Program Overview

Data Analytics for Public Policy Certificate of Advanced Study

Learn to turn data into actionable insights that move communities forward, and prepare to meet the increasing employer demand for professionals with expertise in extracting, storing, managing and using data to inform decision-making.

Program Details

• Location: On campus in Syracuse, N.Y.
• Credits: 12 graduate-level credits (four courses)
• Eligibility: Open to non-matriculated students with a bachelor’s degree (including midcareer) and all matriculated master’s students of Syracuse University
• Work Experience: Not required
• GRE: Optional but recommended

Curriculum

The Certificate of Advanced Study in Data Analytics for Public Policy is geared toward master’s and Ph.D. students or midcareer professionals looking to gain advanced skills in managing and analyzing large amounts of data, and familiarity with the public policy and governance issues raised by the use of new forms of data.

• Core Course: Data-Driven Decision Making
  • Introduces students to using data for decision-making in the public sector.
  • Covers possibilities and limitations of different data forms; fundamentals of data quality, measurement and management; basics of algorithmic decision-making; and introduction to Python.
• Approved Electives:
  • Public Administration:
    • Data-Driven Decision Making
    • Public Policy and Program Evaluation
    • Policy and Decision Analysis
    • Public Sector Predictive Analysis
  • School of Information Studies:
    • Natural Language Processing
    • Big Data Analytics
    • Information Visualization
    • Text Mining
  • Geography and the Environment:
    • Geographic Information Systems
    • GIS for Urban Environments
    • Environmental Geostatistics

Tuition

View the cost of attendance for Syracuse University graduate students.

Admission and Financial Aid

This program is open to students who have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. No GRE test scores or work experience is required for application; however, the GRE is recommended.

• Scholarships: Available for students who matriculate into this CAS program as a stand-alone student (not concurrent with another program of study).
• Financial Aid: Federal education loans are not available for this stand-alone CAS. Applicants should inquire within their employers/agencies about funding for professional development.
• U.S. Veterans: The CAS program is an approved program of study at Syracuse University, allowing student veterans to access VA benefits toward their study in this field.

Application Deadline

• Priority Consideration: February 1
• Rolling Admission: Until full or May 1 (whichever comes first)

Application Materials

• Online Application
• $75 Application Fee
• Personal Statement
• Resume (Preferred) or CV
• GRE (Optional but Recommended)
• Transcripts: Unofficial undergraduate transcripts are acceptable at the time of application. Official transcripts will be required prior to enrollment.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) letters of recommendation from a current or previous faculty member and/or professional supervisor
• English Proficiency Exam (International Students Only): TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores

Concurrent Enrollment

If you are already enrolled in a graduate degree program at Syracuse University, you may complete this certificate concurrently with your degree. Speak with your academic advisor about your goals and your course schedule.