Master of Public Informatics

NOW ENROLLING!

informatics.rutgers.edu

The big data revolution has arrived in the public sector.

Become a leader in this new field.

A revolution is underway in the fields of city planning, policy, operations, and management; public policy and public administration; and health administration. We now have ubiquitous sensors, telecommunications networks, and advanced data analytics to make evidence-based decision making more feasible. The limiting factor to the successful use of big data is the skill set of traditionally trained analysts and administrators who are not familiar with advanced computational tools and data management techniques. Public informatics is an interdisciplinary field that uses statistical methods, computer algorithms, and systems thinking to extract knowledge or insights from data in various forms, either structured or unstructured. Cross-trained professionals with skills in public applications of information science are needed to address this training gap.

The Bloustein School’s Master of Public Informatics program provides the vehicle for educating professional student cohorts in the competencies needed in public informatics: statistics, programming, data management, data analytics, visualization, spatial analysis, applications and the integration of these skills. Graduates of the program will bring a critical voice and a deep understanding of context to an emerging field.

“Society is awash in data. We need trained, public-minded professionals that can think critically about how to use that data efficiently and ethically.”

Frank A. Felder, Ph.D. Research Professor andDirector, Program in Public Informatics

WHY THE RUTGERS MASTER OF PUBLIC INFORMATICS?

The Master of Public Informatics program is suitable for students with undergraduate degrees in any field. Applicants must demonstrate competency in one or more programming languages and skills in data management (with coursework, work experience, or by examination). Students with appropriate backgrounds may substitute more advanced courses* for topics already mastered.

It is anticipated that full-time students may complete the 36 credit hours required for the degree in three (3) semesters

(18 months).

M A S T E R O F P U B L I C I N F O R M A T I C S

* If a student has had a course similar to Intro to GIS or Graphical Communication for Planners, he/she may be advised/required to take more advanced level course within subject matter:

• Data Visualization for Policy and Administration (3 credits) • Remote Sensing (3 credits) • Web Programming (3 credits) • Graduate Seminars on Advanced Topics (3 credits), such as participatory GIS, open-source informatics, sensors & drones, or public database management • Directed Study in Public Informatics (3 credits)

MODEL SCHEDULE (following a fall entrance, full-time 3-semester plan)

Fall (Semester 1) Spring (Semester 2) Fall (Semester 3)Theory & Practice of Public Informatics (3)

Data Analytics: Using Big Data (3)

Topics in GIS (3)

Applied Multivariate Methods (3)

Planning: Studio I (3) OR

Policy: Research Practicum I (3)

Planning: Studio II (3) OR

Policy: Elective (3)

Graphical Communication for Planners (3)

Planning: Elective (3)OR

Policy: Research Practicum II (3)

Elective (3)

Elective (3)Intro to GIS for Planning and Public Policy (3)

Elective (3)

MPI Required Course of Study (36 credits) n Theory and Practice of Public

Informatics (3) n Applied Multivariate Methods (3) or Discrete Choice Methods (3)n Data Analytics: Using Big Data (3)n Graphical Communication for

Planners (3)n Introduction to GIS for Planning and Public Policy (3) n Topics in GIS (3)n Four courses (12 credits) in either the Planning OR Policy option:

Planning Option:• Studio I (3) • Studio II (3)• Two electives (3, 3)

OR

Policy Option:• Research Practicum I (3)• Research Practicum II (3) • Two electives (3, 3)

n Two additional elective courses (3, 3)

A complete list of courses in the approved application areas may be found at informatics.rutgers.edu

Course offerings, course availability, and any other degree requirements are subject to change. Students should consult with an academic advisor prior to registering for classes.

M A S T E R O F P U B L I C I N F O R M A T I C S

in fo rmat ics . ru tgers .edu

CAREER TRAJECTORY

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the 2014-24 job outlook for data analysts

is expected to grow by 30% (much faster than the average), with almost 28,000 new jobs needing to be filled in

this area. Management analysts will add an additional 103,400 jobs (a 14% increase). A report by the National

Science and Technology Council of the Executive Office of the President stated “…a national Big Data innovation

ecosystem needs a strong community of practitioners across Federal agencies to facilitate rapid innovation, ensure

long-term propagation of ideas, and provide maximal return on research investments.”

In addition, prospective employers routinely express interest in students to fill positions related to public

informatics. The following organizations have recently posted job openings with the Bloustein School’s Student

and Academic Services Office and Rutgers University that require a public informatics background:

• AARP

• Applied Energy Group

• Deloitte

• Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

• Eurostat

• Federal Transit Administration

• Johnson and Johnson

• Mathematica Policy Research

• MDRC

• Port Authority of New York New Jersey

• United Nations

• United Nations Development Programme

• UN Office of the High Commissioner for

Human Rights

• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

• World Bank

• World Economic Forum

• WSP USA

“...We project a need for 1.5 million additional managers and analysts in the United States who can ask the right questions and consume the results of the analysis of big data effectively.”

— McKinsey Global Institute, June 2011

“...We project a need for 1.5 million additional managers and analysts in the United States who can ask the right questions and consume the results of the analysis of big data effectively.”

— McKinsey Global Institute, June 2011

HOW TO APPLY

• Prospective students apply online and submit all

application materials before the Bloustein School

will review your credentials for admission.

• The deadline to apply to the Master of Public

Informatics program is June 1 for fall admission.

• For an application and more information:

http://bloustein.rutgers.edu/graduate/prospective/apply-now/

All classes are held at the Rutgers–New Brunswick

campus.

Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey 33 Livingston Avenue New Brunswick, NJ 08901

admissions@ejb.rutgers.edu

APPLICANT CHECKLIST

� Online application form

� Application fee

� Baccalaureate degree from a nationally/internationally accredited program, with official transcripts from all institutions

� Resume/CV

� Three (3) letters of recommendation

� GRE general, GMAT or LSAT test TOEFL/IELTS required for non-U.S. applicants. Scores will be

accepted up to five years from their issuance.

� Personal statement (up to and not exceeding 750 words) Why do you want to study public informatics and what are

your professional goals? Why are you particularly interested in

the public informatics program at Rutgers Bloustein School?

Describe your professional/user experience and background in

following areas: graphics, statistics and computer science?

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, or any other category covered by law in its admission, programs, activities, or employment matters. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Judy Ryan, Universitywide Title IX Coordinator, Office of Enterprise Risk Management, Ethics, and Compliance (732-235-5304, judy.ryan@rutgers.edu) or Lisa Grosskreutz, Director, Office of Employment Equity, University Human Resources (848-932-3980, or by email). For further information on the notice of nondiscrimination, you may contact the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, at 646-428-3900 or OCR.NewYork@ed.gov.

© 10/2018 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. All rights reserved.

“Big data analytics.....(could) save as much as $285 billion in the cost of health care and government services.”

— McKinsey Global Institute, July 2013

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