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 6060 | Data for Equitable Justice Lab | 0 |
| 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 6680 | Economics for Social Policy | 1 |
| MSSP 7100 | Democratizing Data? Critical Data Studies in Algorithmic Governance | 1 |
| MSSP 8970 | Applied Linear Modeling | 1 |
| SWRK 7300 | Community Mapping (OR) | 1 |
| MSSP 6340 | MSSP/DA Capstone I: Telling Stories with Data | 0.5 |
| MSSP 6350 | Capstone II: Policy Internship in Data Analytics | 0.5 |
| Electives: 2 courses | 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 2022 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.