Micro-credential Casual Inference for Policy Evaluation

Program Overview

This online micro-credential in causal inference equips participants with the skills to evaluate the impact of policy interventions. Through hands-on experience and theoretical foundations, students will learn to conduct causal analyses, identify potential bias, and effectively communicate results. The program includes 13 weeks of online lectures, practicals, and self-directed learning, led by Associate Professor Chunbo Ma. It is suitable for policy analysts, consultants, social scientists, and researchers seeking to apply causal inference methods to real-world policy evaluations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This micro-credential focuses on causal inference methods for evaluating the impact of policy interventions across various disciplines. It aims to equip participants with the fundamental concepts, principles, and practical tools to conduct causal inference analyses.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding and proper use of counterfactuals to define causal effects.
• Construct causal diagrams to identify potential bias.
• Understand key assumptions for different causal inference methods.
• Implement various causal inference methods using R.
• Interpret and communicate results of causal analyses effectively.
• Apply causal inference tools to real policy analyses and impact valuations.

Teaching:

• Delivery Mode: Online
• Duration: 13 weeks
• Effort: 150 hours total (1.5 hours lectures, 1 hour guided computer practical, 10 hours self-directed learning and assessments per week)
• Academic Lead: Associate Professor Chunbo Ma

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Policy analysts, consultants, social scientists, and researchers.
• Opportunities: The micro-credential provides skills and knowledge relevant to evaluating policy interventions, which is valuable in various fields.
• Outcomes: Upon completion, participants will be equipped to apply causal inference methods to real-world policy analyses and impact evaluations.

Other:

• Recommended Prior Knowledge: Introductory econometrics or statistics.
• Future Study: Students can apply for credit towards a Master of Agricultural Economics, Master of Environmental Economics, or other relevant award courses.