STATISTICAL ANALYSIS. This course provides an introduction to statistical analysis in the social sciences. The objectives for the course are that, by the end of the course, students will have learned how to: (a) frame quantitative research questions relating to social processes and public policy; (b) find, organize, and analyze data that address these research questions; (c) use descriptive statistics and statistical inference to address these research questions; and (d) coherently report and display results.

APPLIED MULTIVARIATE REGRESSION. This course introduces the practical application of widely used basic multivariate regression techniques. The objectives for the course are that, by the end the course, students (a) are able to implement multiple linear regression and estimate basic time series, panel data, and limited dependent variable models; (b) have gained experience in using these techniques through hands-on exercises; (c) are able to read and interpret journal articles that employ multivariate regression; and (d) have conducted an original regression analysis of real-world data.

COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS FOR HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY. The purpose of cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is to determine the net benefits of potential projects by cataloging the impacts of the projects, quantifying those impacts, and converting them into monetary terms. This course will focus on the use and application of CBA in health, education, and environmental policy. We will cover topics including the economic rationale for CBA, basic principles for assessing the economic effects of projects, techniques for valuing health, educational, and environmental impacts, intergenerational and philosophical concerns as they relate to CBA, social discounting, risk, and uncertainty. We will also compare CBA with alternative approaches to conducting public policy assessment such as cost effectiveness or multi-criteria analyses.