CMU Heinz -- the new Policy Analytics track??!

[MollyB]

Hi all, did you all get the email about Heinz's new Policy Analytics track: http://www.heinz.cmu.edu/school-of-public-policy-management/public-policy-management-msppm/policy-analytics-track/index.aspx

 

I thought I'd had made up my mind against CMU, and now they've gone and created a perfect seeming program that seems like exactly what I want to do post-MPP. Is anyone swayed for / against Heinz after reading today's email (or at least, I got the email about it today)?

 

This is what their website says:

 

You will be educated in structuring data-based approaches to complex public issues; assembling and processing large data sets to make then ready for use in analysis; estimating models that explain behavior of complex social systems to provide the levers for policy making; detecting, predicting, and forecasting important behavioral patterns in massive data sets to aid policy design and resource allocation; and visualizing and communicating the results of analysis to decision makers, stake holders, and the public.

 

Heinz College, with its schools of Public Policy & Management and Information Systems & Management, is uniquely positioned to offer professional graduate education in policy analytics. Few, if any, public policy or administration programs can provide the breadth and depth of coursework in analytics that Heinz College offers. You will learn about data mining methods, machine learning methods, operations research/management science decision models, data warehousing, geographic information systems, probability and statistics, econometric methods, computer programming and statistical computer package programming, database management systems, data visualization, program evaluation, cost benefit analysis, and more. 

 

From CMU's perspective, this seems like a great way to differentiate themselves from other MPPs by offering courses in their area of expertise, CS. I just have no idea if, since this is a brand-new program, any employers will know of its value once I graduate. Thoughts?

[econpp]

I am in exactly the same position as you are - the goal is to do urban economic/data policy post-grad school

 

I'm having a tough time deciding what to do. I was waitlisted at Princeton and am waiting on Harvard to tell me if they're giving me funding. If they do, I'll go, but if neither of those options pan out, this sounds pretty tempting.

 

I'm planning on talking to the professors listed in the email. My thought is that Carnegie Mellon has a pretty good reputation for Computer Science, and that there would probably be a pretty strong incentive for them to make sure that there were employment opportunities after. Likewise, the research centers look pretty good. 

 

On the other hand, a new program is a pretty big risk - even if the job options are better just coming out of the program, I'm not sure if they would be comparable in the long run to Harvard's alumni network. Thoughts?

[MTJ]

I haven't gotten the email, but took a look at the link. Since it's being advertised as a separate "track" (as opposed to a concentration within the normal MSPPM curriculum), do you know whether it's possible for someone who's already been accepted to one of the "normal" tracks (MSPPM-2 years or MSPPM-DC) to switch to it? If it is, then that might be a factor in my decision, but otherwise probably not. 

[econpp]

I was offered admission to the new track in the email they sent. Not sure if you can switch if you weren't sent the email.

 

Did anyone else get it? I'm curious about how big the program is.

[MollyB]

I haven't gotten the email, but took a look at the link. Since it's being advertised as a separate "track" (as opposed to a concentration within the normal MSPPM curriculum), do you know whether it's possible for someone who's already been accepted to one of the "normal" tracks (MSPPM-2 years or MSPPM-DC) to switch to it? If it is, then that might be a factor in my decision, but otherwise probably not. 

 

The email (copied below) said certain students accepted to the fall 2013 MSPPM were selected for the new program's inaugural year, but I assumed they'd sent it to everyone and just phrased it this way as a behavioral trick to make people feel special-er than they are. Maybe they're sending them out individually and you'll get an email soon? Either way, the classes look no different than the MSPPM ones, so it doesn't look like they're trying to keep people out and I'd assume anyone could enroll into it -- of course email them to ask for sure, I'm merely speculating. I'd assume the only problem would be having the requisite background / interest, but I was also an econ major w/ a high quant GRE, as you seem to be, and I can't think of anything else that might distinguish my background from yours (other than some work experience). 

 

 

The email: 

 

I am writing to tell you about a very exciting innovation in the MSPPM program.  Heinz College has recently announced the creation of a Policy Analytics track (MSPPM-POLA), beginning in August 2013.  The faculty members at Heinz College responsible for the stewardship of the MSPPM-POLA have reviewed your application specifically for this opportunity.  Based on their review, we would like to offer you admission to this select track within the MSPPM program. 

 

 

Throughout its history, Heinz College has distinguished itself with its emphasis on analysis. In recent years, “analytics”, “data analytics”, “business intelligence” and “big data” started to gain prominence in industry, government and academia.  In response to this increased demand for specialized skills sets by employers, our faculty developed new course offerings to build upon our already existing courses in this field.

 

The MSPPM-POLA will provide a strategic opportunity for students with a distinct background to make an even greater impact on addressing society’s problems.  The combination of analytics and social science for the public good is a comparative advantage, perhaps uniquely ours at Heinz College.

 

To learn more about the MSPPM-POLA, please visit our website (http://www.heinz.cmu.edu/school-of-public-policy-management/public-policy-management-msppm/policy-analytics-track/index.aspx).  For additional information, we also encourage you to contact either of the MSPPM-POLA faculty members who are listed below:

 

Jon Caulkins: caulkins@andrew.cmu.edu

Wil Gorr: wg0g@andrew.cmu.edu

 

If you decide to pursue this opportunity, your scholarship award, length of program and the total number of courses required to graduate will remain the same as the general MSPPM 2-year program.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions related those topics. 

[MollyB]

On the other hand, a new program is a pretty big risk - even if the job options are better just coming out of the program, I'm not sure if they would be comparable in the long run to Harvard's alumni network. Thoughts?

 

I hope the WWS waitlist comes through for you, if that's where you want to be! Personally I wasn't at all interested in WWS or HKS and applied to neither; Chicago Harris was my top choice for its more academic focus and it's the one I'm weighing against CMU. So I have no opinion on comparing CMU to HKS or WWS.

 

For what it's worth, the several HKS alums I know all work in places dominated by Chicago Harris and Michigan Ford grads -- does this mean the HKS brand / alumni network didn't add value to their careers? Does it mean these particular people were lazy or under-achieved by taking these jobs? Who knows! I don't mean to disparage WWS or HKS, I just seem to put less faith in "alumni networks" than others on this board (and maybe I'm the one in the wrong to do this). 

 

Out of curiosity, if you don't get off the WWS waitlist and HKS doesn't offer you adequate funding, what's your next choice if not CMU?

[econpp]

I talked to one of the directors...about half a dozen second year students will switch to this track, and another 20 first years were offered admission. 

 

I'd say it sounds most similar to Chicago's program - quant to the exception of everything else, just a different type of quant than pure economics. 

 

It seems private sector oriented. You would basically be trained to act as the go-between hard-core data people and the clients. The value that you add is in econometrics/statistics- that's where the analysis comes in. I'd say a typical job coming out would be a "Project Manager" type role.

 

A plus is that employment opportunities should be very good - they seem to be working with business people who will hire as many graduates as they can. 

 

I really like the concept, but I'm a little more policy focused (why I like HKS and WWS). It would be great to combine the two, but I think Harvard probably tops CMU. HKS just gives me more options given that I already have a pretty strong quant background. I can either go work with the quant people from Michigan and Chicago, or I can do more policy stuff (not saying either is better - very different career paths/goals).

[zpal91]

Can someone explain the idea of data mining in respect to public policy? Also, I understand the idea of gathering data, but what's the analysis part,

[albuhhh]

Can someone comment on this program a year on? I had debated applying to the new computational analysis program at Harris and the urban science program at NYU's new CUSP school, but didn't apply to the first because the program like it would be too small and competitive, and the other because it didn't exist yet.

 

I actually don't have a STEM background at all, but I live in San Francisco, where I'm interested in somehow combining urban policy with technology. I'm a little concerned about the focus of "quant above all else". I'm also considering NYU Wagner and USC Price, both of which would offer better hands-on work and research opportunities, and the standard Harris MPP.

[Etownenviro]

I actually work the local government space and I can say city data programs are extremely interesting to them. There is a performance management and analysis push going on in local governments around the country where they want the quant stats and understanding to help back up their policy decisions. CUSP at NYU is actually in contact with people in the local government space and really pushing out their brand so I would think they have pretty decent employment for their grads.

Edited March 22, 2014 by Etownenviro

[scholl43]

I'm a current first years student and I thought I'd just note a few things based on what I've read.  Just to be clear, this is a new track and not a new program.  There's always a bit of switching going on within Heinz during the first year so if you didn't get into the DC track or POLA, that doesn't mean you can't when you get to Pittsburgh.  I know at least three people have dropped out of DC and those spots have been filled.

 

My impression is that employers are well aware of the value of this track, but with any program, you're still going to have to highlight your experience and education and how it's relevant to whatever position you're applying to.  That said, Deloitte heavily recruits from Heinz for different programs in different areas of their practice.  If you're unfamiliar with Deloitte, you can do state/local, federal, and international govt. work there in addition to the more popularly known private sector work they do.

Reach out to Jon Caulkins and discuss the program with him.  This program (and track) is very different from Harvard's MPP, but I really enjoy it because the skills are very transferable whereas a straight policy school isn't going to give you as much breadth.

[albuhhh]

I should probably note that I'm not looking for advice on where to apply, I realized my previous post was vague. NYU, USC, Chicago, and CMU are programs I've been admitted to. CMU seems to be the wildcard, as the policy analytics track seems to be the most unique program of the 4. 

 

Scholl43, thank you for the insight. I am interested to hear that Deloitte does look at this type of program favorably, as I am thinking that consulting may be a good first stop right after school to start a career. In terms of the coursework, would you say that it would be very challenging for someone who has not had exposure to quant in a while? Also, is the course material for quantitative classes applied, or is it mainly formulas and problem set style classes? Finally, is there an opportunity to take more specialized interest type classes that might deal with specific policy areas? The sample schedules online do not seem to indicate that.

[scholl43]

Scholl43, thank you for the insight. I am interested to hear that Deloitte does look at this type of program favorably, as I am thinking that consulting may be a good first stop right after school to start a career. In terms of the coursework, would you say that it would be very challenging for someone who has not had exposure to quant in a while? Also, is the course material for quantitative classes applied, or is it mainly formulas and problem set style classes? Finally, is there an opportunity to take more specialized interest type classes that might deal with specific policy areas? The sample schedules online do not seem to indicate that.

I am someone who had been away from quant work for a while and I did well in Stats.  Stats shows up again in the second semester in Management Science and (for me) SAS.  In Stats we used Mini tabs using problems in the book and problems developed by Dan Nagin (he's kind of a big deal these days).  Overall, the coursework is challenging both in its content and volume.  If you're admitted, nothing should really be beyond your reach, but classes like Management Science, Data Analytics, and Econometrics will be more challenging.  Some people balance this out with Acting for Management (seriously), Multimedia, etc. where you're learning great skills, but it's a different type of work.

As to your last question, I think it depends on your specialized interest.  If you're in the DC track, that's not really possible because of core requirements.  I think as a two-year, there's more flexibility and professors do bring students on for independent studies and as research assistants.  I actually just heard an alum talk about how she got to work with Jon Caulkins on drug trafficking in Colombia.