Master of Science in Public Policy Data Science (MPPDS)

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), a joint program between the USC Price School of Public Policy and the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, will hone your ability to make data-driven decisions that can positively inform policy. With this skillset, you can help organizations from every sector, including nonprofits and private companies in addition to public agencies, become more transparent, accountable, and swift in their decision-making.

Real World Skillsets

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MPPDS Curriculum

MPPDS Prerequisites

MPPDS Admission

MPPDS Tuition

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

“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

“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

“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.

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

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

Ashley Henne
Associate Director of Admissions
[email protected]

Schedule Meeting

Suzanne Alexander
Academic Program Administrator
RGL 238
(213) 740-1532
Email: [email protected]