Course goals also include understanding some of the major policy debates of the day, and communicating in a simple, clear, and direct way. This course provides the student with an introduction to the use of qualitative and quantitative evaluations for social programs. The course reviews rationale for evaluation and its use in budgeting, policy assessments, research and development, and program improvement. The course addresses experimental and quasi-experimental designs, selection bias, and methods of overcoming problems. The course includes an introduction to use of cost-benefit analysis.
Students undertake a critical review and reanalyze data from existing evaluations.
This course is a practicum on applied research. Students develop a research design and conduct an applied policy research project, within the broad topical area of U.S. drug control policy. The internship usually takes place during the summer between the two years of the program. Independent Study Special readings course for master's students in policy studies only. This course may also be taken in conjunction with an undergraduate course in another department to enhance or supplement existing courses in a student's field of concentration.