Program Overview

Certificate of Graduate Study in Data Science for Public Affairs

Program Description

The Certificate of Graduate Study in Data Science for Public Affairs at UAlbany prepares students to meet the demands of a rapidly changing public service landscape by studying a unique blend of statistics, data analysis, and policy analysis. This program offers practical experience using data analytics tools and techniques to address real-world public affairs challenges such as policy evaluation, resource allocation, and emergency management.

Program of Study

This program offers a unique blend of statistics, data analysis, and policy analysis courses, merging the worlds of data science and public affairs. Through coursework organized by hands-on projects and case studies, students learn how to manage data and develop computer-based models to make, implement, and evaluate policy and strategy in the public and nonprofit sectors.

Required Courses

• Data, Models and Decisions
• Statistics for Public Managers and Policy Analysts
• Data Science for the Public Good
• Programming in Python

Career Outcomes

After completing the certificate, students are prepared for a wide range of career possibilities in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and advocacy groups, including roles in data analysis, policy research, and strategic decision-making.

Potential Job Titles

• Data Analyst
• Policy Analyst
• Consultant
• Research Director
• Program Manager

Admissions Requirements

Deadlines

• Fall: August 1
• Spring: January 1
• Summer: May 1

Required Application Materials

• Transcripts from all schools attended
• Resume
• Statement of goals
• One or two letters of recommendation (encouraged but not required)

Student Learning Objectives

• Knowledge of data science: Learn about the data production cycle, data models, issues that influence data quality and usability, the role of public policy analysis in decision-making, and the conceptual framework underlying different types of policy analysis techniques.
• Skills of data scientists: Apply a variety of techniques and technological tools to organize, manage, and analyze data for decision-making, including statistics, visualization, mathematical models, machine learning, and other computational tools.
• Traits of a data scientist: Develop important traits necessary to making evidence-based decisions and informing policy debates, such as examining complex policy problems from multiple perspectives, presenting results to a variety of audiences, teamwork, creativity, curiosity, attention to detail, and becoming a critical data consumer.