Political Analytics

The Master of Science in Political Analytics program is designed to help you prepare for a career in politics and advocacy. Nearly all consequential decisions in politics are data driven. Yet very few academic programs prepare individuals to excel at analytics for politics, which are central to successful and long-term careers in the profession. Our mission is to train a new generation of professionals who can have an immediate impact in politics and advocacy by providing decision-makers with data analytics of the highest quality.

Analytics and data science are playing an ever-larger role in careers in politics and advocacy. Quantitative skills are now critical for  a broad swath of jobs, including campaign management, political advertising, polling and public opinion research, advocacy, consulting, lobbying, public and governmental affairs, political fundraising, media and many others. And firms, parties, and organizations everywhere are looking for well-trained, politically astute employees and leaders.

The program  follows a scholar-practitioner model that combines academic theory with research and hands-on applications. Coursework includes tailored political science  classes, applied quantitative analytics, and new approaches to data analytics including machine learning and AI, drawing on a multi-disciplinary team of Columbia faculty and political professionals.  In addition, each student will complete a capstone course gaining experience working on real world projects with leading political and advocacy firms, think tanks, media organizations, and non-profit groups.

“Political jobs with data analytics requirements are popping up everywhere — it’s an in-demand skill that firms are having trouble finding. This degree will help students stand out and put them on a trajectory for a successful career.” – Matthew Rey, Partner, Red Horse Strategies, New York, NY

This program will help you build a comprehensive understanding of the foundational, theoretical, analytical, and applied skills those who are hiring people to work in politics say they need right now

The program is strictly nonpartisan and is open to applicants at any stage in their career – or just starting out. The program’s structure follows thirty-six credits, including a set of core and selective courses that will provide the skills needed for professional data-oriented careers in politics. The degree will be offered full-time, with a part-time option for working professionals.  To accommodate working professionals and provide general flexibility and accessibility all core courses will be offered online. The full-time option enables completion of study within one year, and full-time students are expected to complete the degree in three semesters. Part-time students are expected to complete the degree requirements in six semesters.

A degree from Columbia University affords prestige and exceptional access to academic resources, career planning, and professional development. The program includes unique offerings and draws from a wealth of graduate-level courses in Columbia’s Department of Political Science, the School of Professional Studies, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Data Science Institute, the School of International and Public Affairs, and the Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences program.   Graduates of the program will be part of an active 350,000-plus-member global alumni network and a wide variety of student groups connect fellow Columbia alumni across schools, degrees, and graduation years.