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Microeconometrics

Quantitative Methods for Public Policy Evaluation

Econometric approaches to public policy evaluation: Theory and practice.

17.5h (5 days)

€775 - €1,375

Face-to-face

English

Program date: July 7 - 11, 2025

Early bird deadline: April 15, 2025

Learn more

Quantitative Methods for Public Policy Evaluation

Applications for 2025 Summer School programs are now open!

Summer school

Microeconometrics

Quantitative Methods for Public Policy Evaluation

Course Overview

The main challenge for policy evaluation is to establish a causal link between interventions and outcomes. The objective of this course is to introduce the main econometric approaches used in the evaluation of public policies: randomized controlled trials, regression discontinuity designs, selection on observables, (dynamic) difference-in-differences, and synthetic control methods. The course presents strengths and weaknesses of each approach in terms of internal and external validity.

During the morning sessions, each approach will be presented and illustrated with specific examples in the areas of labor economics, health economics, development economics, and the economics of education. In the afternoon sessions, we will replicate the results of a prominent published study for each evaluation approach in Stata.

Students are provided the corresponding data and code (Stata and R) in advance so they can prepare.

Faculty

Understand Causal Inference in Policy Evaluation

Upon the completion of the course, you will:

Gain proficiency in econometric evaluation approaches
Enhance data analysis and coding skills through hands-on afternoon sessions
Deepen your understanding of tools and knowledge needed for advanced research and policy evaluation

Program Syllabus for Quantitative Methods for Public Policy Evaluation

What topics will you cover during this course?

Course Outline

Randomized Controlled Trials
Regression Discontinuity Designs
Selection on Observables (Linear Regression, Matching)
(Dynamic) Difference-in-Differences
Synthetic Control Methods

List of References

The following texts will help you prepare for this course:

Recommended Texts

Abadie, A. and M. D. Cattaneo, 2018, “Econometric Methods for Program Evaluation,” Annual Review of Economics, 10: 465-503.
Imbens, G. W. and J. M. Wooldridge, 2009, “Recent Developments in the Econometrics of Program Evaluation,” Journal of Economic Literature, 47 (1): 5-86.
Imbens, G. W. and D. B. Rubin, 2015, “Causal Inference for Statistics, Social and Biomedical Sciences: An Introduction”, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Software / Hardware

STATA will be used during the course. Participants will receive a temporary personal license, provided by BSE, a few days before Summer School begins*
Participants must bring their own portable laptop to participate fully in this course

*students will be provided with data (STATA and R) and code in advance to be able to prepare.

Why join our Summer School?

All BSE Summer courses are taught to the same high standard as our Master’s programs. Join us to:

1

Network with like-minded peers

2

Study in vibrant Barcelona

3

Learn from world-renowned faculty

Admissions and Requirements

All BSE Summer School applicants must meet the entrance requirements.

Program date: July 7 - 11, 2025

Early bird deadline: April 15, 2025

Requirements

Summer School applicants normally demonstrate one or more of the following:

A strong background in Economics or a field closely related to the course topic (Statistics, Law, etc.)
Postgraduate degree or current Master’s/PhD studies related to the course topic
Relevant professional experience

Requirements for Quantitative Methods for Public Policy Evaluation

Participants should be familiar with basic concepts of statistics and econometrics

Schedule

Here is your schedule for this edition of BSE Microeconometrics Quantitative Methods for Public Policy Evaluation course.

Time

7

mon

8

tue

9

wed

10

thu

11

fri

09:00 - 11:00

Lecture

14:30 - 16:00

Practical

Credit Transfers (ECTS)

To be eligible for credit transfer, students must complete a final project.

Students will deliver a short final project one week after the summer school finishes.

It will consist of completing an assignment that will include the practical and empirical issues worked on in class.

Consult the Summer School Admissions page for more information about this option.

Certificate of Attendance

Participants who attend more than 80% of the course will receive a Certificate of Attendance, free of charge.

Fees

Multiple course discounts are available; see more information about available discounts. Fees for courses in other Summer School programs may vary.

Course

Panel Data and Spatial Panels

Econometrics of Cross-section Data with Applications

Dynamic Structural Models for Policy Evaluation

Quantitative Methods for Public Policy Evaluation

Estimation in High-Dimensional Models

Difference-in-Differences with Panel Data

Dynamic and Non-linear Panel Data Models

Modality

Face-to-face

Total Hours

17.5

ECTS

1

Regular Fee

1,375€

Reduced Fee*

775€

* Reduced Fee applies for PhD or Master’s students, Alumni of BSE Master’s programs, and participants who are unemployed.

FAQ

Here are some commonly asked questions by participants. Any further queries, please contact our Admissions Team.

Can I see the full Summer School calendar?

You can view the full Summer School calendar here.

Is accommodation included in the course fee?

Accommodation is not included in the course fee. Participants are responsible for finding accommodation.

Are the sessions recorded?

Sessions will NOT be recorded; however, the materials provided by the professor will be available for a month after the course has finished.

How much does each Summer School course cost?

Fees for each course may vary. Please consult each course page for accurate information.

Are there any discounts available?

Yes, BSE offers a variety of discounts on its Summer School courses. See more information about available discounts or request a personalized discount quote by email.