Public Economics digs into how government policies impact the economy and society. You'll explore taxation, public spending, and market failures. The course covers topics like social insurance, healthcare economics, education policy, and environmental regulations. It's all about understanding how governments intervene in markets and the consequences of those interventions.

Is Public Economics hard?

Public Economics can be challenging, but it's not impossible. The concepts can get pretty complex, especially when you're dealing with economic models and policy analysis. You'll need a solid foundation in microeconomics and some math skills. That said, if you're interested in how government and economics intersect, you'll probably find it engaging and worth the effort.

Tips for taking Public Economics in college

Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
Stay on top of current events - they often relate to class topics
Practice applying economic models to real-world situations
Form a study group to discuss policy implications
Use graphs and diagrams to visualize concepts like deadweight loss
Watch documentaries on economic policy (e.g., "Inside Job" or "The Big Short")
Read "The Undercover Economist" by Tim Harford for relatable examples

Common pre-requisites for Public Economics

Microeconomics: This course covers individual decision-making and market structures. You'll learn about supply and demand, consumer behavior, and firm theory.
Macroeconomics: Here, you'll study the economy as a whole. Topics include inflation, unemployment, economic growth, and monetary policy.
Statistics: This class teaches you how to collect, analyze, and interpret data. It's crucial for understanding empirical studies in public economics.

Classes similar to Public Economics

Health Economics: Focuses on healthcare markets, insurance, and policy. You'll analyze issues like healthcare reform and the economics of public health.
Environmental Economics: Explores the economic aspects of environmental issues. Covers topics like pollution control, resource management, and climate change policy.
Labor Economics: Examines labor markets, wage determination, and employment policies. You'll study topics like minimum wage laws, discrimination, and unions.
Urban Economics: Investigates economic issues in cities. Covers topics like housing markets, transportation, and local public finance.

Economics: Focuses on the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Students learn to analyze markets, policies, and economic behavior.
Public Policy: Combines economics, political science, and sociology to study government decision-making. Students learn to analyze and develop policies to address social issues.
Political Science: Examines political systems, institutions, and behavior. Students study government structures, international relations, and policy-making processes.
Sociology: Explores human society, social interactions, and institutions. Students analyze social problems, inequality, and the impact of policies on different groups.

What can you do with a degree in Public Economics?

Policy Analyst: Evaluates the effectiveness of government programs and policies. They conduct research, analyze data, and make recommendations to improve public services.
Economic Consultant: Provides expert advice to businesses and governments on economic issues. They use economic models to forecast trends and assess the impact of policy changes.
Government Economist: Works for government agencies to analyze economic data and trends. They help develop economic policies and assess their potential impacts.
Research Economist: Conducts in-depth studies on economic issues for think tanks or academic institutions. They publish findings that can influence policy decisions and public debate.