Public Policy Analysis for Scientists, Engineers, and Health Professionals
An intensive course designed to help scientists, engineers, and health professionals be more competitive for fellowships and jobs in science and technology policy by learning how to conduct public policy analysis. During this class, students learn an eight-step policy analysis process based on the 4Es (effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and ease of political acceptability). Students apply their skills to an unstructured societal challenge they select. This is a Level Two class.
- Type Learning
- Level Foundational
- Time Days
Skills
Earning Criteria
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Students learn what policy analysis is and why it is important, so they can participate more actively and with greater impact in dialogues about public policy during meetings with policymakers. They develop a better understanding of the core information of most interest to policymakers to enhance their foundation for discussions and written and visual policy communication products such as policy briefs infographics, policy memos, and white papers.
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Students apply an eight-step process for public policy analysis (a slight modification of Bardach’s Practical Guide to Policy Analysis) to an unstructured societal challenge. This includes identifying the audience for their analysis, the policy question, policy option development, and criteria to provide a neutral assessment of their policy options plus the status quo. They then project the outcomes, confront the tradeoffs, and identify and communicate their recommendation to policymakers.