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    University of Southern California

    Master of Science in Public Policy Data Science

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Los Angeles, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $84,768.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    36
    Credits
    $105.00
    App fee

    Master of Science in Public Policy Data Science at University of Southern California is a 36-credit, 2-year, in-person MS program based in Los Angeles, US. Tuition is $84,768 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The program combines public policy core courses in economics, policy analysis, and multivariate statistics with data science courses in programming, computational thinking, and data science at scale, plus electives from both areas. It focuses on applying data science tools like machine learning, data mining, and visualization to inform policymaking.

    Focus: coursework
    Top 5 in Public Affairs (US News & World Report)

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    Admissions

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    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

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    Deadlines

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    Exact application deadlines for each term (Fall, Spring, Summer, Rolling), with priority and final dates where the program distinguishes them.

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    Standardized tests

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    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT if eligible

    $25,452.00
    Annual living cost

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    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Master of Science in Public Policy Data Science at University of Southern California cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Science in Public Policy Data Science at University of Southern California is $84,768 across 36 required credits.
    Is Master of Science in Public Policy Data Science at University of Southern California online or in-person?
    Master of Science in Public Policy Data Science at University of Southern California is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Science in Public Policy Data Science at University of Southern California take to complete?
    Master of Science in Public Policy Data Science at University of Southern California is structured around 2 years and 36 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Science in Public Policy Data Science at University of Southern California?
    Per the program's published guidance: at least a 3.0 GPA
    Is Master of Science in Public Policy Data Science at University of Southern California STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master of Science in Public Policy Data Science at University of Southern California is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.