ECON 330 The Economics of Education

This course uses an economic lens to study educational systems, human capital acquisition, and education policy.  It considers the education system at large, ranging from early childhood education, through secondary and post-secondary education.  The course develops a theoretical framework for why and how education levels differ across individuals, considering both signaling and productivity margins.  It covers the basics of public education financing and examines how the way that education is financed determines educational quality.  The course will discuss various public policy topics surrounding education topics which may include include: the value of early childhood education, the importance of quality instruction, peer effects, high-stakes testing, major-choice, and more.  The course will build on foundational economic concepts and ask students to connect economic theory and empirical research towards understanding our system of education.