09/10/2026

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Public Policy and Data Analytics Track | B.S. in Public Policy

Public Policy and Data Analytics Track | B.S. in Public Policy
Public Policy and Data Analytics Track | B.S. in Public Policy | USC Skip to content

Required Track Courses (28 units: 16 required; 12 electives)

  • PPD 313 – Finance of the Public Sector – 4-units (fall) (pre-requisite, PPD 203)
  • PPD 404 – Empirical Methods for Public Policy – 4-units (every other fall) (pre-requisite, PPD 303)
  • PPD 430 – Urban Informatics – 4-units (fall)
  • PPD 427L – Geographic Information Systems and Planning Applications or DSCI 250 Introduction to Data Science – 4-units (spring)

Track Electives (select 12 units)

  • PPD 314 – Public Policy and Law – 4-units (fall, spring)
  • PPD 318 – Financial Accounting in Public and Nonprofit Organizations – 4-units (irregular)
  • PPD 342 – Crime and Public Policy – 4-units (fall, spring)
  • PPD 357 – Government and Business – 4-units (fall, spring) (pre-requisite, ECON 203)
  • PPD 358 – Urban and Regional Economics – 4-units (irregular)
  • PPD 361 – Sustainable Communities, Policy and Planning – 4-units (fall, spring)
  • PPD 382 – International Development – 4-units (every other spring)
  • PPD 407 – Financial Management of Public and Nonprofit Organizations – 4-units (spring)
  • PPD 415 – Health Policy – 4-units (spring) (pre-requisite, PPD 325)
  • PPD 439 – Housing and Community Development – 4-units (fall)
  • ECON 303 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
  • DSCI 352 Applied Machine Learning and Data Mining
  • DSCI 429 Security and Privacy
  • If not used to satisfy the core track requirement, either PPD 427L or DSCI 250 may be substituted as an elective.

Public Policy Data explained: Related guides: career training options and more career paths. For official outlook data, see Bureau of Labor Statistics Outlook.

What is public policy data?

Public Policy Data is a practical path teaching job-ready skills through hands-on programs. It helps learners qualify faster with clear costs and timelines.

Who should choose public policy data?

Career changers, graduates, and adults seeking stable work benefit most. Compare schools, costs, and placement rates before enrolling.

How long does public policy data take?

Most options take months to two years. Check catalogs for duration, tuition, and certificates to pick the best fit.