Today, nearly every consequential political decision in campaigns, policymaking, and advocacy is driven by data. The ability to gather, interpret, and translate complex data into actionable insights has become essential, yet few academic programs truly prepare professionals to excel in this space.
Columbia University’s Master of Science in Political Analytics program fills that gap, training a new generation of professionals who can both understand political systems deeply and drive strategy through evidence-based analysis. Program Director Greg Wawro highlights the adaptability of the program: “The political analytics program is designed for a broad range of students who come from a diverse set of backgrounds. We have students who are already working in politics who will want to enhance their skill set. We’ve also designed the program to appeal to those who want to shift careers and enter politics but want to do so on a particular trajectory related to data analytics.”
Whether your ambition is to shape public opinion, influence policy, or consult on campaigns, a Political Analytics degree from Columbia University School of Professional Studies (SPS) opens doors to a wide range of career paths.
Polling and Analytics
If you’re fascinated by the science of public opinion and the forces that shape decision-making, a career in polling and analytics may be the right path. Graduates of Columbia’s Political Analytics program are prepared to design, conduct, and interpret surveys that measure voter attitudes, track policy sentiment, and forecast electoral outcomes—skills that directly shape political strategy.
Opportunities within the world of polling and analytics span across sectors:
- Polling and Political data firms that serve political clients are also in high demand. These firms work behind the scenes to identify voter segments, test messaging, and forecast results.
- Think tanks often seek professionals who can combine quantitative expertise with political insight to produce rigorous, policy-relevant research that informs debate at the highest levels of government and civil society.
- Nonprofits and NGOs increasingly rely on analytics to evaluate advocacy campaigns, measure impact, and allocate resources effectively. A specialization in analytical thinking allows graduates to translate raw data into actionable strategies for advancing social causes.
Political Campaigns
For those drawn to fast-paced, high-stakes environments, political campaigns offer an ideal arena to put analytical skills into action.
Career opportunities within campaigns include:
- Campaign management, where graduates oversee the big picture, directing strategy, allocating resources, and ensuring every decision is informed by data—from targeting swing voters to determining where to deploy field staff.
- Consulting, which allows graduates to work with multiple candidates and political organizations, providing expertise in analytics, communications, or digital advertising.
- Political fundraising, a field where data skills are increasingly vital. Professionals use analytics to identify potential donors, personalize outreach, and maximize return on investment, helping campaigns build the resources they need to win.
Political Media
Media remains one of the most visible and influential arenas for political engagement. In today’s world of social media, livestreaming, and digital advertising, professionals who can interpret and apply data insights are uniquely positioned to shape public discourse.
Graduates will be well-prepared to make an impact across multiple facets of political media:
- Political commentary, whether in print, broadcast, or digital platforms, requires the ability to interpret political data accurately and communicate insights clearly to a public audience.
- Media buying for political advertising enables professionals to use analytics to determine where, when, and how to place ads for maximum impact, while integrating data-driven strategies into broader marketing campaigns.
- Data visualization is an essential skill for broadcast television and other news media organizations. Translating polling results, election returns, and demographic trends into real-time visual insights helps organizations communicate complex information effectively.
Endless Opportunities
“One thing that I think is really exciting about political analytics,” shares Deputy Program Director Michael Schwam-Baird, “is this is a place where you can take the technical skills that you'll learn in our program and then work for organizations that are aligned with your values in politics, in advocacy, and then be a part of this larger community of analysts that are trying to change the world for good.”
While these pathways highlight some of the major career options for M.S. in Political Analytics graduates, the degree’s versatility opens doors across public affairs, advocacy, consulting, digital strategy, government agencies, and beyond.
No matter the path, Columbia SPS Political Analytics students graduate prepared to:
- Create meaningful impact through informed political strategy
- Drive decision-making with rigorous, evidence-based analysis
- Communicate effectively about data and politics to diverse audiences
- Lead among professionals in high-stakes, high-impact environments
Beyond these skills, a degree from Columbia University connects graduates to a global network of over 350,000 alumni, offering access to leaders across politics, media, and advocacy worldwide. Whether your goal is to inform the public, influence decision-makers, or win elections, the expertise and connections gained in the M.S. in Political Analytics program position you to lead wherever your career takes you.
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. 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).
