Economic Policy Analysis using Big Data

15 credits

The course is divided in two equal parts. The first part focuses on how to apply economic and statistical tools to analyze public policy. This includes discussions of why markets fail and the rationale for government interventions, a brief review of policy evaluation methods, and how to translate the results from these methods to do cost-benefit analysis of various policies. These issues are illustrated by in class going through detailed examples from research studies that evaluate public policies (e.g., in health, education, criminal justice, environment, and family policy). Since the course includes writing a term-paper, the lectures will also contain discussions of how to generate research ideas. The second part of the course concerns the practical use of software to analyze large datasets to evaluate public policy. This includes computational issues when dealing with big data, how to collect relevant data, survey and experimental design, and measurement error. These issues are illustrated by discussing in class research related to these issues.

Distance – study where you are

Perhaps you would like to study in the Swedish mountains, in a big city, or at home close to family? Many of our programmes and courses are offered in distance format.

Studying at a distance can be done in different ways, either entirely without physical gatherings or with only a few gatherings on campus or at one of our learning centres. The common denominator is that a large part of your studies takes place online. You communicate with the teacher and other students through a learning platform that includes discussion forums, opportunities for group work, and digital meetings. In many cases, you will also have access to recorded lectures via the learning platform.

The benefit of distance studies is the flexibility, something that is valuable if you want to be free to decide when and where you want to study. Some compulsory elements on you course or programme may take place during office hours, even though they are online.

Learn more about studying at a distance.

Student working from home

Växjö – the student city with a living campus

Just south of Växjö’s city centre you will find Linnaeus University’s campus. In Växjö, many students choose to live on campus.

Here you will have five minutes’ walking distance to friends, restaurants, lecture rooms, gym, grocery store, the University Library, nature trails, and student pubs. If you live in another part of Växjö, you can quickly get to the university by bus or bicycle.

With its 90 000 inhabitants, Växjö is one of the fastest growing cities in Sweden. Here you will find the famous Småland entrepreneurship spirit and a lot of companies, for instance within the IT industry – perfect for when you are looking for an internship position or a job. Växjö is also a picturesque city where you are always close to forests and water.

Learn more about our student cities.

Students in house M

Build your own degree

Did you know that you can combine single-subject courses to build your own degree? In this way, you can design your own degree based on your interests and the career you are aiming for. This does not apply to all courses so make sure to check with a study counsellor at the faculty. Learn more about how you can build your own degree and become unique on the labour market.