MPA 521 Microeconomics for Policymakers

Spring Semester

This course introduces first-year policy students to the theories, concepts, terminology and tools of microeconomics as it relates to the examination and analysis of public policies.  During the course students will gain new vocabulary to describe decision-making behavior of people, households, firms and governments.  Learners will have opportunities to learn and apply theories of supply and demand, elasticity, utility-maximization and other concepts to examine and better understand public health and public policy issues.

Students finish this course with a deeper knowledge of economics and its role in policy analysis.  They will also gain practical experience evaluating actual policy issues using some of these tools and models.  Finally, students will be able to compare and contract public and market-based solutions to a variety of issues. 3 credit hours