Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs
MPA

Specializations

Specializations

Mintaka Angell MPA '16 

Data-Driven Policy Specialization

This specialization 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. Students may apply to the Data-Driven Policy Specialization in mid-July, at the conclusion of Summer Session 1. 

Specialization Requirements

Fall semester

  • 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.

  • How Do You Conduct Research that Changes Public Policy? (MPA 2605) A hands-on exploration of how evidence is used — and not used — in the real-world trenches of day-to-day government. Learn how to conduct and use research in ways most likely to have a meaningful impact on public affairs.

Spring 1

  • Policy-In-Action Consultancy (MPA 2800) Students pursue a data-driven consultancy project at The Policy Lab at Brown or at another approved location.

Spring 2

  • Introduction to Statistical Machine Learning (MPA 2066) This course is a highly applied introduction to statistical machine learning. In particular, the key aim of this course is to give students the knowledge and tools to incorporate statistical machine learning methods to answer policy-related research questions.

Find full course descriptions on Courses @ Brown


Design Your Own Specialization

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.