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    * Microprogram Data Analysis for Public Policy: Leveraging Data to Solve Challenges

  Microprogram Data Analysis for Public Policy: Leveraging Data to Solve Challenges

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      Major policy initiatives are increasingly built on a foundation of data analysis. For instance, careful analysis of data underlies our response to the COVID pandemic, informs our response to climate change, and helps to shape many of our social programs. The proposed micro-program would provide students with an introduction to the analytical tools required to draw insights from data in order to help inform public policy.

      In addition students would learn how to portray and describe research findings for audiences that are not necessarily quantitatively adept but are in decision-making roles. The basic program consists of three courses that allow students to learn techniques and software used for data analysis and to apply their new skills to a real-world policy problem. Students can request an exemption of the course API 5136/API 5536.

      The registration process for a Microprogram depends on your student status.

      Students already admitted and enrolled in a graduate program

      Students wishing to pursue a graduate program must apply for, and be admitted to, their graduate program before they enroll in a second Graduate Microprogram identified within their existing program.

      If you have already enrolled in a graduate studies program and would like to add the Microprogram in Data analysis for public policy: Leveraging data to solve challenges to your program of study, contact the graduate studies office of the Faculty of Social Science at scsgrad@uottawa.ca.

      Non-degree students

      Students pursuing a Graduate Microprogram, without being admitted to or intending to complete a graduate program, must obtain the prior approval of the academic unit offering the Graduate Microprogram.

      Students must meet the following eligibility:

      Applicants must have completed an honours undergraduate degree (or its equivalent) in the social sciences, in arts, in management, or in law, with at least a 75% (B+) average (calculated in accordance with graduate studies guidelines). Applicants with degrees in other disciplines may also be considered, depending on the relevance of their previous degree and experience to the microprogram “Data analysis for public policy: Leveraging data to solve challenges”.

      Applicants should note that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee their admission. In making decisions, the admission committee of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs takes into account all application material as well as the number of places available.

      Language Requirements:

      Candidates who have not graduated from a French-speaking or an English-speaking university must pass the computerized Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or equivalent, before admission.

      All applicants must be able to understand speak and write proficiently either English or French and have a passive knowledge (ability to understand the spoken and written word) of the other language. Applicants whose first language is neither English nor French must provide proof of proficiency in one or the other. The list of acceptable proofs is indicated in the “Admission” section of the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.

      If you would like to enroll into the Microprogram in Data analysis for public policy: Leveraging data to solve challenges without being admitted in a graduate studies program, send an email to the graduate studies office of the Faculty of Social Science at scsgrad@uottawa.ca and include the following documents:

        * 2 recommendation letters
        * You must submit copies of all transcripts from universities you have attended with your request. Transcripts must cover all courses and programs at any university you have attended, including regular programs (whether completed or not), exchanges, letters of permission, online or correspondence courses, courses taken as a special student or visiting students, etc. If your transcript and degree certificate are not in English or French, you must submit a certified translation (signed and stamped and sealed).
        * Letter of Intent describing interest in the program and describing level of knowledge of second official language
        * Resume required
        * Proof of proficiency in your program's language of instruction, in the case of applicants whose first language is neither English nor French
          Language proficiency test scores equivalencies: :
            + TOEFL 580 / IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Paper-based)
            + TOEFL 92-93/IELTS 6.5 overall – Individual 6.0 (Internet-based)

      Courses successfully completed as part of this microprogram could count towards the program requirements of the 2-year MA program of Public and International Affairs (if admitted). Students can enroll in at maximum 2 courses per term and have at maximum 3 years to complete the microprogram.

      Requirements for this program have been modified. Please consult the 2025-2026 calendars for the previous requirements.

      Course List
        Code                Title                               Units  
        Compulsory Courses                                    
        API 5136            Research Methods for Public Policy  3 Units
        API 6321            Quantitative Research Methods       3 Units
        API 6322            Doing Data-based Projects           3 Units
        
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