APAN Program

Political data analytics is what you find at the intersection of political behavior and quantitative methodology. This kind of empirical analysis in political science is entering a new era in which a broad range of data sources have become available to researchers – from political campaigns, social media, campaign contributions, lobbying expenditures, international trade flows, and so many more. Political analytics takes advantage of these increasingly available data to improve our understanding of how politics operate locally, nationally, domestically, or internationally. It can better inform decisions in these areas by providing statistically sound evidence to support policy, legislation, advocacy, and other activities.

With the explosion of data across all industries, it is not surprising that data scientists continue to top lists of best jobs in America. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that Computer and Information Research Scientist occupations will grow 20% between 2024 and 2034, much faster than the average growth rate for all other occupations. Data Scientists are projected to grow at an even higher 34%, adding an estimated 82,500 jobs between 2024-2034.  

APAN Advisors work diligently to support the varied career and research goals of each student as they study with us. Our students and graduates have secured a host of impressive field-relevant positions. Their jobs and internships cover a range of organizations, such as:

• Hart Research
• AARP (American Association of Retired Persons)
• Senator Angela Alsobrooks (MD)
• Senator Jamie Raskin (MD)
• DNC
• DCCC
• Department of Transportation
• ARLIS
• Johns Hopkins University
• Blue Labs
• Blue Bonnet Data
• Franklin Center
• Ripon Society
• Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
• Fannie Mae
• Neptune Ops
• Analytica
• GQR – Greenberg, Quinlin, and Rosner
• Mehlman Group
• Grassroots Analytics
• Green Peace
• Grey, Lock, McKinnon Associates
• Lake Research Partners
• Maryland General Assembly
• Morris Margulis LLC
• Nesbitt & Parrinello
• Ryse Local Ventures
• Senate Foreign Relations Committee
• START (Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism)
• UCLA Department of Computational Medicine
• US-China Business Council
• US News & World Report
• WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority)

There are many paths to a career in data analysis – computer science, political science, business, psychology, necessity – and any of them can produce quality analysts.

What we are sure of is that the desire to tackle statistical principles and programming in the noble pursuit of truly understanding the desires of voters, the needs of at-risk populations, the success of certain diplomatic efforts, make quality ingredients for an impactful career in political data analysis.

That is why we have a holistic approach to applications – do not require a political science degree, or even any previous work in the field of data science. We expect you to enroll in the program because you want to learn these skills, not because you already have them. And just as there is a great diversity of data that can contribute to our ever-evolving understanding of our political world, there is much to gain from the diversity of backgrounds that might lead each of you here to APAN.

While it may help if you do, it is not required to have a strong pre-existing skillset in empirical analysis or coding to apply. We are here to help you hone these skills, meeting each student where they are. However, having some introductory experiences with quantitative methods, statistics, or programming languages can help your application stand out. We are looking for sustained interest in our core areas – data analysis and political science – and anything that demonstrates that interest is ideal, whether it comes from structured education or independent learning (see our Resources page for options for independent learning).

No, the GRE is not required.

See our Applications page for annual information on application and deadlines.

Our program secures the basics of statistical theory, then introduces students to as many quantitative strategies as possible. This includes the major workhorses, linear and logisitic regressions, as well as experimental methods, survey methods, and other advanced approaches (e.g., Difference-In-Differences, Longitudinal, Census tracts, etc.). Some of these techniques will be practiced directly, while others will show up repeatedly in course readings.

Most quantitative work and data management can be done in R, to include use of SQL, Python, GIS, and others. Given the attractiveness of R in the workplace, most of our coursework uses R programming.

Our basic guidance is that any 2^nd year project be framed in a political sense, but that “political” can be a widely applied adjective. As long as the recommended actions that arise from the research are 1) implied by the results and 2) of a political nature, we are happy to support any student’s desired topic. 

Some of our past project topics include: 

• Drug cartel navigation routes
• Evaluation of the federal Opportunity Zone policy
• Economic impact of Minor League Baseball teams/stadiums
• The effect of Gaza protests in 2024 election
• How the media covers mayoral candidates
• SNAP policies and substance use disorders
• State efforts in health information dissemination
• Residential Returns after natural disasters
• Environmental justice analysis of air toxins
• Impact of Dobbs decision on 2022 midterm elections

Part-time study is available to any student. In such cases, the student simply meets with the Program Director to map out a reasonable order of coursework. When necessary, students are also able to switch from part-time to full-time (or the reverse) or take a semester away from study.

Whenever possible, we schedule our classes in the evenings and aim to have our students on campus as efficiently as possible, without having more than two classes on a given day.

Our schedule changes each semester, as you progress through coursework. Open and clear communication with your employer is key. In most scenarios, the temporary nature of our graduate program, paired with its educational benefit (to you and your employer) encourage a compromising path that allows you to accomplish both successfully, particularly in part-time study.

The University of Maryland Graduate School allows up to 5 years of graduate study. Full-time MS Track students will complete the APAN degree in 2 years. Part-time students can take as few as 1 course in most semesters and still complete the degree in 5 years.  

The MS Track is for any individual with a Bachelor's degree from a qualified institution. These students take all 12 APAN courses billed at the graduate rate, and complete their MS degree in Applied Political Analytics in 2 years of full-time study.

The 4+1 Track is for existing University of Maryland undergraduates in College Park, MD. These students substitute 3 specific APAN courses for their major’s upper-level elective requirements in their senior year. These courses “double count” toward both degrees (undergraduate and graduate) and are paid for via undergraduate tuition. In a fifth year, students complete the remaining 9 APAN courses billed at the graduate rate, and leave UMD with a Bachelor’s degree and a Master of Science degree in Applied Political Analytics. If a 4+1 student ever decides against completing the 5^th year, their Bachelor’s degree remains legitimate and fully complete.    

Students from the majors below can apply directly. Any other majors should contact APAN’s Program Director at @email. If your educational situation and career goals align appropriately, individualized 4+1 degree paths are possible.

• GVPT (Government & Politics)
  
  • BA
  • BA in International Relations
  • BS
  • BS in International Relations
  • Social Data Science – Government Track

Find course paths and descriptions for MS Track and 4+1 Track students on our Program Curriculum page.

*The following does not constitute official advising. Students should consult with their academic advisor (in any and all departments in which they are majoring or minoring) to understand all their undergraduate program requirements.

• GVPT320 – Advanced Empirical Research (requires GVPT201; both courses required for 4+1 applicants to APAN)

Depending on each student's focus, a selection of other relevant courses within GVPT might include some of the following:

• GVPT390 – Game Theory
• GVPT406 – International Organizations
• GVPT420 – The Logic and Practice of Measuring Political Behavior (requires GVPT201)
• GVPT423 – Elections and Electoral Behavior (requires GVPT241 and GVPT170)
• GVPT429 – Problems in Political Behavior (requires GVPT201)
• GVPT456 – The Politics of Terrorism (requires GVPT200)
• GVPT460 – State Politics and Government (requires GVPT241 and GVPT170)
• GVPT461 – Local Politics and Government (requires GVPT170)
• GVPT473 – The U.S. Congress (requires GVPT241 and GVPT170)
• GVPT474 – Political Parties GVPT475 – The Presidency and the Executive Branch
• GVPT Internship Program

Yes, every student is paired with one of APAN's Instructor/Advisors in their first semester of study. This match is made by the Program Director based on each student’s career goals, educational interests, existing skillset, and general personality and demeanor.

You can find full information about program costs via UMD's Office of Extended Studies.

Each year, we host extracurricular workshops for:

• Excel
• Tableau
• Interviewing
• Negotiation

We also have regular guest speakers to offer a variety of perspectives on how to use data. Some of our past guests include:

• Sara Fagen, Tunnl Data and Deep Root Analytics
• Deb Otis, FairVote
• Jeremy Rose, FairVote
• Alex Von Hagen-Jamar, Global Strategy Group
• BJ Martino, The Tarrance Group
• Jeff Horwitt, Hart Research
• Lenny Bronner, Washington Post
• Nathaniel Rakich, FiveThirtyEight
• Emily Guskin, Washington Post
• Jeremy Bowers, Politico

And we occasionally host introductory workshops on new or foundational skills, such as:

• Python
• GIS
• Tidyverse
• Resumes & Cover Letters
• Technical Writing

International students are encouraged to apply! United States student visa requirements are very strict and include a requirement to demonstrate liquid funds that cover up to a year of study (covering the cost of tuition, books, housing, etc.). Note that APAN does not offer tuition remission or scholarships. We strongly recommend that international applicants establish early and frequent communication with UMD's Office of International Students and Scholars for the best guidance in securing a student visa.

We host 4-6 Virtual Information Sessions between September and February each year. Email registration is required to receive the link. Anyone, at any stage of their inquiry, is welcome to attend. Scheduled meetings can be found on our Upcoming Events page.

We are always posting information about applying to our program, our alumni successes, the political data science field more generally, and photos of cute turtles -- follow us! 

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