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17.05.2023

Our Executive MPA Concentrations: Digitalisation and big data

How is rapid digitalisation changing the face of public administration and political decision-making?

From the release of ChatGPT at the end of 2022 to the ever-growing discourse surrounding GovTech, digitalisation is having- and will continue to have- a profound impact on both the public and private sectors. Technological advancements in data collection, and use, are shaping how governments, businesses and individuals make decisions every day. 

As an Executive MPA candidate at the Hertie School, you can specialize in one of three areas of concentration. If you strive to contribute to the modernisation of public administration in the face of rapid digitalisation, and to help bridge the gap between policy and tech, then our digitalisation and big data concentration could be perfect for you!

About the concentration

Over the course of your studies, you will deep dive into digital transformation as it relates to, and impacts, public policy and political decision-making. You will examine technological and analytical advancements across a number of industries, and compare such phenomena to the slower pace of change within public administration and regulation. You will have the opportunity to explore the reasons behind this disconnect, and research potential solutions. 

By the end of your master's programme, you will be familiar with the ways in which policymakers use digitalisation to shape their decisions, and be prepared to use these tools in your own career.

Course offerings

Throughout your Executive MPA studies, you will take three courses from your chosen concentration, and two elective courses.

If you select digitalisation and big data as your concentration, you will have the opportunity to take courses such as (please note that our course offerings each semester are subject to change):

  • Data Science for Decision-Makers: Taught by Prof. Dr. Matthias Haber, this course centres on data science as a crucial tool for organisations across countless industries. Taking into account continuous advancements in data analysis and an ever-growing pool of information, this course will focus on the core tools that decision-makers need to most effectively support their organisations and policies.
  • Digital governance: Taught by TUM's Prof. Dr. Yannis Theocharis, this course will address the rapidity with which digitalisation is occurring in the modern age, and the often-difficult task of transforming resulting information into effective policy. You will look at the complex relationship between digital governance, political actors and wider society, policy outcomes and potential alternatives.
  • Inclusive organisations in the digital age (professor TBD): The course will dive into the challenges modern organisations face when addressing questions of inclusion. Topics will be grouped into four main sections, with each offering qualitative and data-driven analyses as to how organisations currently, and will continue to, incorporate diversity. 

Do note that, as this is a program tailored for professionals, you can organize your schedule as best fits your needs. You can complete your degree full-time over the course of one year, or part-time in 2 (or even 3 or 4) years. Courses can also be combined into one-to-two-week blocks, thus requiring you to spend less time in Berlin.

Curious to know more?

You can read more about our concentrations, as well as our Executive MPA programme as a whole, on the programme website. If you have specific questions, we are always happy to chat one-on-one. Feel free to book a 30-minute call with a member of our Admissions Team here.