The Data Analytics in Public Affairs Certificate program starts in Summer 2025.
Virtual information sessions
Thursday, April 24, 12:00-1:30 PM PT
Tuesday, May 13, 8:00-9:30 PM PT
Required Courses
Summer Enrollment is Open! Courses begin June 23, 2025.
certificate
Data Analytics in Public Affairs
Learn how to analyze, visualize and communicate data insights to internal and external stakeholders to assist in public policy decision-making.
This program is perfect for...
- Policy advisors and urban planners who need to leverage big data to drive governance and community development initiatives
- Public affairs professionals looking to enhance their understanding of data and their ability to share it in meaningful ways
- Public Administrators who want to better bridge the gap between data analytics teams and executive leadership
- Data analysts and programmers seeking to transition into policy roles
What you can learn.
- Gain an overview of advanced technologies and their relevance to 21st century governance and community development
- Examine the ethical implications in using big data and data analytics for governance and community development projects
- Craft persuasive narratives, develop compelling presentations, and leverage storytelling techniques to engage and inspire audiences
- Learn how to load, clean, analyze and visualize policy relevant datasets using Python, the world’s most popular programming language
- Use spatial data analysis—examining locations, attributes, and relationships—to address a question or gain knowledge
Data-Driven Decision Making
The Data Analytics in Public Affairs Certificate program, created in partnership with UCLA's Luskin School of Public Affairs, is designed for professionals working in public policy, planning, and social services arenas who want to gain a deeper understanding of how big data and digital technologies can be used to offer public services in more just and efficient ways. As companies around the world collect more and more data, they in turn expect their staff to understand, analyze and visually present these figures in meaningful contexts. Students who complete the program will possess the knowledge and skills needed to meet industry needs. No data analytics experience is necessary to start this program.
Courses are taught by instructors with extensive teaching and research backgrounds and direct data policy experience.
Format: Online
Duration: 6 months (full-time), 1 year (part-time)
Courses
Click below to view the required and elective courses, if applicable, for this program.
Data Science Requirement
Students must take one of the following courses.
Estimated Cost Breakdown
All courses in this program are paid for individually, unless otherwise noted. An application form is required to establish candidacy in this program. From the 'Apply Now' button, complete the online application and pay the application fee if applicable.
**Federal Financial Aid Gainful Employment Disclosures
The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges and universities to disclose certain information for any financial aid eligible program that, “prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation”. This information includes program costs; occupations that the program prepares students to enter; occupational profiles; on time completion rate; and for the most recent award year: the number of students who have completed the program, the number of students who complete the program within the estimated duration, the job placement rate, and the median Title IV and private loan debt incurred by those who complete the program. For gainful employment information for this program, visit our Financial Aid page.
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