Data and Policy Summer Scholar Program

Absolutely! DPSS is designed to accommodate individuals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, including working professionals, recent graduates, and current students. While it may not be without its challenges in terms of time management, it is certainly manageable. You'll benefit from a dedicated support staff, an exceptional teaching team, and the enriching experience of collaborating with a diverse cohort throughout your journey.

DPSS content is rigorous, but we accommodate participants of all backgrounds. There are no prerequisites for this program. If you're new to data analytics, expect to dedicate approximately 12-15 hours per week. For those who have taken some statistics and/or R programming courses, plan for around 8-12 hours per week. If you already possess a working knowledge of statistical concepts and the R programming language, you can typically commit 6-8 hours per week. Our aim is to provide support and guidance to help you succeed, regardless of your prior experience. 

We also highly encourage our DPSS participants to take the advantage of the Data Analytics Credential Program before DPSS starts to ensure you have a solid quantitative foundation and maximize your DPSS experience.

While full funding is not available for the DPSS program, merit-based scholarships are awarded to eligible applicants. Applying early can significantly benefit your chances of receiving financial support. Apply by the January 23 Early Action deadline is highly encouraged to increase your scholarship potential

There is no additional application document required to request being considered for scholarship.

DPSS provides a comprehensive array of community and co-curricular resources designed to enhance your professional development. Our offerings include weekly virtual events such as the "Policy in Action Speaker Series," "UChicago Community Chats" for networking, "Writing in Policy Workshops," and "Career Exploration Workshops." You can also engage in social activities and consider participating in the optional "Chicago Weekend" on campus. These opportunities are designed to strengthen your professional connections and enrich your DPSS experience. Admitted students will receive additional information about the Chicago Weekend.

The Capstone Research Project is a pivotal aspect of the DPSS program, offering students the opportunity to engage in hands-on policy research. Under the guidance of DPSS faculty, including Austin Wright, Assistant Professor and DPSS Faculty Director, students collaborate in small groups and access proprietary or open-source data to address pressing policy challenges. Past projects have explored topics such as refugee displacement, the economic impact of mask mandates, and the legacy of the George Floyd protests. The goal of this project is for students to apply the quantitative analysis and R programming skills they've acquired throughout the program to produce a policy memo. This memo includes a literature review, data analysis, visualization, and a summary of their findings. It's a chance for students to put their newfound skills into practice and make a tangible impact.

Read Professor Wright's blog post about the capstone research project.

After successfully completing the Capstone Research Project, students often submit their projects to their current academic institutions or incorporate them into their graduate school applications. Some continue to build on their specific projects, while others apply the acquired research skills to areas they are most passionate about. These research skills are highly transferable and can be applied to various other projects and career pursuits. Many DPSS alumni have found that the Capstone project has strengthened their graduate school applications and opened up opportunities for internships and career advancement in their respective fields.

You will receive an official UChicago Transcript that includes pass/fail marks (non-credit) for each academic component: Data Analytics, R Programming, and the Capstone research project. Access to this transcript will be available in early autumn, around early October. You'll also have access to request a transcript from the University Registrar.