As public, private, and nonprofit organizations attempt to maximize their human and monetary resources, they often seek professionals with specialized skills to assess program demands and viability, evaluate program success, direct change and inform policy. Graduates of the Applied Sociology (ASOC) master's program are trained to fill such roles and effectively apply their knowledge and skills in employment areas including healthcare, local, state and national government, nonprofit social services, community activism, marketing research, human resources, and business administration.

• Graduates of the program will be able to make an evidence-based argument.
• Graduates of the program will be able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different research methods.
• Graduates of the program will be able to interpret the results of different types of data gathering.

The Criminology BA degree program will prepare students for employment in various criminal justice-related areas and/or pursuit of advanced degrees in criminology or public policy academic programs by educating them in the theories and decision-making points which comprise the criminal justice system as well as to examine various research strategies, methodological and philosophical issues, and legal and ethical issues pertaining to the origins of crime and injustice and society's response to these issues.

• Students will describe and analyze the structure and functions of the various components of the criminal justice system—police, courts, and corrections—by evaluating each stage of processing from arrest to release.
• Students will develop knowledge in the scientific method and its applicability to the study of crime and criminal behavior by learning about how crime is measured and the basic elements of research design.
• Students will describe, classify, and evaluate the theoretical foundations of criminology from past to present as they relate to the causes and correlates of crime and criminal behavior.

The Master of Science in Criminology program will deliver high-quality education to a diverse body of students regarding the etiology, control, and variation of law-breaking across space and time and advance the understanding of criminology through a multidisciplinary mix of theoretical and applied research.

• Students will demonstrate the ability to apply criminological theories and concepts to the explanation of crime and criminal behavior.
• Students will develop competency in research design relevant to criminological research.
• Students will examine the role of theory and empirical research in the prevention of crime.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology program will deliver high-quality education to a diverse body of graduate students regarding the etiology, control, and variation of law-breaking across space and time and advance the understanding of criminology through a multidisciplinary mix of theoretical and applied research.

• Students will demonstrate an understanding of contemporary criminological theory and the ability to evaluate the related empirical evidence and to formulate proposals for original research and use advanced quantitative statistical techniques in the analysis of crime data.
• Students will learn to critically analyze empirical evidence regarding crime and criminal justice policies and programs.
• Students will develop advanced skills in professional communication appropriate to audiences in academia, government, or nongovernmental agencies.

The Bachelor of Arts in Economics prepares students for employment in business and government requiring the tools of economic decision-making and analysis and/or for the pursuit of advanced degrees in economics and related fields or professional degrees such as law.

• Employ marginal benefit-cost analysis as it pertains to business decision-making.
• Analyze the behavior of macroeconomic variables such as GDP, interest rates and unemployment.
• Analyze the effects of policy changes on consumers and businesses.

The Bachelor of Science in Economics prepares students for employment in business and government requiring the tools of quantitative techniques of economic decision-making and analysis.

• Employ marginal benefit-cost analysis as it pertains to business decision-making.
• Model macroeconomic phenomena such as GDP growth, inflation and unemployment.
• Apply econometric techniques for the purpose of business/social data analytics.

The Master of Science in Economics emphasizes the development of theoretical understanding of economic phenomena, quantitative skills that can be applied to economic problems, and critical thinking to understand how to best apply economic theory and quantitative skills to real-world problems.

• Use an econometric software package such as STATA, SPSS, SAS, or R, etc., for the purpose of business/social data analytics.
• Use econometric techniques to draw conclusions from economic data.
• Apply constrained optimization to analyze business decision making and policy.

The PhD in Economics provides a cutting-edge education in economic theory, the development of a rigorous toolkit of mathematical and econometric techniques, and in various research areas in economics. This education allows students to think critically about how to approach the analysis of economic problems and to contribute to the knowledge base of the discipline.

• Apply techniques of dynamic optimization to analyze the functioning of the macroeconomy.
• Analyze the behavior of economic entities (consumers, firms, managers. markets, etc.) through the use of constrained optimization, game theory, and mechanism design.
• Conduct research that advances the field.

The Bachelor of Science in Geospatial Information Science (GIS) Program equips students with fundamental understanding of the logical, scientific and technological principles underpinning GIS and the skills needed to solve real world geospatial problems within various settings including corporate, government, and nonprofit organizations using state-of-the-art GIS software packages.

• Students will be able to acquire, digitize, manage, manipulate, visualize and synthesize geographical data towards solving real world challenges.
• Students will be able to conduct fundamental spatial queries and analyses to provide decision support through spatial thinking, data analytics, and visual programming.
• Students will be able to effectively present results of analyses using hardcopy, digital or web maps, along with associated graphs, and tabular data.

The Master of Science in Geospatial Information Science (GIS) program provides students with a solid understanding of the technologies, quantitative techniques, and models and theories of GIS, and the ability to apply the knowledge to support public and private sector organizations to address significant broad societal issues, and to enhance understanding of the human and natural environments

• Students will be able to extract construct and process spatially referenced information by using global positioning system, digital processing of remote sensing imagery, and address geocoding of socio-economic data, and to manage the data in a personal or enterprise geospatial database.
• Students will be able to create effective visual representations of geospatial data with online and/or offline visual analytic tools and platforms and be able to analyze geospatial data using spatial data analytics skills, spatial statistics methodologies, and spatiotemporal simulation models.
• Students will be able to automate geoprocessing procedures and build models through application programming with script languages or application programming languages.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Geospatial Information Sciences (GIS) program is to cultivate innovative researchers capable of advancing the frontiers of knowledge in GIS through improvements and innovations to theories, methodologies, algorithms, analytics, and applications.

• Students will be able to explain the theoretical components underlying the geospatial information sciences and their associated mathematical, geometrical and computational foundations.
• Students will be able to build models using advanced geospatial methodologies and/or quantitative analysis tools to solve complicated problems in one of the following specialization areas: (a) geocomputation and spatial information management, (b) spatial analysis and modeling, or (c) remote sensing and image science.
• Students will be able to conduct innovative research that advances theory or methodology in geospatial information sciences.

Graduates will develop skill sets that include critical thinking, knowledge of multiple cultures, and effective communication skills. Students will be prepared for analytical and administrative positions in the public, nonprofit, and for profit private sectors. The BA degree places greater emphasis on culture, literature, and history. Graduates will acquire the following skills:

• oral communication
• written communication
• interpersonal group skills

Graduates will develop skill sets that include critical thinking, knowledge of multiple cultures, and effective communication skills. Students will be prepared for analytical and administrative positions in the public, nonprofit, and for profit private sectors. The BS degree places greater emphasis on economics and international finance. Graduates will acquire the following skills:

• oral communication
• written communication
• foreign language proficiency

The Master of Science in International Political Economy will develop students' critical skill sets to meet the needs and demands of the international diplomatic and business sectors. These skills include critical thinking, knowledge of multiple cultures and cultural contexts, rigorous research skills, and the ability to communicate effectively in an array of environments. Students will be prepared to advance careers in policy and data analysis, and administrative positions in government, the nonprofit and private sectors. Graduates will acquire the following skills:

• basic data analytic skills
• critical thinking
• advanced written communication skills

A BA in Political Science provides the foundation and skills for careers in federal, state, and local government, community service, educational and other nonprofit organizations, and business firms. It also provides the foundation for graduate study in government and politics, public policy, or law. Graduates will acquire the following skills:

• oral communication
• written communication
• interpersonal group skills

Students in the MS in Political Science develop a competency in one of the fields of Comparative Politics and International Relations; Political Institutions and American Politics. They will also demonstrate the ability to apply political science theories and concepts to the study of citizenship, governance and politics. They develop competency in analysis, evaluation, and research design relevant to political science research and analysis. Graduates will acquire the following skills:

• basic data analytic skills
• critical thinking
• advanced written communication skills

In the first two years of the doctoral program in Political Science, students acquire research skills and tools, work on research projects, and acquaint themselves with professional norms in the discipline. Later, they have opportunities to develop their instructional and presentation skills and to conduct research answering an important question (or questions) in the field. Throughout, emphasis is placed on preparing students for life after graduate school in academia, government, or industry and their skills will include the following:

• knowledge building ability
• advanced data analytic skills
• advanced oral and written communication skills

Upon successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs, UT Dallas graduates create a foundation for understanding American governmental and public institutions. Graduates will gain knowledge of management principles involved in strategic human resources management, leadership techniques, and become familiar with the broad and complex economic, financial and legal environments within which public and nonprofit institutions function.

• Develop an understanding of the political, economic and social factors that influence decision-making in government and nonprofit organizations.
• Effectively communicate in written and oral forms of communication.
• Work collaboratively in teams and manage conflict.
• Develop research and writing skills to work in contemporary and future public, nonprofit and business organizations.
• Develop coordination, active listening and leadership skills by participating in a real field assignment, via a service learning project, aimed at improving the performance of an operating government or nonprofit organization.

Upon successful completion of the Master of Public Affairs, UT Dallas graduates will develop critical thinking and problem solving skills essential for a good leader with an ability to use data and subject-matter knowledge to communicate and make sound and ethical decisions that take into consideration the diverse fabric of the citizenry.

• Engage in critical thinking to resolve complex problems associated with effectively managing diverse human assets within dynamic organizational environments.
• Students work and present policy briefs, critiques, literature reviews, and research papers all aimed at improving problem solving, oral comprehension, oral expression, and written comprehension skills.
• Develop active listening, critical judgment, and decision-making skills to lead others in organizational and policy-making environments.
• Develop critical thinking and comprehension skills for measuring performance and evaluating the impact of a program or policy.

Upon successful completion of a PhD in Public Affairs, UT Dallas graduates will not only develop academic expertise in research and teaching, but also skills appropriate for careers in governmental or nonprofit public service. Students possess advanced oral, written, and statistical skills, and include the following skill sets:

• Advanced conceptual and theoretical training, through a rigorous core doctoral curriculum, in the principal areas of public and nonprofit management
• Advanced analytical competencies through a sequence of research methods courses, and technical knowledge in core areas of public and nonprofit management
• In-depth understanding of the theories that guide data collection, quantitative and qualitative data analysis of public policy issues, including the conceptual foundations for both problem and solution analysis

The BA in Public Health (BAPH) program provides its majors with basic training in social epidemiology, statistics, and research methods, and a mastery of subject matter on social factors in health and illness, and how individual and population health are shaped by the interplay of cultural forces and social structural factors. The BAPH has significant overlap with the BA in Sociology, and it incorporates both the marketable skills associated with the sociology program as well as distinct skills specific to public health. Graduates of the BAPH program:

• make an evidence-based argument;
• evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different research methods; and
• work with people who differ in race, ethnicity, gender, or class.
• apply the basic concepts and approaches of public health and social epidemiology to practical issues in disease prevention, health promotion, and the creation of healthy communities.

The Bachelor of Science in Public Policy is a degree program intended for individuals who will systematically analyze public policy issues, implementation, and analysis. Students will be prepared for entry-level analytical and administrative positions in a wide array of professional settings in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. Graduates will acquire the following skills:

• interpersonal group skills
• critical thinking
• basic written and oral communication skills

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) develops skills for careers in which a solid understanding of the public policy process and the analysis and evaluation of public policies are essential. Students will be prepared for analytical and administrative positions and responsibilities in a wide array of professional settings in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors as well as advanced study for careers in research. Specific skills include knowledge of the policy process and related ethical concerns, rigorous research skills that provide students with an essential grounding in statistical and data analysis and research design, and effective communication skills. Graduates will acquire the following skills:

• basic data analytic skills
• interpersonal group skills
• advanced written and oral communication skills

The master's degree in Cybersecurity, Technology, and Policy is a joint program between the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences and Erik Jonsson School Engineering and Computer Science. This degree prepares students to systematically analyze cybersecurity and technological issues, implementation and analysis. Graduates will be prepared for managerial and analytical positions in a wide array of professional settings in the public and private sectors, specifically as security, intelligence, or cybersecurity analysts or managers. Graduates will acquire the following skills:

• advanced understanding of policy approaches to protecting cyber-related assets
• basic computer skills and understanding for cybersecurity practitioners
• management information systems capabilities

The mission of the PhD program in Public Policy and Political Economy (PPPE) is to prepare our students for professional positions in research, teaching, and practice in fields related to public policy and political economy, in both academic and nonacademic settings. The program prepares students through instruction in social science and public policy concepts, advanced methodological knowledge, applied social research techniques, and professional communication skills, and their skills will include the following:

• knowledge building ability
• advanced data analytic skills
• advanced oral and written communication skills

The MS in Social and Data Analytics equips students with a number of data analysis skills, including knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis. Graduates of the program are well-positioned to take up positions in industry, government, and non-profit organizations that collect and analyze data.

• Students will have the ability to design and execute complex research designs.
• Students will understand and be able to execute regression analysis.
• Students will understand how to build and manage large and/or complex data sets.

The mission of the BA in Sociology is to provide undergraduate students with broad knowledge of the theoretical concepts, empirical research findings, and methodological approaches of the discipline of sociology, with an emphasis on theory and research related to social inequality. As part of this program, sociology majors should gain mastery of these concepts, findings, and approaches central to sociology, as well as develop basic skills in empirical analysis and professional communication.

• Graduates of the program will be able to make an evidence-based argument.
• Graduates of the program will be able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different research methods.
• Graduates of the program will be able to work with people who differ in race, ethnicity, gender, or class.