MS in Applied Political Analytics at UMD

APAN

Data—and the ability to interpret it—now sits at the center of every major political decision. Whether you hope to advise a campaign, shape public policy, or drive change from inside a multilateral institution, fluency in political data analytics is quickly becoming a baseline expectation.

The Market Is Booming for Data‑Savvy Professionals

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 36 percent job growth for data scientists between 2023 and 2033—nine times the average for all occupations.  In Washington, DC alone, hundreds of postings seek political or policy‑oriented data analysts at think tanks, federal agencies, consultancies, and campaigns.

APAN: Maryland’s Answer to the Talent Gap

The Master of Science degree in Applied Political Analytics (APAN) at the University of Maryland (UMD) is designed for motivated professionals who want to turn political insight into actionable, data‑driven strategy—without spending years out of the workforce for full-time study.

1. Flexible Learning with Renowned Partners
Courses blend in‑person instruction on UMD’s College Park campus with live virtual sessions delivered through the Joint Program in Survey Methodology (JPSM) and its partners at the University of Michigan and Westat. Evening scheduling and asynchronous elements let working professionals progress full‑time in two years or part‑time across up to five years, with an affordable 4 + 1 option for Maryland undergraduates.

2. A Curriculum Grounded in Theory and Technique
You’ll master the statistical tools that unlock the meaning of polling, surveys, and big‑data streams—then learn to situate those findings in real‑world political behavior. Coding a regression is only the start; APAN shows you how to tell a clear story about voters, institutions, and policy landscapes to drive informed and efficient decision-making in the public arena.

3. Practical Expertise in a Competitive Industry
UMD’s proximity to Capitol Hill and a host of global NGOs means you can network, intern, and consult while you study. Capstone projects push students along a line of individually developed and targeted research, turning coursework into portfolio pieces that resonate with each student’s ideal employers.

4. Comprehensive Professional Development & Support
From day one, dedicated faculty mentors help you map career goals, refine research interests, and polish resumes and presentations. Regular workshops cover interview skills, public speaking, negotiation, and advanced analytic techniques so you graduate ready to lead.

Research Resources That Set You Apart

APAN students can tap into campus‑based assets such as the Critical Issues Poll, the Interdisciplinary Lab for Computational Social Science, the GIS & Spatial Data Center, and the GVPT Experimental Lab—all within a short Metro ride of DC’s incomparable policy networks.

Where Can APAN Take You?

“The world still needs people who aim to change it. In APAN, we change the world with data. Whether it’s in government, advocacy, policy development, or politics, our students are using their unique skillset to implement smarter decision-making in the most critical areas of our greater society and human community.”
        - Dr. Candace Turitto, Program Director 

Alumni have the skills to pursue roles like:

  • Data or Polling Analyst for campaigns, parties, and advocacy groups
  • Policy Researcher at think tanks or multilateral institutions
  • Analytics Consultant for public‑sector agencies or civic‑tech firms
  • Program‑Evaluation Specialist in NGOs or international development

Our students have landed roles in a competitive and growing field, with organizations that do important and focused work in politics and public policy, including: 

  • US Senate
  • Hart Research
  • Blue Bonnet Data
  • Fannie Mae
  • WMATA
  • Grassroots Analytics
  • US News & World Report
  • US-China Business Council
  • UCLA Department of Computational Medicine
  • START (Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism)
  • Maryland General Assembly

With job demand outpacing supply, APAN’s blend of rigorous academics, hands-on training, and DC‑centric networking puts our graduates in the position to compete—and lead—immediately after graduation.

Ready to Learn More?
Visit go.umd.edu/apanms to explore curriculum details, admission deadlines, and upcoming online info sessions. Have questions? Email APAN’s Director, Candace Turitto at turitto@umd.edu or connect with us on LinkedIn.

Shape the next decade of data‑driven politics—start at Maryland.
 

Published on Mon, 08/25/2025 - 15:35