The effective term for the MSPA program has been updated to fall 2027, which will be the first term in which students can matriculate and begin their online studies toward the Master of Science in Policy Analytics degree.

Contact

Nell Bartkowiak, Assistant Dean of Online Programs
315-443-8941
nsbartko@syr.edu

Program Description

This program is designed to develop skills at the frontier of the public affairs field with an emphasis on advances in technology and data use.  Unlike other data-oriented graduate programs, this one will emphasize the use of technology and data tools with applications for those with career interests in the public or nonprofit sector. Recent developments in policy and data science have created novel approaches to policy making, and market research suggests that data-driven degrees are in high demand.  Graduates of this program will be well-equipped to work and employ cutting-edge techniques, making them highly desirable employees in the policy analytics space, where there is considerable employment growth projected.

This 30-hour online program will foster competencies in data management, data visualization, artificial intelligence, behavioral science, and policy analysis, as well as related technical skills for effectively designing and implementing public policies.  In addition, this program will emphasize data interpretation and the ability to communicate technical information and analysis to policymakers and citizens.

An important feature of this proposed program is an emphasis on policy design, including a class in behavioral public policy with topics on prospect theory, norms, framing, and salience, and a second course on generative artificial intelligence with applications in policy design.  Rounding out the curriculum, and separating it from similar programs, is a public sector philosophy course that addresses ethical issues that have surfaced as technology has accelerated in the public affairs space. 

Admission

Admission requirements include evidence of academic success at the undergraduate level and a stated interest in the field. No experience is required. In addition, a statement of goals that align with the intended outcomes of this degree program will be considered.  International students must provide evidence of English proficiency. A score of at least 100 is required on the internet based TOEFL test. The GRE is not required.

Degree Awarded: Master of Science in Policy Analytics
Total Credits Required: 30 credits

Transfer Credit

With permission, students may transfer up to 6 credits of equivalent graduate level coursework.

Part-time Study

Students may complete the program on a part-time basis as long as the degree is completed within seven years as stipulated by Syracuse University policy.

Satisfactory Progress

Students must maintain at least a 3.0 average GPA.

1. Manage, analyze and interpret data to inform policy designs and implementation.
2. Communicate complex technical information to lay audiences so they can make informed decisions about their interactions with government and nonprofits.
3. Analyze the rational model of decision making and its limitations.
4. Exhibit ability to identify and evaluate ethical trade-offs of data driven policy decisions.
5. Develop skills in AI and other technologies to inform decision-making in the public and nonprofit sectors.

Program Requirements

The degree consists of ten 3-credit courses, including nine required courses (see below) and one elective. The 30-credit program may be completed in as few as 10 months of full-time study or in a variety of part-time formats, over 20 months or more.

Elective Courses

One course (3 credits) toward the 30-credit MSPA program will be an elective from the Public Administration and International Affairs (PAI) department, another Maxwell School social science department, or another department at the University, with the approval of the student’s academic advisor. 

Students have the option to earn experience credit at the graduate level, e.g. PAI 670 Experience Credit, for relevant work completed during their program with oversight of a faculty sponsor in lieu of another course elective.  This experience credit is generally capped at 3 credits, as the program only allows for a single elective course for 3 credits.  The requirements for this experience credit will follow the requirements outlined on the Internship Proposal/Agreement form through SU's Office of the Registrar, including a minimum of 45 hours of internship-related hours worked per credit, and graduate-level objectives, activities, assignments and assessment defined on the agreement, accordingly.  

Capstone Portfolio

As a requirement to complete the Master of Science in Policy Analytics, all students must create a capstone portfolio. Each student will construct a portfolio of materials that show competency in each of the learning objectives of the program (see above).

The portfolio could include many different forms to demonstrate competency, most of them derived and expanded on from their course work throughout the program, e.g., a research paper on a the use of data to solve a problem, a memo on a communication strategy explaining how a particular program will provide a service to the public, a summary document explaining the ethical viewpoints on a particular topic, or a report on the use of AI in the policy design process.

This portfolio must be assessed by the program director as showing mastery in these competencies to graduate.  Students must also include summary statements explaining how their portfolio demonstrates competency in the learning outcomes. The portfolio has the additional benefit of providing materials that graduates can use to demonstrate to potential employers in the hiring process.