MSc in Applied Political Analytics in College Park United States | University of Maryland, College Park

The Applied Political Analytics Program (APAN), introduced during the 2021-22 academic year, provides talented students with a pathway to obtain a master's degree in the rapidly expanding field of modern data science. This program is available as both an independent degree and a combined 41-credit BA/MS option. Students complete 36 graduate-level credit hours through courses in Government & Politics (GVPT) and Survey Methodology (SURV). APAN graduates gain exceptional preparation for data-driven political careers across private companies, research institutions, NGOs, and government entities.

This Master of Science in Applied Political Analytics is a collaborative effort between the Department of Government and Politics and the Joint Program in Survey Methodology. It delivers specialized training in applying data science techniques to political science challenges, equipping students for roles in corporate settings, research organizations, non-profits, and government agencies at all levels. The curriculum includes 15 political science credits and 21 data science credits, culminating in a capstone project during the second year where students tackle real-world issues using their acquired skills.

Organizations in government, business, and non-profit sectors are increasingly dependent on data-driven decision making. LinkedIn's 2017 research highlighted data-related roles among the decade's most rapidly expanding professions, with data scientist positions experiencing 650% growth alongside significant talent shortages. Political campaigns particularly demonstrate this trend, with both new analytics firms and established companies expanding their data capabilities in recent election cycles.