Program Overview

Overview of the Brooks School of Public Policy

The Brooks School of Public Policy at Cornell University offers a range of programs designed to equip students with the analytical tools, ethical frameworks, and career-ready skills to lead in a data-driven world.

Undergraduate Program

• The undergraduate program at the Brooks School includes:
  • Public Policy Major
  • Health Care Policy Major
  • Policy Minors
• The program provides students with a comprehensive education in public policy, including coursework in data analysis, policy analysis, and ethics.

Graduate Programs

• The Brooks School offers several graduate programs, including:
  • Master of Data Science for Public Policy (DSPP)
  • Master of Environmental and Sustainability Policy
  • Master of Public Administration (MPA)
    • Residential MPA
    • Executive MPA
  • Sloan Master of Health Administration (MHA)
    • Residential MHA
    • Executive MHA
• These programs are designed to provide students with advanced training in data science, policy analysis, and leadership.

Master of Data Science for Public Policy

Program Description

The Master of Data Science for Public Policy (DSPP) is a 12-month, Ivy League program that equips students with the analytical tools, ethical frameworks, and career-ready skills to lead in a data-driven world.

Program Schedule

• The program starts in June and is a full-time residential program.

Degree Awarded

• MS in Data Science for Public Policy

Program Format

• The program is STEM-designated and includes coursework in data science, policy analysis, and ethics.

Capstone Project

• The program culminates in a hands-on capstone project, where students apply data science tools to real-world policy challenges.

Deep Expertise in Data + Machine Learning

• Students build technical fluency in Python, R, and machine learning, with a curriculum that emphasizes real application.

Learn from Faculty Driving the Field Forward

• Students learn from Cornell faculty and seasoned practitioners at the intersection of data and public good.

Ethics, Equity, and Emerging Technology

• Students examine how tools like AI and predictive modeling intersect with questions of fairness, privacy, and accountability.

Why Earn an MS in DSPP at the Brooks School?

• The program gives students the training to lead through uncertainty, with data fluency, ethical clarity, and strategic thinking.
• Students gain fluency in Python and R, and build expertise in statistics, visualization, and data ethics.
• The program is grounded in purpose, guided by impact, and provides students with an Ivy League network with reach.

Research and Engagement

• The Brooks School is home to several research centers and institutes, including the Center on Global Democracy, the Cornell Brooks School Tech Policy Institute, and the Cornell Health Policy Center.
• Students have opportunities to engage in research projects and work with faculty and practitioners on real-world policy challenges.

Student Opportunities

• Students have access to a range of opportunities, including internships, fellowships, and career development resources.
• The program provides students with a comprehensive education in public policy, including coursework in data analysis, policy analysis, and ethics.

PhD Program

• The PhD program in Public Policy at the Brooks School is designed to provide students with advanced training in research and policy analysis.
• The program includes coursework in data science, policy analysis, and ethics, as well as opportunities for students to engage in research projects and work with faculty and practitioners on real-world policy challenges.

Executive Education

• The Brooks School offers executive education programs, including certificates and executive masters degrees.
• These programs are designed to provide professionals with advanced training in data science, policy analysis, and leadership.