This course provides students with an introduction to quantitative analytic methods appropriate to propose, support and evaluate localized and regional initiatives in planning and community development. Technical skills associated with these methods will be taught with a focus on the needs of community-based organizations which typically have limited time, human, financial and technical resources to perform detailed analyses in support of their programs and initiatives. This is a core, required course in the Urban Planning and Community Development master’s program. No previous university-level exposure to probability and statistics are necessary. Students will learn basic skills in analysis and interpretation of quantitative data through an introduction to probability and statistics. The course will emphasize hands-on work with data using Microsoft Excel 2013. Students will gain an understanding of data management, presentation, exploration and problem-solving that will enable them to serve as, consult with and supervise data analysts for nonprofit and government organizations.