Your coursework immediately moves you beyond basic spreadsheets to designing enterprise-grade solutions. You will learn to process complex data in various formats and restructure information from diverse platforms into usable contexts. By mastering distributed storage systems, complex ETL/ELT pipelines, and advanced database indexing, you will build the rigorous technical authority needed to manage immense data architectures for public policy and governance.
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Data Science and Public Policy delivers the rigorous technical expertise and analytical frameworks needed to tackle complex societal challenges. Moving beyond foundational data analysis, the curriculum immerses students in advanced predictive modeling, policy evaluation, and the ethical application of machine learning within the public sector. Graduates emerge fully prepared to spearhead data-driven policy initiatives, drive civic innovation, and confidently lead specialized teams at the intersection of technology and governance.
Duration
2 Years
Flexible Schedule
Format ⓘ
In-person
On-Campus
Credits
38
Total credit hours
Transfer Credit
Up to 9
From accredited institutions
Average Class Size
18
Students per class
Your Journey Starts Here
Making sense of massive datasets demands the vision to translate raw data into decisions that impact citizens’ lives. Located in Washington, D.C., one of the world’s most influential policy hubs, BAU’s Master of Science in Data Science and Public Policy prepares you for impactful careers at the intersection of technology and governance. This rigorous academic track elevates your analytical problem-solving, equipping you to secure high-demand roles across government agencies, NGOs, lobbying firms, and management consultancies.
01
FROM ANALYST TO CIVIC DATA ARCHITECT
02
APPLIED ANALYTICS AND RESEARCH
Leveraging our proximity to national tech hubs and federal agencies, you will step beyond static datasets to analyze live, complex information flows. Utilizing the high-performance computing resources of our Cyber Edge Innovation Hub (CEIH) Lab, you will select the most appropriate analytical methods to tackle real-world predictive modeling challenges. You will learn to leverage data science to improve government efficiency, transparency, and accountability, while presenting your insights in compelling written, oral, and visual formats at major industry events.
03
LEADING DATA-DRIVEN GOVERNANCE
Stepping into leadership roles requires the confidence to advocate for efficiencies in government services for the widest possible public benefit. Through intensive capstone projects, you will transform chaotic, unstructured data into crystal-clear insights that drive crucial policymaking decisions. Backed by an elite international network, you will graduate fully prepared to command the modern data landscape as a Public Sector Data Strategist, Government Data Scientist, Policy Analyst, or Intelligence Analyst.
Your Dream Career Awaits
At BAU, internship programs play a crucial role in linking data theory with real-world governance and public policy. These experiences allow students to work with peers to develop critical analytical skills, enhance technical communication, and solve complex predictive modeling challenges that impact citizens’ lives. With the combined resources of the Cyber Edge Innovation Hub and the Global Policy Institute, students have the unique opportunity to utilize powerful computing resources, collaborate with policy and data experts through mentorship, and leverage experiential learning to lead impactful, data-driven civic initiatives.
$112,590
2024 Median Pay*, Data Scientists
$83,720
2024 Median Pay*, Urban and Regional Planners
Other Career Opportunities: Policy Analyst • Government Data Scientist • Risk Analyst • Management Consultant • Intelligence Analyst • Sustainability Analyst • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Analyst • Program Evaluator • Humanitarian Data Analyst • Public Sector Data Strategist • Urban Planning Data Analyst
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Program Curriculum
Comprehensive curriculum designed to drive data-informed governance and policy decisions
38+
Credit Hours
40+
Courses
Tuition & Financial Aid
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Financial Aid Options
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Tuition Assistance
Up to $30,000
DMV Tuition Assistance
Up to 60%
Payment Plans
0% interest
Application Deadlines
Rolling admissions with multiple intake periods throughout the year. Domestic and transfer applications may continue to be reviewed after these deadlines on a rolling basis, subject to program availability. New students must complete registration by the census date for the applicable term; otherwise, they will not be eligible to register.
Open
Fall 2026
Start Date
August 24, 2026
Deadline to Apply
July 1, 2026
Coming Soon
Spring 2027
Start Date
January 19, 2027
Deadline to Apply
December 1, 2026
Future
Summer 2027
Start Date
June 1, 2027
Deadline to Apply
April 1, 2027
Meet Your Program Chair
In this highly connected world, civic and data leaders must think innovatively and act responsibly. Our faculty incorporates critical topics such as predictive modeling, ethical data governance, and evidence-based policy design, preparing students to make strategic decisions aiming not only toward optimal data utilization but also to make a positive, lasting impact on public policy and society.
Sean Michael Cox, Ph.D.
Chair of the Political Science and International Relations
EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Political Science/International Relations, University of Delaware (1999)
RESEARCH FOCUS
Comparative Politics, with specializations in post-Soviet, Eastern European, Balkan, Turkish, and US politics
HIGHLIGHTS
-
- Senior Advisor at the Global Policy Institute in Washington, D.C.
- Primary Investigator for major projects funded by USAID, the US Departments of Education and State, the European Commission, and NATO.
Pipop Nuangpookka, Ph.D.
Chair of the Information Sciences and Engineering
EDUCATION
Doctor of Science in Cybersecurity
RESEARCH FOCUS
Non-Destructive Method of Detecting Hardware Attack, PII Security Controls, Web Server Protection, and Bilingual Translator Programming
HIGHLIGHTS
-
- Co-authored scholarly papers published in the Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges/ACM digital library
- Key publications include “Hardware-Tampering Security Risks in the Supply Chain” and “Fileless Malware and Programmatic Method of Detection”
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