This course explores how to develop and implement strategies that drive policy change. You will learn how to analyze various approaches to changing policy, consider context for the change (timing, climate for change, opposition) and then identify the most viable option to use to influence policy change. This class is about influencing change versus the mechanics of designing policy. Students will review different influence models, discuss which ones work best in various situations, and identify how influence models connect to campaigns that influence legislative and institutional policy. You will better understand policy change efforts by reviewing examples and learning the central elements of a successful endeavor. Finally, students, in teams, will choose their own adventure and create their own policy change strategy.

An introduction to public policy analysis and the role of rigorous research in the policymaking process. Fundamentals of the policymaking process; evaluation and design of research to inform policy decisions; effective team work to analyze issues and make policy recommendations; writing and speaking effectively to policymakers; analysis of research briefs and articles to evaluate the validity of their designs, conclusions, and potential use to policymakers.

Provides an overview of how economics can be used to analyze and design public policy. Basic analytical skills used in economic modeling, and supplication to specify policy areas and problems. At the end of the course, students will be able to use basic economic models to analyze policy problems. They will also be able to understand how market mechanisms work, when free markets perform well and when government intervention may improve outcomes.

Designed for students to demonstrate the integration of their learning experiences in the program. The final product will be a written report/paper and an oral presentation. Capstone projects will be completed under the direction of faculty mentors and outside experts. The purpose of the capstone is a demonstration of student capabilities and an opportunity to work with expert mentors aimed at enhancing post-graduation employment choices. There will be a capstone forum in which students will present their work to Carsey MPP faculty and students.