Social Policy + Data Analytics, MSSP
The Master of Science in Social Policy + Data Analytics for Social Policy Certificate (MSSP+DA) is a two year, 12 course unit program. MSSP+DA is a STEM-designated degree that empowers students to leverage social policy and data analytics to address economic, educational, and health inequities. Throughout the program, the data analytics material is taught in relationship with the various theories, approaches, and domains of social policy analysis.
You will learn to use data to help solve disparities of race, ethnicity, gender, and class across systems such as immigration, child welfare, and education. The MSSP+DA curriculum provides students with core policy courses and training and skills in the conceptual foundations of data analytics, programming of data structures, the applications of machine learning and predictive analytics, spatial analytics, and data processing techniques for web scraping and data visualization for a broader public audience. Students will learn programming languages such as SAS, R, Java, Python, GIS, and ArcGIS for the processing, cleaning, and analyzing of digital data for social policy. The program provides cutting-edge training for in-demand professionals working in the data analytics for social policy field.
For more information: https://www.sp2.upenn.edu/program/master-of-science-in-social-policy-data-analytics-for-social-policy-certificate/
Curriculum
A total of 12 course units plus an internship are required for graduation.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| MSSP 6070 | Practical Programming for Data Science | 1 |
| MSSP 6080 | Practical Machine Learning Methods | 1 |
| MSSP 6280 | Policy: Analysis of Issues, Strategy and Process | 1 |
| MSSP 6290 | Research and Evaluation Design | 1 |
| MSSP 6310 | Law and Social Policy | 1 |
| MSSP 6340 | MSSP+DA Capstone I: Telling Stories with Data | 0.5 |
| MSSP 6350 | MSSP+DA Capstone II: Policy Internship in Data Analytics | 0.5 |
| MSSP 6680 | Economics for Social Policy | 1 |
| MSSP 7100 | Democratizing Data? Critical Data Studies in Algorithmic Governance | 1 |
| MSSP 7300 | Community Mapping | 1 |
| MSSP 8970 | Applied Linear Modeling | 1 |
| Electives | ||
| Select 2 SP2 Electives | 2 | |
| Total Course Units | 12 | |
Social Policy Internships
The MSSP+DA provides students with competitive and cutting-edge opportunities for policy internships in data analytics that emphasize competency development in both policy analysis and data analytics. These parallel competencies position graduates to work in the fast growing and developing world of data analytics for social policy. Credit for the internship is incorporated into the MSSP+DA Capstone Seminar. The Data Analytics policy internship must consist of a minimum commitment of 150 hours.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.