Statistical Software for Curriculum and Careers

Abstract

What statistical software programs should be taught in public affairs graduate schools to best prepare students for prospective jobs? A nationwide survey of MPA, MPP, and related Masters programs found that introductory statistics courses most often use SPSS. In later statistics classes, MPP programs use Stata more often than SPSS. Budget and finance courses almost always employ Excel. Those priorities were fairly congruent with the market. Relevant employers on 35 job websites requested familiarity with Excel far more often than any other statistical software. SAS and SPSS were nearly tied for second place, and Stata was third. SPSS is used for data analysis in a plurality of relevant academic publications, but the use of Stata has increased sharply over the past 15 years. As public affairs faculties evaluate their curricula, findings from this research on program practices and employer priorities can help inform their deliberations.

Keywords:

• Excel
• SPSS
• Stata
• statistical software

Additional information

Notes on contributors

William C. Adams

William C. Adams, professor of Public Policy and Public Administration at the Trachtenberg School at The George Washington University, teaches research methods and applied statistics courses to both MPA and MPP students. He has been a frequent contributor to the Journal of Public Affairs Education. His most recent book is Election Night News and Voter Turnout.

Donna Lind Infeld

Donna Lind Infeld is a professor at the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration at The George Washington University, where she is also director of the PhD program. She teaches graduate courses in policy analysis and research methods. Her recent publications have focused on public administration education in the United States and China.

Carli M. Wulff

Carli M. Wulff is a Presidential Management Fellow at the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. She earned her BA at Hamline University and her MPP at George Washington University while contributing to this research. She served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kyrgyzstan.