Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation
Published on June 28, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm thrilled to be joined by Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in policy evaluation and the lead instructor for the Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation. Dr. Smith, can you tell us a bit about this course and what inspired you to create it? GUEST: Thanks for having me! This course is designed to help professionals develop advanced skills in policy impact assessment. I noticed a gap in the industry for comprehensive training in both quantitative and qualitative methods, so I created this program to fill that need. HOST: That's fantastic. Considering the growing emphasis on evidence-based policymaking, how do you think this course will benefit professionals working in government or non-profit sectors? GUEST: This course will equip policy analysts, program managers, and researchers with the tools they need to assess program effectiveness and make informed decisions. By learning experimental and quasi-experimental designs, cost-benefit analysis, and program evaluation frameworks, they can contribute to data-driven policies that truly make a difference. HOST: In your experience, what are some of the challenges faced when evaluating policy impact, and how does this course address them? GUEST: One challenge is dealing with limited resources and data. In the course, we teach students how to work with these constraints and still produce valuable insights. We also focus on causal inference, helping learners understand the underlying causes of policy outcomes and how to accurately measure their impact. HOST: That's really interesting. As we look to the future, how do you see the field of policy evaluation evolving, and what role does this course play in that evolution? GUEST: As technology advances, we'll see more data becoming available, and new methods for analyzing it. This course keeps up with these trends, teaching students cutting-edge techniques in data analysis and visualization. By staying current, our graduates will be well-positioned to lead the way in policy evaluation. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you so much for joining us today and sharing your insights on the Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation. For those interested in learning more, where can they find information about the course? GUEST: They can visit our website to explore the program and enroll today. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your understanding of policy effectiveness and advance your career in policy evaluation! HOST: Absolutely, we'll include a link in our show notes. Thanks again, Dr. Smith, and listeners, stay tuned for our next episode!
