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Yes, the EMSDSP is STEM-designated.

The EMSDSP is a 16-month degree program with a January start each year.

The EMSDSP is designed for professionals who want to strengthen their analytical fluency and leadership impact without pursuing a computing or engineering degree.

Ideal candidates include:

• Professionals with 5–10+ years of experience
• Program and evaluation managers
• Budget and economic analysts
• Consultants and public-facing technology professionals
• Policy, research, and social impact leaders
• Career switchers into mission-driven fields
• Quantitatively curious professionals

No. The EMSDSP is designed for professionals from a wide range of industries and backgrounds.

Applicants do not need previous experience in data science, public policy, or government. We welcome professionals from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors who want to strengthen their analytical fluency and leadership impact. The curriculum builds technical skills—including statistics, programming, AI, and data analysis—while helping students apply those tools to real organizational and policy challenges.

No. You do not need prior experience with Python, programming, or machine learning.

We are looking for professionals who are quantitatively curious and eager to build these skills. Throughout the program, students learn programming, statistics, data science methods, and AI applications while applying them to real-world organizational and policy challenges with consideration for the human dimension.

Applicants should be comfortable working with information and solving analytical problems, but they do not need an advanced mathematics or statistics background. The program is designed to develop these skills throughout the curriculum.

The EMSDSP is designed for professionals who want to use data to lead organizations and address challenges where human behavior and impacts on society are prominent.

Students develop a strong foundation in statistics, machine learning, AI, programming, and data analysis while also building expertise in leadership, organizational strategy, policy analysis, ethics, and communication. The program prepares graduates to translate technical analysis into executive-level decisions and lead technology-driven change across organizations.

The EMSDSP helps experienced professionals become stronger data-informed leaders.

Graduates develop the skills to strengthen forecasting, improve organizational decision-making, lead AI and technology initiatives, communicate insights through data storytelling, and evaluate emerging technologies. The program is designed to help professionals increase their impact within their current organizations while preparing them for broader leadership opportunities.

The EMSDSP combines flexible online learning with immersive in-person experiences. Throughout the 16-month program, students complete synchronous and asynchronous online coursework and participate in three one-week residential intensives on Cornell’s campuses in Ithaca, New York, and Washington, D.C.

This format allows students to continue working while building strong relationships with their cohort and applying what they learn in real time.

Yes. The EMSDSP has a flexible hybrid format designed for working professionals, allowing students to deepen their analytical expertise while continuing to meet their professional responsibilities.

Students should expect to spend an average of 18–20 hours per week on the EMSDSP.

Throughout the program, students participate in three one-week residential intensives on Cornell’s campuses in Ithaca, New York, and Washington, D.C.

These immersive experiences bring the cohort together to collaborate with Cornell faculty, classmates, and experienced practitioners while participating in hands-on coursework, executive learning, and professional networking.

The residential intensives strengthen the relationships and practical skills that carry throughout the program.

Residential intensives will also include additional opportunities to network in person with students from the Brooks School’s other executive programs

• Details for your residential intensive, including the full schedule, will be shared in advance of your visit.
• Please note that the EMSDSP program does not arrange or cover accommodations. However, the Cornell Brooks School typically secures hotel room blocks and will share those options prior to the intensive.
• Breakfast and lunch are generally provided each day. Dinner is typically included only during the opening and closing receptions.
• International students should contact Cornell’s Office of Global Learning regarding visa requirements. The program does not provide visa sponsorship, immigration guidance, or supporting visa documentation. Students are responsible for determining the appropriate immigration status for participation.
• If extenuating circumstances prevent you from attending the residential week in person, a synchronous remote participation option is available.

These residencies include intensive courses such as:

Residency 1

• Microeconomics for Executives
• Ethics of Data Science and AI
• Data Science and AI Modeling for Executives

Residency 2

• Communications for Data Science
• Ethics of Data Science and AI

Residency 3

• Communications for Data Science
• Data Science and AI Colloquium
• Capstone

The EMSDSP features a comprehensive, interdisciplinary curriculum that combines data science, artificial intelligence, leadership, and public policy. Over the course of the 16-month program, students complete 13 online core courses, participate in three one-week residential intensives in Ithaca and Washington, D.C., and develop an applied capstone project that spans the duration of the program.

Core coursework includes topics such as:

• Data Programming and Management
• Statistics and Data Analytics
• Data Science and AI Modeling
• Data Visualization and Communication
• Ethics of Data Science and AI
• Leading Data-Driven Organizations
• Microeconomics for Executives
• Negotiations
• Political Analysis and Policy Processes
• Unstructured Data Science Modeling
• Data Science and AI Colloquium

The curriculum is continuously updated to reflect advances in data science and AI, helping students build the technical, analytical, and leadership skills needed to translate data into executive-level decisions.

View the full EMSDSP curriculum here.

Courses are taught by Cornell faculty alongside experienced practitioners and alumni who bring real-world expertise in data science, public policy, and organizational leadership.

The Capstone is the culminating experience of the EMSDSP degree. Over the course of the program, students develop an applied project that addresses a real challenge facing their organization or a partner institution.

Working closely with Cornell faculty and Executives-in-Residence, students use data science methods to analyze complex problems, generate insights, and present actionable recommendations.

Yes. EMSDSP graduates join Cornell’s global community of more than 250,000 alumni.

Yes. EMSDSP students attend Cornell’s traditional Commencement Weekend festivities, which take place each May on Cornell’s Ithaca campus.

The Executive Master of Science in Data Science for Public Policy tuition for new students starting in Spring 2027 is $96,828.

At this time, no general scholarships, fellowships, or grants are available for students enrolled in this program.

Students may, however, be eligible to apply for federal and/or private educational loans. For information about financial aid options, including loan eligibility, and Cornell’s recommended private lender lists please visit the Cornell Office of Financial Aid.

The EMSDSP is currently under review for GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program benefits. If you are a military or military-connected applicant, please contact us for the latest updates.

No. The GRE, GMAT, and LSAT are not required and are not considered during the admissions process.

Official transcripts are required after admission. During the application review process, applicants may submit unofficial transcripts.

Two letters of recommendation are required for the EMSDSP application.

One recommendation must come from your current manager. If you are an entrepreneur or CEO, you may submit a recommendation from a member of your Board of Directors or a former supervisor who can speak to your qualifications and motivation for graduate study.

Please feel free to contact our EMSDSP Admissions Counselor:

Amanda Smith
aeb332@cornell.edu
(607) 330-3258
Schedule a Call: calendly.com/amandaesmith