Mintaka Angell MPA '16
This track prepares MPA students to do data analytic work in government, nonprofit, and for-profit organizations. Students are introduced to a variety of programming languages used to manipulate and analyze data including Stata, SQL, and Python, and gain the tools to turn large data sets and behavioral science into improved policy. Students also acquire hands-on, practical experience with data cleaning, analysis, visualization, and designing and implementing policy evaluations through the three required electives. Students may apply to the Data-Driven Policy Track in mid-July, at the conclusion of Summer Sequence 1.
Requirements for the track
Introduction to Data Science and Programming (MPA 2065) Introduces students to the process of gathering, manipulating, and analyzing data in programs such as Python and SQL.
Find full course descriptions on Courses @ Brown
In the spirit of Brown’s Open Curriculum, students may work with a faculty advisor to design their own specialization. Students choose electives to pursue deeper knowledge and gain proficiency in the methods, skills, and substance of particular policy areas. MPA graduates have focused on areas as diverse as cybersecurity, health policy, environmental advocacy, national intelligence, and early-childhood education.
In addition to courses offered at the Watson Institute, MPA students can take advantage of the breadth of teaching that happens across Brown. They can choose from a wide range of courses throughout the University. Students will most often take classes in departments such as: Political Science, Urban Studies, Sociology, Economics, Education, Environmental Studies, Public Health, and International Relations. Find all Brown courses on the Courses@Brown website. Students may also choose MPA-designated electives. MPA electives have included:
Please note that elective course offerings are subject to change.