GIS and drones, CCTV cameras, satellites, traffic sensors—there is a large amount of data now available for policy analysis.

The Role of the Public Policy Data Scientist

Enter the data scientist. These trained pros know how to use statistics, computer science, quantitative methods, and big data tools to create more effective public policies. They meld machine-generated data (e.g. sensors) with citizen-gathered data to predict events. They mine social media and the Internet for behavior patterns. They create beautiful data visualization programs to demonstrate the effects of decisions to politicians. Their findings have major applications in:

  • Infrastructure/Smart Cities (e.g. reducing traffic congestion and vehicle pollution)
  • Law Enforcement (e.g. predicting street violence and reducing crime rates)
  • Public Health (e.g. quashing epidemics before they spread)
  • Government Fraud (e.g. finding tax dodgers)
  • Education (e.g. improving high school graduation rates)
  • Employment (e.g. increasing workforce quality)
  • Housing (e.g. creating permanent housing for the homeless)

Data Trends in Public Policy

You’ll find lots of interesting projects if you’re working on the city and state level. Local governments typically have more flexibility to try new things. We’re talking about developments like:

Prioritizing the Internet of Things (IoT): Though security is always a concern, governments are embedding digital into inanimate objects to improve services and safety. For example, the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) has created Hydromet, a network of 275 connected sensors that monitors stream flow and posts important data (e.g. temperature, rainfall, humidity, etc.) on a public website. These data are used to send “early warning system” alerts to the cellphones of residents in nearby areas.

Encouraging Public-Private Partnerships: Incubators, transformation teams, and innovation labs are common practice between cities and private partners. For example, under the auspices of Bloomberg Philanthropies, the What Works Cities initiative is helping 100 mid-sized U.S. cities crank up their data capabilities in order to improve services and engage residents. Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and the Sunlight Foundation are part of the effort.

Hyper-Personalizing Citizen Services: Data science is now being employed to build hyper-personalized services for individual citizens. For example, the NIH’s Precision Medicine Initiative/All of Us is designed to take into account a person’s genetics, microbiomes, environment, and lifestyle in order to develop better and more targeted treatments for diseases (e.g. a customized plan for diabetes or cancer).

There’s also the Information Network of Arkansas (INA)’s Gov2Go tool, a custom-built digital government assistant that reminds Arkansas citizens of important deadlines (e.g. voter registration, property tax payments, car tag renewals and property assessment, etc.).

Employing Behavioral Science: With social analytics and opinion mining, data analytics experts may a.) understand how citizens feel about policy decisions and b.) attempt to predict how they’ll respond to a policy change. For example, the UK Behavioural Insights Team (UK BIT) has been using precepts of behavioral economics theory and psychology to improve services and save money. You can explore many of their ventures on their website.

In Boston, the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics has developed a project called Smart Streets. By analyzing traffic patterns, bicyclist behavior, and pedestrian movements, NUM’s data scientists are learning more about how people are moving through the urban landscape. The ultimate goal is safer pathways.

Studying Public Policy Data Analytics

Public Policy Analytics Degrees

There’s no single degree title for public policy analytics. Instead, universities have created programs that combine courses from public policy schools and computer science departments. A few things to keep in mind when you’re putting together a shortlist:

  • Master of Science (MS) in Public Policy Analytics or Master of Data Science (MDS) in Public Policy programs typically have a strong technical core, with plenty of emphasis on stats, analytics, and quantitative methods. (This is a general rule—there are exceptions.)
  • Master of Public Administration (MPA) or Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs will often allow you to customize your curriculum to focus on data analytics electives or concentrations. These programs may not have as many technical courses as MS degrees, so be sure to check the curriculum carefully.

Like MBA degrees, MPA degrees tend to be more focused on administrative issues & decision-making. MPP degrees may have more hands-on courses in analytics and program planning.

Remember, too, that you have the option to pursue a dual degree or a data science degree and customize it to your needs.

Public Policy Analytics Specialties

In the list below, you’ll find degrees that focus on:

  • Technical Expertise/Urban Informatics
  • Leadership
  • Social Policy & Social Good
  • Fiscal Analytics
  • International Policy
  • Government

What to Look For in Analytics Degree Programs

The best degree program is the one that suits your professional goals and your budget. Having said that, there are a few quality markers that may help you make your decision:

  • Public Policy Research Centers: What data science initiatives are faculty working on? Do these initiatives have applications to the real world? Can you see yourself involved in the projects?
  • Public/Private Partnerships: Look for schools that have strong ties with the private sector (and all their cool technologies) and ongoing partnerships with governments (local, state, or federal—depending on your interests).
  • U.S. News & World Report Rankings: In addition to posting overall rankings on Best Graduate Public Affairs Programs, U.S. News also ranks specialties.
  • Internships & Fellowships: Does the university provide you with job training and opportunities to network with future employers?

Public Policy Analysis vs. Public Policy Analytics

The rapid growth of public policy analytics has led to some confusion with the traditional field of public policy analysis. It’s important to mention it here, because you may find public policy analysis programs that don’t have much to do with data science.

Public Policy Analysis is an umbrella term that covers the analysis of existing policies (both past and present) and the formulation of new policies and proposals. Crunching data is part of this process, but public policy makers may also speak with community leaders, assemble historical overviews, devise case studies, debate economic theory, and conduct other forms of qualitative research.

Public Policy Analytics is a technical field that deals specifically with quantitative research and skills such as statistical/data analysis, survey analysis, assembling and processing big data, model building, predictive analytics, and data visualization.

Public Policy Careers for Data Scientists and Data Analysts

Sample Job Titles

If you’re interested in a position with governments, non-profits, or NGOs, try searching for “data scientist” or “data analyst” postings on job boards. You may find public policy expertise and experience listed as key skills. Other job titles that could use your newfound technical expertise include:

  • Policy Analyst: Create policies and strategies, evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of programs, predict outcomes, and share info with the public and decision-makers.
  • Financial Analyst: Analyze financial data, identify trends, assess risks, develop financial forecasts, and project earnings.
  • Urban and Regional Planner/City Planner: Develop short-term and long-term plans for land use, communities, and smart cities.
  • Management Consultant/Analyst: Analyze the structure, efficiency, and financial performance of an organization or project in order to suggest improvements.
  • Project/Program Manager: Plan goals and objectives, marshal resources and people, execute your plans, and assess the performance of one project or group of interdependent projects (i.e. a program).
  • Development Director/Coordinator: Maintain existing revenue streams, identify new sources of income, and launch programs to capitalize on these areas (e.g. grants, gifts, business contributions, capital campaigns, etc.).
  • Operations Management & Research: Conduct internal analyses & planning to assist the executive director with day-to-day operations (e.g. budgeting, strategic planning, HR, communications, research, etc.).

Typical Employers

  • Local, State & Federal Government
  • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
  • Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs)
  • Management Consulting Firms
  • Non-Profit Organizations
  • Economic Development Organizations
  • Public Finance Institutions
  • Universities

Public Policy Analytics Resources

Conferences

Jobs

Data Analytics Degrees for Public Policy

Last updated: June 2020

Arizona State University

School of Public Affairs

Master of Public Policy

Tempe, Arizona

Name of Degree: Master of Public Policy

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: N/A

Credits: 42

Concentrations:

Environmental Policy

Admission Requirements:

  • Undergraduate degree
  • Unofficial/Official transcripts
  • TOEFL/IELTS Score for International Students
  • Prerequisite courses
  • Professional resume/CV
  • 3.0 GPA
  • GRE Scores
  • Two letters of recommendation
Learn more about the Master of Public Policy from Arizona State University

Carnegie Mellon University

Heinz College

Master of Science in Public Policy and Management

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Public Policy and Management

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: N/A

Concentrations:

Cybersecurity and Management, Energy Systems and Public Policy, Environmental Policy, Health Policy, International Trade and Development, Management, Policy Analysis, Public and Non-Profit Finance, Smart Communities, Urban and Regional Economic Development

Admission Requirements:

  • Undergraduate degree
  • Official transcripts from all programs attended
  • TOEFL/IELTS Score for International Students
  • Prerequisite courses
  • Professional resume/CV
Learn more about the Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University

Georgetown University

McCourt School of Public Policy

Master of Science in Data Science for Public Policy

Washington D.C.

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Data Science for Public Policy

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 33

Concentrations:

Data Science

Admission Requirements:

  • No GMAT or GRE scores
  • TOEFL/IELTS (International Applicants)
  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Two letters of recommendation 
  • Resume
Learn more about the Master of Science in Data Science for Public Policy from Georgetown University

Johns Hopkins University

Krieger School of Arts and Sciences

Masters in Data Analytics and Policy

Baltimore, Maryland

Name of Degree: Masters in Data Analytics and Policy

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: N/A

Concentrations:

Data Analytics

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Official transcripts
  • CV or Resume
  • Completion of of prerequisites coursework
Learn more about the Masters in Data Analytics and Policy from Johns Hopkins University

New York University

Master of Science in Applied Urban Science and Informatics

New York, New York

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Applied Urban Science and Informatics

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 1+ years

Credits: 30

Concentrations:

Urban science and Informatics

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume or CV
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Personal Essay
  • Copy of front (photo) page of passport
  • TOEFL scores may be requested for non- native English speakers after initial review 
  • A minimum of five years of professional, full- time Work experience
Learn more about the Master of Science in Applied Urban Science and Informatics from New York University

Northeastern University

School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs

Masters in Urban Informatics

Boston, Massachusetts

Name of Degree: Masters in Urban Informatics

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 33

Concentrations:

Science

Admission Requirements:

  • Undergraduate degree 
  • Official transcripts from all programs attended
  • TOEFL/IELTS Score for International Students
  • Prerequisite courses
  • Professional resume/CV
  • Statement of purpose
  • 3.0 GPA
Learn more about the Masters in Urban Informatics from Northeastern University

Northwestern University

School of Professional Studies

Master's in Public Policy and Administration

Evanston, Illinois

Name of Degree: Master’s in Public Policy and Administration

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 1+ years

Credits: 13

Concentrations:

public policy, administration

Admission Requirements:

  • Undergraduate degree 
  • Official transcripts from all programs attended
  • TOEFL/IELTS Score for International Students
  • Resume 
  • Professional resume
  • Statement of purpose
  • Two letters of recommendation
Learn more about the Master's in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University

Norwich University

Master of Public Administration

Northfield, Vermont

Name of Degree: Master of Public Administration

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: Less than 1 year

Credits: 36

Concentrations:

Public Administration

Admission Requirements:

  • Resume 
  • Official transcripts
  • Letter of intent
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • No GRE or GMAT
  • GPA 2.75
Learn more about the Master of Public Administration from Norwich University

The University of Chicago

Master's in Computational Analysis & Public Policy

Chicago , lIllinois

Name of Degree: Master’s in Computational Analysis & Public Policy

Enrollment Type: N/A

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 18

Concentrations:

Computational Analysis, Public Policy 

Admission Requirements:

  • Resume
  •  Short Essays
  • Motivation Statement
  • Transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • GRE Scores
Learn more about the Master's in Computational Analysis & Public Policy from The University of Chicago

University of New Hampshire

Master's in Public Policy and Analytics Dual Degree

Concord, New Hampshire

Name of Degree: Master’s in Public Policy and Analytics Dual Degree

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 61

Concentrations:

Public Policy, Analytics 

Admission Requirements:

  • GRE scores
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Personal statement
  • Resume
Learn more about the Master's in Public Policy and Analytics Dual Degree from University of New Hampshire

University of Pennsylvania

School of Medicine/School of Social Policy and Practice

Master of Science in Social Policy

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Social Policy

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 1.25 years

Credits: 12

Concentrations:

Social policy 

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Resume 
  • Official transcripts  
  •  Letter of intent
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Transcripts
  • GRE or GMAT
Learn more about the Master of Science in Social Policy from University of Pennsylvania

University of Texas – Dallas

Master of Science in Social Data Analytics and Research

Dallas , Texas

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Social Data Analytics and Research

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 1+ years

Credits: 36

Concentrations:

Social Data Analytics 

Admission Requirements:

  • GRE scores
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Resume  
Learn more about the Master of Science in Social Data Analytics and Research from University of Texas – Dallas