Northeastern University: Molding data-driven social scientists in Arlington, VA

When Antonio Brust reviewed his options to pursue urban informatics abroad, Northeastern University’s College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) immediately stood out. “I felt that here I would get the chance to hone a comprehensive set of skills, with a focus on research and policy impact,” he says. “I’m very happy with my decision.”

It’s easy to understand why. As a student, he dove headfirst into the world of big data and mastered the future-focused skills of programming, statistical analysis, and data visualization. Brust’s internship at The American City Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to neighbourhood revitalization, showed he was ready for bigger things. His contributions earned him accolades, including the prestigious Barry Bluestone “Think and Do” Award and the Outstanding Academic Performance Award. For his capstone project, he led a team of fellow students in assessing the capacity of cities to manage federal grant funding.

After graduating, he returned to his hometown Buenos Aires, Argentina to establish a Data Lab at Universidad Torcuato Di Tella’s School of Government. This is where he led initiatives at the intersection of urban economics and data science. Brust also shares his expertise by teaching courses at Universidad Di Tella and the University of Buenos Aires.

With such success stories as a blueprint, CSSH is expanding its reach by bringing innovative programs to its Arlington, VA campus. The move to the Washington DC area signifies more than just a geographic expansion— it’s a commitment to nurturing the next generation of data-driven social scientists, each equipped with the skills to tackle complex urban challenges head-on.

Source: Northeastern University

Brust’s launchpad to success, the Master of Science in Urban Informatics, is one of the programs set to launch in Arlington in fall 2024. The program is designed to prepare a new generation of experts to navigate the technical and socioeconomic landscapes of modern cities. Students are trained to tackle critical social, infrastructural, and environmental challenges facing urban areas in the 21st century. With a curriculum that integrates interdisciplinary learning, comprehensive data analytics skills, and experiential opportunities, Northeastern stands out among the handful of US institutions to focus on this discipline.

The Master of Science in Applied Quantitative Methods and Social Analysis program is also making its debut in Arlington in fall 2024. This interdisciplinary program focuses on equipping social scientists with advanced computational and statistical tools to analyse and address societal issues such as equity, hierarchy, and social organization.

Students will delve into data analytics, computational social science, network analysis, and geospatial analysis. The program’s flexible structure allows for specialization in one of five concentrations, ensuring a deep understanding of specific methodological techniques. The integration of graduate certificate programs and co-op opportunities further ensures students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

Source: Northeastern University

Co-op programs are a hallmark of Northeastern University, placing students in relevant, impactful roles in various industries and providing invaluable hands-on experience that complements their academic studies. Situated in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Arlington campus will expand Northeastern’s experiential engagement in a region known for technical innovation, security, defense, and policy.

The campus’ proximity to key industry players, government agencies, research institutions, think tanks, trade associations, and NGOs provides students with unique access to real-world projects and professional networks — think the likes of Amazon, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Capital One. Arlington boasts a thriving economy with an unemployment rate 44% lower than the national average.

Arlington is also ranked as one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live in America. Its diverse community, with residents representing over 140 countries, creates a welcoming atmosphere and a vibrant dining scene sure to help any newcomer feel at home. All of this and more makes it a great place for international students looking to comfortably expand their horizons abroad.

Source: Northeastern University

MS Urban Informatics students could even build a life here if they wanted to. The program’s STEM designation means international students with F1 visas can apply to extend their Optional Practical Training in the US for an additional 24 months beyond the standard 12 — totalling 36 months of professional development.

The Arlington campus’ state-of-the-art space features flexible learning areas designed for collaboration, study, networking, and hosting community events. The campus offers a free fitness centre, bicycle lockers, a cafe, and a rooftop area with stunning views of Arlington and Washington, DC.

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