Harris MSCAPP vs. Heinz MSPPM-DA vs. McCourt MS-DSPP vs. SP2 MSSP+DA

[waiting123456789]

Hi there! I am hoping for your help deciding between my graduate options for a data focused public policy programs. I have been admitted to the University of Chicago’s (Harris) MSCAPP, Carnegie Mellon’s (Heinz) MSPPM-DA track, Georgetown’s  (McCourt) MS-DSPP, and University of Pennsylvania’s (SP2) MSSP+DA.

 

Now, I am trying to decide between my choices, and I would be grateful for your advice! Fortunate to these programs, finances are not a factor in my decision.

 

I have an extensive quant background in Computer Science and also studied Political Science; however, I have yet to learn how to effectively integrate the two. I do not have a Data Science background. These two deficiencies are what I would like to gain from the program I attend. Postgrad, I hope to work in the socio-political realm in the US.

 

What are your opinions/experiences of these programs in terms of prestige, program structure/quality, quantitative rigor, and career outcomes? Are Georgetown’s and UPenn’s programs qualified enough considering their young age? Likewise, are Georgetown’s and UPenn’s programs quantitatively sufficient seeing that they do not partner with CS/Informatics department and their schools are not necessarily known for their data background?

 

Any opinions on the programs, sharing of your own personal experiences, or deciding factors for yourself would be greatly appreciated!

 

Thank you(:

Edited March 29, 2022 by waiting123456789

[GradSchoolGrad]

11 minutes ago, waiting123456789 said:

Hi there! I am hoping for your help deciding between my graduate options for a data focused public policy programs. I have been admitted to the University of Chicago’s (Harris) MSCAPP, Carnegie Mellon’s (Heinz) MSPPM-DA track, Georgetown’s  (McCourt) MS-DSPP, and University of Pennsylvania’s (SP2) MSSP+DA.

 

Now, I am trying to decide between my choices, and I would be grateful for your advice! Fortunate to these programs, finances are not a factor in my decision.

 

I have an extensive quant background in Computer Science and also studied Political Science; however, I have yet to learn how to effectively integrate the two. I do not have a Data Science background. These two deficiencies are what I would like to gain from the program I attend. Postgrad, I hope to work in the socio-political realm .

 

What are your opinions/experiences of these programs in terms of prestige, program structure/quality, quantitative rigor, and career outcomes? Are Georgetown’s and UPenn’s programs qualified enough considering their young age? Likewise, are Georgetown’s and UPenn’s programs quantitatively sufficient seeing that they do not partner with CS/Informatics department and their schools are not necessarily known for their data background?

 

Any opinions on the programs, sharing of your own personal experiences, or deciding factors for yourself would be greatly appreciated!

 

Thank you(:

Bottom line, if you care about getting deep within Data Science, U. Chicago MSCAPP is the way to go. Georgetown's MS-DSPP might be the 2nd best program here in terms of actual depth of data access/knowledge opportunity, but a huge problem with the program is that they haven't figured out how to transition that degree into structured job pipelines + you do hit a ceiling since as you noted it isn't linked to a CS dept. Penn's policy program is essentially a low student experience cash grab. They simply haven't figured out how to making a policy program with a top experience and top career outcomes. A lot more people than me can speak to Heinz MSPPM-DA Track. So I'll let them jump on that.