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MDS

Are you ready to confront today’s most urgent policy challenges and develop the strategic thinking and analytical skills needed to shape effective and equitable public solutions?

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Curriculum

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Artificial intelligence and machine learning are fundamentally reshaping public governance, moving beyond industry trends to become essential tools for impactful policymaking and enhanced public services. Our Master of Data Science for Public Policy and Management (MDS) program empowers you to lead this transformation. You will master advanced data science, including AI and machine learning, to translate complex data into actionable policy and strategic decisions, ensuring you can drive real-world impact.

This program is critical whether you're a public sector professional aiming to boost efficiency and craft truly evidence-based policies, or a private sector expert seeking to effectively collaborate with and contribute to public value. We equip you to navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape, foster impactful public-private partnerships, and ultimately become a vital leader at the crucial intersection of data, policy, and management, ready to drive meaningful change.

Starting from the 2026 incoming class, all programs require students to complete at least 36 credits. KDI School operates on a trimester system, allowing full-time students to graduate in approximately 1.5 years. Each program is designed, operated, and evaluated based on the five core competencies set by NASPAA(Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration), as well asprogram-specific Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs). Curricula are regularly updated by reflecting the feedback from current students, alumni, and partner institutions to maintain a demand-oriented structure. Students interested in pursuing doctoral study may be allowed to take some Ph.D.-level courses under the guidance of their advisor.

Program Specific Concentrations

Data Science for Public Policy and Management

  • Programming Fundamentals using Python
  • R Fundamentals for Public Policy
  • Statistical Foundations for Data Science
  • Introduction to Computational Social Science
  • Introduction to Network Science
  • Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
  • Network Analysis Seminar
  • Machine Learning for Social Scientists
  • Advanced Machine Learning
  • Text Analysis for Social Scientists
  • AI Ethics
  • Data Visualization and Communication
  • Quantitative Analysis of Science and Innovation
  • Korea’s Microdata Analytics for Public Policy
  • Data Science Research Seminar

Course List & Schedule

Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements - category, MDS
Category MDS
Core Courses Requirement: 12 credits (4 courses)
  • Programming Fundamentals using Python
  • R Fundamentals for Public Policy
  • Statistical Foundations for Data Scientists
  • Introduction to Computational Social Science
1st Concentration Requirement: at least 9 credits (3 courses) from 1 concentration (Mandatory)
  • DS (Data Science for Public Policy and Management)
2nd Concentration Elective: up to 9 credits (3 courses) from 1 concentration (Optional)
  • FM (Finance and Macroeconomic Policy)
  • TI (Trade and industrial Policy)
  • PF (Public Finance and Social Policy)
  • RE (Regional Development and Environment Policy)
  • SD (Sustainable Development)
  • ID (International Development)
  • PA (Public Administration and Leadership)
  • SM (Strategic Management)
  • GP (Global Governance and Political Economy)
Research Project Optional
  • ARS (3 credits) + Thesis (3 credits)
  • ARS (3 credits) + Capstone (3 credits)
Language Requirement
  • Language in Public Policy and Management (3 credits)
  • Korean Language and Culture I (3 credits) (only for international students)

※ Total : Minimum 39 credits


    • KOICA, NIIED GKS Global Network Scholarship, and G20 Scholarship follow their own graduation requirements.

    • The above graduation requirements will apply starting from the 2026 incoming class. Students admitted before 2025 should refer to the student handbook for their respective year/semester.

Graduation Date

Spring

End of May

Summer

End of August

Fall

Commencement or
January 31st

※ If you take any courses during the fall semester, you will graduate on January 31st (not in December)

Ceremony

Completion Ceremony

  • Requirements: Enrolled students in a Masters degree, meet minimum credits requirements inclusive of the courses being taken currently.
  • Date: August, December (Refer to the academic calendar of each year)
  • Certificate of Coursework Completion will be awarded at the Completion Ceremony.

    * Certificate of Coursework Completion is different from Certificate of Completion (Certificate of Completion is issued to students who have completed the minimum required semesters but have not yet graduated)

  • Students will be invited to the completion ceremony only once

Commencement

  • Requirements: Enrolled and Completed students in Ph.D. and Masters degree having met all graduation requirements
  • Date: December (Refer to the academic calendar of each year)
  • The diploma will be awarded only once at the Commencement. (Graduation in January will receive it after the graduation date.)