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Individual Course

Big Data for Social Good

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Course Length

4 weeks

4–5 hours per week

Featuring faculty from:

Harvard Faculty of Arts & Sciences LogoHarvard Faculty of Arts & Sciences

Certificate Price:

$ 950

Apply by Aug 25, 2025

Apply Now

Certificate Price:

$ 950

Apply by Aug 25, 2025

Apply Now

Using real-world data and policy interventions as applications, this Harvard Online course will teach core concepts in data science, economics, and statistics and equip you to tackle some of the most pressing social challenges of our time.

The American Dream—the idea that through hard work any child can rise up and achieve a higher standard of living than their parents—is fading: only half of kids today will go on to earn more than their parents did. Why has this happened? And, how can we reverse the fading of the American Dream?

Instructor-Paced

HBS Online

Industries:

  • Government
  • Other Non-profit
  • Education
  • Health Care
  • Niccolò C.
  • Kayanat I.
  • Pablo S. R.

Harvard Case Method Premium Learning

Upgrade Your Skills

Identify Key Drivers of Economic Opportunity and Inequality

Examine how factors like neighborhoods, education, and policy shape life outcomes. Recognize patterns that influence upward mobility across communities.

Upgrade Your Skills

Use Data to Inform Decisions and Advocate for Change

Interpret and visualize data to uncover insights about social and economic challenges. Communicate evidence in ways that inspire action and policy improvements.

Upgrade Your Skills

Apply Practical Tools and Frameworks to Create Impact

Explore real-world case studies demonstrating successful interventions. Use big data approaches to design or support programs that promote social good.

  • Learn from real case studies
  • Do it on your own time
  • Get a certificate, add it to your resume
  • Be part of the Harvard Community
Data Science for Business values

Course Syllabus and Upcoming Calendars

Learning requirements: In order to earn a Certificate of Completion from Harvard Online and Harvard Business School Online, participants must thoughtfully complete all 8 modules, including satisfactory completion of the associated assignments, by stated deadlines.

Faculty

Industry Experts

Your Instructor

Raj Chetty, PhD

William A. Ackman Professor of Public Economics at Harvard University and Director of Opportunity Insights

Raj Chetty, PhD, is the William A. Ackman Professor of Public Economics at Harvard University and Director of Opportunity Insights. His research uses “big data” to understand how we can give children from disadvantaged backgrounds better chances of succeeding. Chetty's research combines empirical evidence and economic theory to help design more effective government policies. His work on topics ranging from tax policy and unemployment insurance to education and affordable housing has been widely cited in academia, media outlets, and Congressional testimony. He has received numerous awards for his research, including a MacArthur "Genius" Fellowship and the John Bates Clark medal, given to the economist under 40 whose work is judged to have made the most significant contribution to the field.

Industry Expert

Geoffrey Canada

Hear from Geoffrey Canada, an educator, social activist, and author, about his pioneering work in helping children and families in Harlem and about place-based innovations.

Industry Expert

Sarah Oppenheimer

Learn how Sarah Oppenheimer’s work bridges research with applied policy and practice to address poverty and support families’ outcomes.

Industry Expert

Nathaniel Hendren

Explore research based on the core question “Do markets provide opportunity?”

As a data advocate and practitioner in the humanitarian and development sectors, it was incredibly insightful to see how cutting-edge statistical techniques are being used by world-class economists and researchers to inform more equitable policymaking.
Niccolò C.
Data Specialist
I learned how to become interactive with data and how to understand patterns hidden in the data, which is something very useful if you're in the field of economics, global development, or policy analysis, like me.
Kayanat I.
Taking the Big Data for Social Good course at Harvard University was a transformative experience that expanded my understanding of how data can be leveraged to address complex social challenges. The curriculum was rigorous and insightful, covering advanced analytical methods and real-world case studies that highlighted the profound impact data can have on policy and decision-making.
Pablo S. R.
Professor

Take two extra eligible courses for and receive a Harvard on Digital Certificate of Specialization

These courses are curated to help you develop a data-first mindset, improve your digital strategic thinking, and learn how to navigate, manage, and lead in these environments. 

Learn more
  • Choose 3 eligible courses
  • Complete your courses within 18 months
  • Earn Your Certificate

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Engaging learning experiences and high-quality online content that can be delivered at scale

Solutions that focus on today’s in-demand skill areas to help attract, retain and future-proof your workforce

A variety of formats, from long-form courses that replicate an on-campus classroom experience to short-form content

Interaction with a global community of learners and leaders looking to develop their workforce, grow their business, and change the world

Past Participant Discounts

Learners who have enrolled in at least one qualifying Harvard Online program can receive a 30% discount, automatically applied to the Program Fee upon time of payment.

Learners who have earned a verified certificate for a HarvardX course hosted on the edX platform are eligible to receive a 30% discount using a discount code. Please check your email for a code or contact us.

Nonprofit, Government, Military, and Education Discounts

Eligibility is determined by a prospective learner’s email address, ending in .org, .gov, .mil, or .edu. Interested learners can apply below for the discount and, if eligible, will receive a promo code to enter when completing payment information to enroll in a Harvard Online program.

Stay tuned for more

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