Social Policy/Data Analytics, MSSP & Certificate
The Master of Science in Social Policy + Data Analytics for Social Policy Certificate (MSSP+DA) is a 12-course, three-to-four-semester offering. MSSP + DA is a STEM-designated degree.
Despite the unquestionable relevance and powerful utility of the social analysis of digital data, there are currently not enough professionals trained in the substantive knowledge and skills of social policy analysis and data analytics. Data analytics developed as the multidisciplinary convergence of computer science, statistics, and cognitive sciences. Adding the discipline of social policy to this convergence, SP2’s Master of Science in Social Policy program plus the Data Analytics for Social Policy Certificate (MSSP+DA) is the first to train students explicitly in the use of data analytics for social policy analysis, research and evaluation. The MSSP+DA provides cutting edge training for the growing and highly needed professionals of data analytics for social policy.
For more information: https://www.sp2.upenn.edu/academics/ms-in-social-policy/
Curriculum
A total of 12 course units plus an internship are required for graduation.
Code | Title | Course Units |
---|---|---|
Core Courses | ||
MSSP 628 | Policy: Analysis of Issues, Strategy and Process | 1 |
MSSP 629 | Research and Evaluation Design | 1 |
MSSP 631 | Law and Social Policy | 1 |
MSSP 668 | Economics for Social Policy | 1 |
MSSP 710 | Democratizing Data? Critical Data Studies in Algorithmic Governance | 1 |
MSSP 897 | Applied Linear Modeling | 1 |
CIT 590 | Programming Languages and Techniques | 1 |
SWRK 730 | Community Mapping | 1 |
MSSP 634 | MSSP/DA Capstone I: Telling Stories with Data | 0.5 |
MSSP 635 | Capstone II: Policy Internship in Data Analytics | 0.5 |
MSSP 606 | Data for Equitable Justice Lab | 0 |
Select One of Two Tracks: | 2 | |
Statistical Analysis Track | ||
Modern Regression for the Social, Behavioral and Biological Sciences | ||
MUSA 507 | ||
Computational Analysis Track | ||
Applied Machine Learning | ||
Big Data Analytics | ||
Electives | ||
Select one elective | 1 | |
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 2020 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
Sample Plan of Study
The MSSP+DA program may be pursued on a full or part-time basis. While students may customize their schedules due to participation in a dual degree or certificate program, enrollment in an international course or study abroad experience, or successfully passing a waiver exam, the grid below outlines the standard schedule and course of study for full-time students.
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Course Units | |
MSSP 628 | Policy: Analysis of Issues, Strategy and Process | 1.0 |
MSSP 710 | Democratizing Data? Critical Data Studies in Algorithmic Governance | 1.0 |
MSSP 897 | Applied Linear Modeling | 1.0 |
MSSP 606 | Data for Equitable Justice Lab | 0.0 |
Computational Analysis Track | 1.0 | |
Programming Languages and Techniques | ||
Statistical Analysis Track | 1.0 | |
Select one Elective | ||
Course Units | 4.00 | |
Spring | ||
MSSP 631 | Law and Social Policy | 1.0 |
SWRK 730 | Community Mapping | 1.0 |
MSSP 606 | Data for Equitable Justice Lab | 0.0 |
Computational Analysis Track | 2.0 | |
Big Data Analytics | ||
Select one Elective | ||
Statistical Analysis Track | 2.0 | |
Programming Languages and Techniques | ||
Modern Regression for the Social, Behavioral and Biological Sciences | ||
Course Units | 4.00 | |
Second Year | ||
Fall | ||
MSSP 634 | MSSP/DA Capstone I: Telling Stories with Data | 0.5 |
MSSP 668 | Economics for Social Policy | 1.0 |
MSSP 629 | Research and Evaluation Design | 1.0 |
MSSP 606 | Data for Equitable Justice Lab | 0.0 |
Computational Analysis Track | 1.0 | |
Applied Machine Learning | ||
Statistical Analysis Track | 1.0 | |
MUSA 507 | ||
Course Units | 3.50 | |
Spring | ||
MSSP 635 | Capstone II: Policy Internship in Data Analytics | 0.5 |
Course Units | 0.50 | |
Total Course Units | 12.00 |