Georgia Institute of Technology

What you'll study

The programme emphasises rigorous, data-driven approaches to public policy. Core study typically covers microeconomics for policy, econometrics and statistics, program evaluation methods, cost–benefit analysis, and policy design and implementation. Students learn applied quantitative techniques including regression analysis, causal inference, and data visualisation, alongside qualitative approaches and legal, ethical and institutional perspectives on policymaking.

Programme structure normally combines required core modules, a sequence of methods courses, and elective options that allow specialisation in areas such as health policy, environmental and energy policy, urban and transportation policy, technology and innovation policy, and international development. Instruction often includes lab-based practical work, case studies and an applied policy project or capstone in which students work with a public agency, NGO or private client to address a real policy problem.

• Core methods: statistics, econometrics, causal inference, program evaluation
• Policy foundations: microeconomics for policy, policy analysis and ethics, public management
• Applied electives: health economics, environmental policy, urban policy, technology policy, data analytics for policy
• Experiential learning: practicum/capstone project, internships and research seminars

Teaching and assessment

Teaching combines lectures, seminars, hands-on labs and client-based projects. Assessment methods typically include problem sets, data analysis assignments, policy memos, presentations and a final capstone or practicum deliverable demonstrating applied skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree. Successful candidates typically demonstrate quantitative preparation through prior coursework in calculus, statistics, economics or related subjects, and show aptitude for data analysis. The application normally requires academic transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining policy interests and goals, a curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation.

Standardised test requirements and other documents may vary; applicants from professional backgrounds with relevant quantitative experience are considered. Prospective students should consult the School of Public Policy admissions page for current details on required materials and any test policies.

Career prospects

Graduates combine methodological rigour with policy knowledge and are prepared for roles that require evidence-based decision making. Common career paths include policy analyst or researcher in government departments and agencies, programme evaluator, consultant in policy or economic consulting firms, policy roles in technology companies, analyst positions at think tanks and research institutes, and policy or monitoring and evaluation roles in NGOs and international organisations.

The programme’s quantitative focus also equips graduates for data-forward positions such as data analyst, public sector data scientist, or roles in programme design and impact assessment across the public, private and non-profit sectors.

Why study at Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Tech’s School of Public Policy brings together policy scholarship with the Institute’s strong strengths in science, engineering and data analytics, creating a distinctive environment for applied, technology-aware policy training. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration with engineering, computing and business faculties, access to data and technical resources, and proximity to a major metropolitan policy ecosystem in Atlanta.

The school emphasises applied learning through practicum projects and partnerships with government agencies, NGOs and industry, helping students build practical experience and professional networks. Faculty expertise spans quantitative methods, technology policy, urban and environmental issues, and public management, supporting a curriculum designed to produce graduates who can translate data and analysis into actionable policy recommendations.