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Master’s

Master of Public Policy Data Science (MPPDS)

Important Dates

Fall 2025

  • International Deadline: May 1, 2025
  • Domestic Deadline: July 1, 2025

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Fill out this form to hear from a Price admissions counselor, get invited to webinars for prospective students, and learn more about admissions and financial aid.
















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Request Information

Fill out this form to hear from a Price admissions counselor, get invited to webinars for prospective students, and learn more about admissions and financial aid.




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A Master of Public Policy Data Science student presenting a map with data points in front of the classroom.

The Master of Science in Public Policy Data Science (MPPDS) program trains students to apply data science to solve complex public policy challenges.

Harness big data for social good.

The effective use of data science in public policy has the potential to revolutionize how organizations work and how public policy is created. The Master of Science in Public Policy Data Science (MPPDS) program will hone your ability to make data-driven decisions that can positively inform policy. With this skillset, you’ll be able to leverage data science to help organizations from every sector, including nongovernmental organizations and nonprofits, be more transparent, accountable, and swift in their decision-making. At USC Price, in a program jointly run with the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, you’ll discover a vital program that prepares you for a vast number of opportunities.

Why choose Price?

Variable

The MPPDS consists of a rich mixture of lecture, seminar, and lab formats. You’ll build a strong theoretical framework and gain practical and innovative skills.

Theory in Action

In a culminating capstone project, you’ll work with a real-world client to produce a consultant’s report on a compelling challenge.

Customizable

In addition to core courses that bridge public policy and big data, MPPDS also offers numerous electives that will help you focus your professional interests.

Immense Potential

Your MPPDS will open doors to numerous fields — healthcare, housing, education, and more. USC Price’s network of alumni can connect you to any number of opportunities.

Real World Skillsets

  • Address the challenges associated with collecting, combining, and analyzing big data from disparate sources to inform and guide policymaking;
  • Combine data science tools with public policy and project evaluation methods including statistics and econometrics;
  • Apply data science principles—including machine learning, data mining, and visualization of large datasets—to help craft better public policies;
  • Persudae decision-makers by knowing how to make and effectively communicate evidence-based recommendations;
  • Understand markets and effectively use data science to develop appropriate strategies for public investment in everything from transportation to renewable energy.
Tommy Trojan

James Irvine & Domestic Student Scholarships

Domestic students who apply by our December 15th deadline and are admitted to the MHA, MNLM, MPA, MPP, MPPDS, or MUP program are automatically eligible to receive scholarship funding.

Attend an Info Session

Join faculty, students, and alumni for live information sessions to learn more about the application process, financial services, and program curriculum.

MPPDS alumni have used their knowledge of data science in public policy to launch careers in a wide variety of organizations making meaningful change.

  • Data Analyst at Neighborhood Data for Social Change (NDSC)
  • Research Associate
  • Senior Research Programmer

See All MPPDS Alumni Careers

Cameron Yap
“The MPPDS program at Price is one of the few public policy/data science joint programs in the nation. The intersection of these two fields provided me with both quantitative research foundational skills and an understanding of real-world policy frameworks to apply them to. These areas of study are worthwhile in their own right, but being able to study them concurrently and understand the way research practice and implementation are linked significantly prepared me for entering my career after my graduate program ended. As a current data analyst at a policy research center, I cannot imagine any other degree program serving me as well as my time as Price did.”

Cameron Yap

Data Analyst at Neighborhood Data for Social Change (NDSC)

USC

Shalini Mustala
“I am on a mission to leverage knowledge from data in the design and analysis of policies. I aim to work towards sustainable development, specifically relevant to environmental pollution, sustainable cities and health policy. I have always been amazed at the power of data and the strength of effective policy on creating an impact on people’s lives. When I came across the MPPDS program offered at Price, I was instantly intrigued by the idea of the intersection. USC Price School has a great reputation for nurturing passionate public policy students who went ahead to create a meaningful impact. I consider choosing Price as one of the best decisions I have ever made.”

Shalini Mustala

Research Associate

Public Policy Institute of California

Patricia Ferido
“I chose USC Price for the Public Policy Data Science program, which falls at the intersection of my passions for data and public service. The program perfectly supplements my current job as a Research Programmer in the health policy field, and there have been many times when I took what I learned in class directly to the field. The skills I am learning in my courses are laying the groundwork for everything that I want to do in my career. USC Price also offers a multitude of seminars and labs that provide something for a wide variety of interests. Not only that, but the community of students, staff, and faculty at Price are incredibly supportive. I am grateful to be connected to a network of like-minded individuals with diverse passions, striving for a better world.”

Patricia Ferido-Wilson

Senior Research Programmer

Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics

Financial Aid

Numerous financial aid opportunities are available for grad students, including the new James Irvine California Scholarship, which guarantees scholarships to California residents.

Tommy Trojan during sunset.

Community Impact Scholarship

Apply Now!

USC Price is pleased to announce the Price Community Impact Scholarships for incoming masters students who plan to enroll in one of the following on-campus programs: MHA, MIPM, MNLM, MPA, MPP, MPPDS, and MUP.

Learn More

Build Joint Expertise in Data Science and Policy

The Master of Science in Public Policy Data Science builds unique proficiencies with an emphasis on public policy, and teaches you to leverage data science to:

  • Increase transparency and accountability
  • Improve the efficiency and quality of services
  • Enhance security and address matters of defense and intelligence
  • Oversee emergency management
  • Influence policy and the policy-making process broadly

With a vast range of applications – including crime pattern identification, traffic light synchronization, fair housing practices, health care access, transit usage, education financing and more – there will be no shortage of fields for you to apply your newly-gained expertise.

Contact Us

Mark Phillips

Program Director, Mark Phillips
Associate Professor (Teaching)
Department of Public Policy and Management
(213) 740-0210
[email protected]


Sierra Wilkie,
Admissions Counselor

(213) 740-0399
[email protected]