Data Science for Public Policy

4 credits · Graduate

Data and analytics have become essential for tackling real-world social and policy problems. This course will cover key tools in this setting: data wrangling and description with (often messy) data sets, including data aggregation and manipulation; visualization; and introduction to more advanced statistical programming. Students will explore these topics via individual- and group-based applied data projects, including hands-on assignments during class. The goal is for students to “get their hands dirty” with data and to produce workable—rather than ideal—solutions to problems. Data sets will be drawn from governments, non-profits, and other partner organizations. The course will be taught using the open-source programming language, R.