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DSPP Curriculum

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Built for what comes next in policy leadership, the Brooks School’s MS in Data Science for Public Policy (DSPP) equips you to turn complex data into actionable insights for smarter, fairer decision-making. The curriculum blends advanced training in statistics, programming, and data modeling with a grounding in economics, ethics, and public policy analysis.

Our 40-credit, 12-month program emphasizes engaged learning, ensuring students apply technical and analytical skills in real-world policy contexts. Faculty expertise, a collaborative cohort experience, and connections with practitioners prepare graduates for impactful careers across government, nonprofits, and industry.

Course Load

Summer Session: 6 credits
Fall Semester: 15 credits
Winter Session: 3 credits
Spring Semester: 16 credits
Total: 40 Credits

Topical Areas

  • Statistics and data analytics
  • Data management and programming
  • Data modeling and machine learning
  • Microeconomics and political analysis
  • Managing and leading organizations
  • Data visualization and communication for policy
  • Data ethics, equity, and emerging technology

Engaged Learning Capstone

In the culminating capstone, students apply technical, analytical, and policy skills to a project with an external policy partner organization. These projects address strategic priorities in data science and public policy and are guided by faculty and executives-in-residence