Introduction to statistical methods, probability, and quantitative analysis for public policy.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
historical GPA · grades
Fall 2022–Fall 2025← Public Affairs and Public Policy (PUBAFFR)
Hardest courses in Public Affairs and Public Policy
Plan ahead for courses where students have earned lower grades.
Lowest historical GPA first. At least 100 letter grades over the five years through the selected term. Grades reflect past outcomes, not workload or a guaranteed result.
Find your fit
11 coursesHistorical grades cover up to five years through the selected term. Only courses with at least 100 letter grades are ranked.
PUBAFFR 200 provides a general primer on large-scale US federal and state government policies, explaining the policy process and contemporary questions of concern to policymakers.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
Historical reviews of Denia Garcia: Garcia’s course involves weekly quizzes and papers, with no exams, and is considered easy if students attend discussion and complete readings. Midterm grading can be difficult and unclear, requiring clarification.
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2026Examines political, social, and economic contexts of policy making, focusing on agenda setting, implementation, and the policy cycle.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
historical GPA · grades
Fall 2022–Fall 2025EVIDENCE-BASED POLICY MAKING teaches how policymakers use research, how to judge evidence rigor, and how to communicate findings effectively.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
The workload is minimal, requiring only assigned readings and four projects, including a group presentation and paper.
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2026Introduction to US health policy examining government roles, health care economics, and policy analysis skills.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2026Examines how public policy shapes inequality across racial and ethnic groups in areas like labor, education, and housing.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2026MICROECONOMIC POLICY ANALYSIS teaches the economic approach's tools and techniques for evaluating public policies and understanding the economy.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
historical GPA · grades
Fall 2022–Fall 2025ANALYTIC TOOLS FOR PUBLIC POLICY trains students in analytical skills and tools to comprehend, assess, and address complex public policy decisions using quantitative and qualitative methods.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
Historical reviews of Zhenhuan Reed Lei: The course is rated as difficult, with lectures described as hard to follow.
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2026Covers current issues in the formulation, implementation, and analysis of public policy.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2026Introduces public program evaluation tools and the Rubin Causal Model to estimate causal effects for health policy solutions.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2026PUBAFFR 327 is an administrative internship that integrates classroom theory with practical application in public policy organizations.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2026