The Columbia University School of Professional Studies M.S. in Political Analytics is pleased to announce the launch of its Online Program for the Master of Science in Political Analytics.
This new online option is designed to offer greater flexibility to working professionals looking to take advantage of all that Columbia University’s Political Analytics program has to offer. Through this opportunity, students from across the globe will have unparalleled access to the University’s world-class faculty of scholar-practitioners and the ability to pursue a curriculum that is tailored to their needs. Those working full-time in the field should be able to immediately apply classroom learning to real-world challenges and build a community of practice with fellow students.
Drawing on Columbia’s academic strength in the quantitative social sciences, this program meets the needs of learners who aspire to a political analytics and consulting career. The online classroom will provide targeted learning of technical skills through a political lens and emphasize foundational knowledge, theoretical and empirical research skills, and analytics capabilities. Students will be eligible to take courses in topics such as Electoral Data & Predictive Modeling, Big Data & Political Strategy, Strategic Thinking, and Survey and Polling Methodology, among many others.
Program Director Greg Wawro underscores the value of remotely pursuing a master’s degree in political analytics at Columbia. “One of the goals of this program is to narrow the gap between substantive political professionals and those involved on the technical analytic side,” says Wawro. “The program teaches analytics in an explicitly political context, facilitating crosswalk with nontechnical professionals and decision makers.”
The Political Analytics online program offers flexibility to learn from anywhere, making it possible for working professionals to maintain their current employment and location of residence while pursuing their degree. Whether they are on the campaign trail, traveling frequently, or involved in their own local election, the program will provide students with the flexibility to continue working and studying. Career pathways may include campaign management, consulting, lobbying, public and governmental affairs, policy analysis, political fundraising, and media.
Online students will have opportunities to engage in-person with fellow students and faculty at August’s on-campus orientation and at the program’s annual trip to Washington, D.C. “Whether you're online or in person, this ultimately will be one community,” says Political Analytics Deputy Program Director Michael Schwam-Baird.
The launch of this new online program opens the doors to a Columbia education for learners who live outside the greater New York City area and expands educational access for those who wish to remain active in their current political landscapes. With a Columbia master’s degree in Political Analytics, graduates will be prepared to make immediate impacts in their communities.
The program is accepting applications now. Please visit the Political Analytics website for more information and to apply to be among the program’s inaugural online cohort.
About the Program
The Columbia University M.S. in Political Analytics program provides students quantitative skills in an explicitly political context, facilitating crosswalk with nontechnical professionals and decision-makers—and empowers students to become decision-makers themselves.
The 36-credit program is available part-time and full-time, on-campus and online. The fall 2025 application deadline for the M.S. in Political Analytics program is June 1. Learn more about the program here.
For general information and admissions questions, please call 212-854-9666 or email politicalanalytics [[at]] sps [[dot]] columbia [[dot]] edu (politicalanalytics[at]sps[dot]columbia[dot]edu).
