Government analytics involves the use of cutting-edge tools of data science and analysis to address political, policy, and governance problems at federal, state, local, and organizational levels. This minor introduces students to the tools and context that are now commonly employed by government entities and agencies, as well as by the non-profit and private sectors. In particular, students will work with canonical programming languages (R and Python) and apply these tools to substantive issues in political science, public administration, and international relations. The minor integrates a technical curriculum with real-world applicability and gives students the flexibility and independence to develop unique expertise and hone research skills. The curriculum also introduces students to issues of copyright and privacy that are integral to ethical government analytics.
Admissions
This minor is available to all Mason undergraduate students.
Policies
Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor and students must complete all coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.00. For policies governing all minors, see AP.5.3.4 Minors.
Minor Requirements
Total credits: 19-20
Of the total of 19 credits, 9 credits must be unique to minor
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CDS 101 | Introduction to Computational and Data Sciences (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CDS 102 | Introduction to Computational and Data Sciences Lab (Mason Core) | 1 |
| CDS 230 | Modeling and Simulation I | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Scientific Information and Data Visualization | ||
| Scientific Data and Databases (Mason Core) | ||
| Scientific Data Mining | ||
| Introduction to Exploratory Data Analysis | ||
| Select two of the following: 1 | 6-7 | |
| Research Methods and Analysis (Mason Core) | ||
| Legislative Behavior | ||
| The American Presidency | ||
| Public Opinion and Electoral Behavior | ||
| Political Parties and Campaigns | ||
| Political Psychology | ||
| Interest Groups, Lobbying, and the Political Process | ||
| International Political Economy | ||
| Administration in the Political System | ||
| Nonprofit Sector in Society | ||
| Public Personnel Administration | ||
| Public Budgeting and Finance | ||
| Urban Planning | ||
| Nonprofit Financial Planning | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Policy | ||
| Intermediate Environmental Policy | ||
| Public Policy Making | ||
GOVT 365 | ||
| Public Policy Analysis | ||
| Money, Markets and Economic Policy (Mason Core) | ||
| Tools for Economic Policy Analysis | ||
| Issues in Political Analysis | ||
| Seminar Requirement | ||
| GOVT 490 | Synthesis Seminar (Mason Core) 2 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 19-20 | |
- 1
An alternative 300-level GOVT course, especially including GOVT 319, or any 400-level GOVT course, may be substituted for any other GOVT course with the permission of the minor director, depending on the topic.
- 2
This Government Analytics capstone seminar will be offered annually and covers:
i) Open Government Data, in theory and practice
ii) Supervision of individual capstone projects
Enrollment in the capstone section is limited to Government Analytics minors and requires permission of the instructor.