Message from the Program Director

It’s not a secret: careers in data science are exploding. But not just in the private sector. Careers in data science to improve public policy decision making in the public and nonprofit sectors are in high demand as well.

Two principles animate McCourt’s Data Science for Public Policy program. First, we believe that the most effective data scientists have a passion for and knowledge of the field in which they use data science. Data science is not simply about computer algorithms, but it is fundamentally about problem solving. And to solve problems, we need to understand – and care about – the problems. That is why our curriculum is targeted toward students who care about public policy and want to merge cutting edge computing and statistical techniques with making a difference in society.

The skills we offer are particularly well-suited for the AI age.  AI makes coding easier, but does not magically solve the complicated policy challenges facing our age.  Effective policy-makers need to understand the needs and experiences of the people they are trying to help, whether they are high-level staffers in the federal government or people facing homelessness in a city.  The next generation of policymakers will understand data and AI well enough to implement real solutions and avoid superficial or even harmful suggestions that superficial use of these tools may produce.

The applied data science skills we develop here offer graduates entrée into amazing careers.  I encourage you to check out our career outcomes page. Our graduates work in all levels of government, non-profits, research organizations and the private sector.  The world is hungry for people who understand how to apply data science and AI to solve real problems!

We are excited to help our students enter this emerging and critically important field. Have more questions about McCourt’s Data Science for Public Policy Program? Email me at baileyma@georgetown.edu. I look forward to hearing from you!

Hoya Saxa,

Michael Bailey
Faculty Director, Master of Science in Data Science for Public Policy
McCourt School of Public Policy
 
Walsh Professor
Department of Government
Georgetown University