Mastering data analysis in UIC’s online MPA program empowers students

The University of Illinois Chicago’s online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program equips graduates with the data-driven skills and knowledge that is necessary to navigate the modern complexities of the public sector.

Within this program, Program Director and Professor Allyson Holbrook spearheads the PA 402: Principles of Data Analysis course. When developing the course, Dr. Holbrook made it a point to leverage real-world examples and cutting-edge statistical methodologies to ensure students are prepared to engage with data and information. Students enrolled in this course will feel empowered to extract actionable insights from data analysis to facilitate evidence-based decision-making.

Learn more about the PA 402 course from Dr. Holbrook and how she guides MPA students through data analysis, practical applications, and navigating success in today’s data-driven environment.

Can you provide a brief overview of your PA 402: Principles of Data Analysis course?

In this required course, students will learn about data, where it comes from and how it’s typically collected in our discipline. They will learn how to manipulate and analyze data, plus how to test hypotheses about differences and relationships. The course showcases the production of descriptive statistics and the testing of hypotheses regarding differences and relationships within datasets. Students will also on documenting and communicating their data analysis methods, results, and implications.

This course leverages R, a powerful open-source programming platform, to do statistical analysis. Most of the statistical techniques that students use are learned in four steps:

1. Theoretical and conceptual description
2. Applied example
3. Applied exercise (where students practice #2)
4. Evaluation

How did you approach the development of the online MPA 402 course? How do you stay updated on the latest developments and best practices in data analysis?

My focus was on making the material clear, simple, and direct. To ensure that the course content remains current and effective, I actively engage with various professional organizations and groups that specialize in teaching methodologies and data analysis. Additionally, I prioritize incorporating student feedback regarding the examples and datasets utilized in the course, striving to enhance the learning experience based on their input.

How do you incorporate real-world examples into the PA 402 course to illustrate the practical application of data analysis in public administration?

I use examples and real data from public administration research, such as Coe and Wiesel’s 2001 research that uses focus groups to study police chiefs’ budgetary decision-making. Throughout the course, students work on a final project that they can tailor to align with their individual interests. They identify and use data that is relevant to their topic. They plan and execute analyses using approaches covered in class such as descriptive statistics, group comparisons, tests of association, and multivariate regression analysis. They are then expected to effectively communicate their results in words and visual presentation of data.

What are the potential job opportunities for MPA graduates with expertise in data analysis?

The potential career prospects for MPA graduates with expertise in data analysis are promising. While not every public administration professional will directly perform statistical analyses in their roles, virtually all of them will engage with data or reports derived from data analyses at some point in their careers. Having a solid grasp of data analysis is crucial for MPA graduates as it opens numerous opportunities and enhances their chances of success in their professions. There are many opportunities for MPAs with analysis expertise in the Federal Statistical System, but also at the state and municipal level.

Why would you recommend this course?

Data and information are so powerful and the skills from this course are so important. Data analytics drives informed decision-making and strategic policy formulation. I find that a lot of students are anxious about this course. However, despite these common anxieties, this course is designed to make success achievable and support students who are willing to put in the effort.