Our current moment has demonstrated the enormous impact policymaking has on the lived experiences of human beings across the globe. From environmental and health calamities to persistent forms of social inequity, the issues calling out for effective policy solutions have never been more pressing or more far-reaching in their consequences. Yet we are also in a time where trust is waning in the possibilities for objective, equitable, and proficient policymaking.

The MSCAPP program at the University of Chicago trains new leaders who will be prepared to translate expertise in data and evidence into effective policy solutions. Students in MSCAPP learn cutting-edge technical skills and apply those skills toward addressing the pressing problems faced by governments, as well as by nonprofits and the private sector.

Career opportunities in technology and data science are expanding rapidly across industries, including in the public and nonprofit sectors. MSCAPP responds to this demand by training students in fields such as machine learning, data visualization, and application development, and thus prepares students seeking to serve the public good with skills that are highly sought-after by governments and social impact–focused organizations.

Students at MSCAPP are able to flexibly tailor their coursework to serve a wide array of possible career paths. Graduates of the program have moved immediately into a variety of full-time roles, including policy researchers, civic technologists, data scientists, data engineers, and technical project managers.

The MSCAPP experience also provides numerous opportunities for students to start making an impact on urgent policy issues during their time in the program. These opportunities include an experiential learning course that allows students to apply their technical skills on real projects underway in government and nonprofit organizations. MSCAPP students also engage in research with faculty at a wide range of University of Chicago affiliated research centers in fields such as child welfare, energy policy, healthcare, global conflict, and more.

We are thrilled to lead the way on developing the new crop of policy leaders who will utilize the power of technology and data science to further the public good. We hope you will join us soon!

Anne Rogers
MSCAPP Founder & Academic Co-Director for Computer Science
Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science