Master of Science in Data Analytics & Policy

The Master of Science in Data Analytics & Policy at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy is an accelerated 11-month graduate program designed for students and professionals who want to apply data, analytics, machine learning, and evidence-based methods to real-world policy challenges.

Built on Harris’s strengths in quantitative policy education, the program prepares you to use data science tools to design, implement, and evaluate policy across sectors. Gain the analytical, technical, and policy training needed to pursue roles in government, consulting, nonprofit organizations, think tanks, international organizations, and private-sector firms working on public-sector and policy-relevant challenges.

Apply to the MS in Data Analytics & Policy. 

Rigorous Curriculum Data Analytics for Policy Practice

• Core Coursework: Build Your Foundation
  Develop the analytical foundation for serious policy work through courses in programming, probability/statistics, regression analysis, machine learning, and program evaluation that you'll compliment with a theoretical understanding from microeconomics and political economy classes to guide your analytical work.
• Applied Learning: Connect Analysis to Institutions
  Apply data-driven tools to real policy challenges through a policy lab, simulation lab, or applied coursework connected to public, nonprofit, and private-sector decision-making.
• Electives: Customize Your Path
  Use electives to deepen your methodological skills or apply data analytics to policy areas such as climate and energy, education, finance, health, international development, or urban policy.

Quantitative Minds Data-Driven Leaders

The MS in Data Analytics & Policy is designed for students who want to use data, evidence, and analytical tools to make better public decisions. Whether you are already working in policy, research, consulting, or mission-driven work, or looking to pivot from a data-rich field into policy-relevant analytics, this program offers an intensive one-year path into serious applied policy work.

You’re a great fit if you:

• Have a strong quantitative foundation and are ready to build skills in programming, probability/statistics, regression analysis, machine learning, program evaluation, microeconomics, and political economy
• Want to use data not just to describe problems, but to evaluate what works and improve decisions
• Are interested in roles across government, nonprofits, consulting, research, or the private sector
• Thrive in rigorous academic environments and value evidence, careful reasoning, and practical judgment
• Seek a fast-paced, professional program that connects technical training with real-world policy application