Big Data for Social Good
Use the power of big data, analytics and connected technology to tackle real social, public-health and humanitarian challenges.
Overview
The world generates more data than ever before — and that data holds the key to solving some of society's biggest challenges. Big Data for Social Good, from Harvard Online, shows you how data science, analytics and connected technologies like IoT can be used to drive real social, environmental and humanitarian impact.
Through real-world cases — from public health and disease tracking to sustainability and smart cities — you'll learn how to turn vast, messy datasets into insight, and insight into action that improves lives.
What you'll learn
- How big data can address real social challenges
- How to source and work with large, real-world datasets
- Analytics and visualisation that reveal insight
- How IoT and sensor data create new possibilities
- Data privacy, ethics and responsible use
- How to turn insight into measurable impact
Course content
The opportunity: how data and technology are reshaping the way we tackle society's hardest problems.
Finding, gathering and preparing large, messy, real-world datasets for analysis.
Turning raw data into clear, compelling insight that tells a story and informs decisions.
How connected devices and sensors open up powerful new sources of data for social good.
Using data fairly and responsibly — protecting privacy and avoiding harm and bias.
Real case studies showing how data-driven solutions create lasting, measurable change.
Who it's for
This course is ideal for professionals in government, NGOs, public health, sustainability and social enterprise, as well as analysts and changemakers who want to apply data to real-world impact.
Some familiarity with data is helpful, but the course is designed to be accessible — the focus is on applying data thoughtfully, not heavy programming.
Your certificate
On successful completion, you'll earn an official certificate from Harvard — a globally recognised credential you can add to your CV and LinkedIn to show your data-for-good expertise.
Data for good.
Enrol in Big Data for Social Good, or talk to an advisor about the right Harvard course for your goals.