Uncovering big data in teaching public administration

The rise of big data has introduced a data-driven paradigm that enables us to address complex problems once considered unsolvable. Its transformative impact is evident across all sectors of society, including the public sector. This shift raises a critical question: how can public administration education adapt to prepare students for a rapidly evolving job market shaped by big data? As education remains fundamental to professional success, developing effective strategies to equip future public administrators is essential. We propose three pedagogical approaches for integrating big data into public administration curriculum: big data as tools, big data as foundation, and big data as practices. Besides, we also explore other challenges and opportunities brought by big data to public administration teaching.