MS in Applied Political Analytics

Master the data science and political analysis skills you need to shape public policy, campaign strategy, and social research.

Perfectly located in the Washington DC Metro area, the Applied Political Analytics Master’s Program (APAN) is a 36-credit, in-person graduate program suitable for part-time study, working professionals, and eligible UMD undergraduates. APAN offers promising students the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in the high-demand political and public data science industry. 

APAN is a highly competitive social data analysis program, one of very few that specialize in the applied use of political data. We are designed to support small, integrated cohorts of up to 20 students each year, to ensure our students receive the most personalized education possible in pursuit of their individual career goals. The program is delivered as a standalone MS degree or a combined 4+1 BA/MS (or BS/MS) for existing UMD undergraduates. Admitted students will complete 36 credit hours at the graduate level, with classes in data science, coding, visualization, and a number of area-specific political science topics. Graduates of the APAN program will be well-suited and highly prepared for data-oriented political careers in public policy, research organizations, NGOs, political campaigns, and government agencies of all levels.

Employers across public sector increasingly rely on data to help them reach their organization’s goals. Governments, campaigns, non-profits, and research institutes rely on data more than ever before. They need professionals who understand both political systems and advanced analysis methodologies – people who can design research, interpret data, and translate insights into action. In the campaign world alone, the last several election cycles have seen a proliferation of new companies specializing in data analytics and existing firms adding capacity in this emerging area. 

The MS in Applied Political Analytics (APAN) at the University of Maryland is one of the nation’s only programs to blend political science and public policy, data science and statistical modeling, and applied research and survey methodology. This program is designed for students who want to work with real political data and produce meaningful analysis used by decision-makers. APAN students develop the technical, theoretical, and practical skills needed to work in the fast-growing field of political data analytics. In our program, you will learn:

• Statistical modeling, data management, and research design
• Survey methodology, sampling, and questionnaire design
• Policy evaluation and applied political research
• Political behavior, campaigns, elections, and public opinion
• Coding in R, Python, SQL, GIS, and other analytical languages
• Communicating data insights to non-technical audiences

The APAN program requires 36 credits and can be completed through either a standalone MS option (for early or mid-career professionals seeking to advance their political data skills) or the 4+1 option (for qualified UMD undergraduates who want to begin and complete graduate coursework early). 

As an APAN student, you’ll repeatedly learn with hands-on projects and applied research. You will also have opportunities to collaborate with organizations in the Washington DC Metro area, such as research centers, government agencies, and NGOs. APAN graduates are highly prepared for growing careers at the intersection of data science, political science, and public policy, such as Election Analyst, Survey Researcher, Policy Program Evaluator, Campaign Strategist, Legislative Researcher, and many more. Potential employers include:

• Federal, state, or local governments
• Policy research institutes and think tanks
• Political campaigns and analytics firms
• Advocacy organizations and non-profits
• International non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Academic or private sector research organizations

Whether it is understanding which message to use to encourage a citizen to register to vote, or determining the necessary program supports to reduce radicalization among at-risk youth, data-driven strategies are crucial to success. To be most effective, the workforce needs more than just technical skills. With a firm theoretical and empirical research foundation, the most successful researchers can communicate more effectively with clients and adapt to new questions and issues as they arise. The MS in Political Analytics program is designed to provide students with this foundation.

Are you ready to become a data-driven political and policy professional in the heart of Washington DC? Earn a Master’s degree that combines political science, data analytics, survey methodology, and applied research! The MS in Applied Political Analytics (APAN) prepares you for careers in government, policy, campaigns, research, and NGOs. 

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