Social Impact Analytics Certificate

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The Social Impact Analytics certificate trains students with the skills to apply cutting-edge statistical, econometric, and machine-learning tools to evaluate the effectiveness of a wide array of policy and programs. The six-course sequence is intended for students with little statistical or programming background. However, students completing the program will have proficiency in the R programming language and be qualified to apply modern analytical techniques to analyze the impact and effective targeting of programs related to social and economic inclusion, poverty and violence interventions, microenterprise development, health, mental health, community-building, education, gender issues, and environmental protection. Students include those who are presently working for non-profit or government organizations as well as those who take the certificate program to secure employment to meet the growing demand for those who can apply rigorous analytical techniques to effectively address global challenges.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will:

Apply an array of statistical techniques using the R programming language to monitor and evaluate a wide variety of social policies and programs
Create professional surveys that are able to measure both quantitative economic data as well as qualitative social and psychological phenomena
Manage the sequence of steps in carrying out field research in randomized controlled trials and quasi- experimental studies using mobile tablet and on-line technology
Utilize leading-edge econometric and machine-learning tools for program and policy evaluation understand among which sub-groups interventions are most effective, facilitating program targeting
Create professional data visualization pieces and graphics using R, presenting key results from data analysis in an aesthetically attractive, clear, and meaningful way

Certificate Requirements (12 units)

Complete the following:

ECON 511 Statistics in Data Vis in R
ECON 512 Inferential Stats & Pgm Eval
ECON 513 Field Research for Dev Studies
ECON 520 Introduction to Econometrics
ECON 536 Econometrics of Panel Data
ECON 537 Causal Econmtrics & Mach Lrng