Johns Hopkins University Advanced Academic Programs

The Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts & Sciences at Johns Hopkins University offers an online Master of Science (MS) in Data Analytics and Policy degree through its Advanced Academics Program (AAP). This is a data analytics master’s degree, with a focus on applying statistical and other quantitative assessment techniques to strategic decision-making in government, public policy, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. Students can choose to pursue a concentration in one of four specialized areas: Statistical Analysis; Geospatial Analysis; Political Behavior and Policy Analysis; and Public Management. Twelve courses, including a capstone project, are required for graduation, and students can complete the degree in 16 to 24 months. There are no required campus visits for this program.

Online learning at Johns Hopkins is facilitated by a course management system that supports asynchronous instruction. Recorded lectures and other course materials are available to students 24/7. In addition to graded assignments and exams, instructors incorporate discussion boards, group assignments, and other interactive activities into each class. Some classes may also include an occasional live online event, but all other aspects of the program are designed for on-demand access.

Each of the program’s four concentrations are comprised of elective courses from which students must select and complete seven in order to graduate. For example, the Statistical Analysis concentration includes electives in Healthcare Analytics and Policy, Applied Performance Analytics, and Cloud Computing in the Public Sector. The Geospatial Analysis concentration features courses in Spatial Analytics, Programming in GIS, and Web GIS. The Public Management concentration includes courses in Global Political Economy and Economics for Public Decision-Making. The Political Behavior and Policy Analysis concentration features courses in Political Institutions and Policy Process, Public Policy Evaluation, and Civic Technology and Smart Cities.

Finally, a number of the program’s electives can be counted toward two or more of the designated concentrations and students can choose to tailor their degree by taking a selection of electives from several of the program’s concentrations, as well as from approved AAP courses in Government, Global Security Studies, Applied Economics, Communication, and Energy Policy and Climate.

Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).