Data is everywhere and analytical skills are in high demand by public and private institutions around the world. Over seven weeks, you will gain the skills to retrieve, analyze, and present data through a public policy lens. Learn to use a scientific approach to address today's social issues and create a measurable impact on society.
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Data Analytics, R Programming, Public Policy, Policy Research |
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All levels welcome |
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Seven (7) weeks, 10-15 hours per week |
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June 10 - July 26, 2024 |
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$4,500 with partial scholarship available |
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Virtual Online |
Assistant Professor at the Harris School of Public Policy
“The DPSS program was a critical first step. Being out of an academic environment for almost a decade, I wanted to prepare for this rigorous curriculum. While DPSS was challenging, I had an extremely supportive community of classmates, TAs, and professors. DPSS was the tipping point that made Harris my number one choice.”
DPSS’22, MPP Class of 2025
“It’s a summer I won’t forget. The quantity and quality of learning kept me engaged, and the other scholars were such a joy to work with. There were people from all walks of life, which was very reflective of the real world. I was among the youngest, so I was mindful of that as I went through it. But after each session, I felt more and more confident and encouraged to engage with my classmates, faculty, and staff.”
DPSS’22
“In the short-term, I wanted to apply the quantitative skills I gained from DPSS to better analyze cyber conflict in the context of the Department of Defense Cyber Strategy of Defending Forward. Long-term, I hoped my exposure to policy practitioners and UChicago faculty would prepare me for graduate study.”
DPSS’21, MPP Class of 2024
DPSS equips you with training in data analytics paired with hands-on policy research experience and professional development resources. The program includes three required modules: (1) Data Analytics in Public Policy; (2) Introduction to R Programming; and (3) an immersive Capstone Research Project. The Professional Development Series provides meaningful opportunities for career exploration.
Depending on your primary learning goal, participants will choose one of the two tracks - the academic track and the professional track. Both tracks offer the core foundational courses with a different elective course based on your track selection.
This course provides an introduction to the statistical foundations, tools, and methods employed by public policy researchers. Explore the fundamental problem of causal inference and learn how to use data, research design, and statistical modeling to navigate around this problem.
This is an introductory course in programming and data analysis for students with no prior coding experience. The course has three learning outcomes: introduce students to the tools required to write and share code; translate self-contained questions into R programs; and learn how to retrieve, clean, visualize, and analyze data.
Read the Blog Post “What can I do with R” by Anna Weiss, DPSS’21, MPP Class of 2024
In the capstone research project, you will collaborate with Austin Wright, Assistant Professor and DPSS Faculty Director, and a group of peers on a real-world problem and design a policy recommendation.
You will harness the skills of research design, policy analysis, and team collaboration to conduct a research project using open-source or faculty-provided datasets. There are elements of data collection, analysis, and visualization, and result in a policy memo.
Learning outcomes and the policy memo become a portfolio piece that highlights your academic readiness for graduate program admissions or for applications for internships or jobs. The skills gained in the project are transferable for further research in your area of interest.
Read Professor Wright's blog post about the capstone research project.
The academic track provides a comprehensive toolkit for participants who are interested in further advancing their academic growth by earning a master or PhD-level degree in the social sciences field. In addition to the required modules, participants will complete advanced level of assignments and form work products (writing samples) that demonstrate their academic capability. In addition, participants will join Q&A sessions with admissions officers and current graduate students at UChicago to gain first-hand information on various graduate programs and application tips.
The professional track helps participants apply the theoretical learning and skills into the career exploration and advancement stage. Besides completing the core courses and assignments to harness the quantitative and research skills, participants will gain leadership and career development insights by joining professional development workshops, group coaching sessions, and networking with UChicago alumni working in various sections.
DPSS alumni have achieved remarkable success in their pursuit of graduate programs and career development. They continue their academic pursuit in Master's and Ph.D. programs across various fields, including Data Science, Business, Economics, Law, Mathematics, Political Science, Public Policy, and Social Science. Discover how DPSS can empower you on your path to graduate study, including exciting opportunities right here at UChicago, by exploring our blog post, "DPSS Benefits for Graduate School.”
started or completed a graduate program after DPSS
enrolled in a graduate program at UChicago
enrolled in a graduate program at UChicago Harris School of Public Policy
DPSS alumni have made significant strides in their professional journeys, securing internships, part-time and full-time employment. They've attained diverse positions, including roles as Business Analytics Interns, Data Analyst Assistants, Congressional Interns, Development Coordinators, Financial Analysts, Management Consultants, Software Engineers, and Research Assistants.
Faculty Profile
"The goal with our credential programs is to find ways to enable a broader set of learners to have access to the UChicago tools and resources and help them achieve their ultimate goals of improving the world around us."
June 10 - July 26, 2024
Participants expect to spend about 10-15 hours per week including watching lecture recordings, working on assignments and projects, joining interactive office hours and community activities.
Asynchronous (pre-recorded) lectures from faculty, optional synchronous teaching sessions with faculty and graduate teaching assistants, and interactive community activities.
These synchronous office hours, conducted in Zoom, are offered approximately 15 hours per week at various times to accommodate our global and working students.
Participants will receive two documents, issued electronically, upon successful completion of the credential program:
With pass/fail marks for each academic course (non-credit): Data Analytics, R Programming, and Capstone research project.
Students will be able to access this transcript in early October from the University Registrar.
Issued by the Harris School of Public Policy, contains a grade (of points earned) for each academic course.
Students will receive an email from our office (harriscredential@uchicago.edu) with the electronic certification within one month after the program.
Interested in meeting your cohort in person? DPSS offers an optional Chicago Weekend where students gather for three days of workshops, networking, and social activities.
The program fee is $4,500. We are pleased to offer merit-based partial scholarships to outstanding applicants.
Audience |
Fee |
General |
$4,500 |
Merit-Based Scholarship Range |
$300 to $1,000 |
Organizational Sponsorship for 3+ Applicants: |
Contact us at harriscredential@uchicago.edu to discuss group rates |
Once being admitted, participants will secure the seat by submitting a $1,000 USD enrollment deposit, which is non-refundable and applies toward your total program fee. The remaining program fee balance will be paid before the program starts. Detailed payment instructions will be provided to admitted students.
"Not only was Harris the best quantitative program that I researched, but after experiencing DPSS, it was the best place to resolve the coding gap I had in undergrad. I really appreciated that coding is built into the curriculum.”
DPSS’21 , MPP’23
"Transitioning from undergrad to master’s level was challenging when I made the jump a few years ago, and I didn’t want the same thing to happen at Harris. After completing DPSS, I felt much better prepared than when I’d enrolled at Penn State."
DPSS'20, AM Class of 2021
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Application Deadline |
Notification |
Reply Deadline |
Early Action |
January 23, 2024 |
Early February |
February 27, 2024 |
Round 1 |
February 27, 2024 |
Early March |
March 26, 2024 |
Round 2 |
March 26, 2024 |
Early April |
April 16, 2024 |
Round 3 |
April 16, 2024 |
Late April |
May 7, 2024 |
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.