GDEV 3550

Econometrics for Development

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

This course provides an introduction to basic econometric methods. These are the tools of data analysis that economists and other social scientists use to estimate the size of economic and social relationships and to test hypotheses about them, using real-world data. The goal of this course is to equip students with the facts, intuition and skills necessary to critically read econometric research produced by others and to conduct independent econometric research. Coursework includes quizzes, problem sets, midterm and final examinations and a small group econometrics research project. The problem sets will require students to use the statistical software package, STATA. Free versions of the software can also be provided by STATA.

Prerequisites AEM 2100 or ILRST 2100 or equivalent.

Forbidden Overlaps AEM 4110, AEM 5111, ECON 3120, ECON 3140, GDEV 3550, GDEV 5550 and PUBPOL 3100

Enrollment Information Recommended prerequisite: basic multivariable calculus and introductory economics.

Distribution Requirements (DLS-AG)

Last 4 Terms Offered (None)

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the value and practice of econometrics as an analytical tool.
• Develop econometric models for estimating relationships, and analyze the assumptions required for unbiasedness and efficiency.
• Estimate econometric models and assess their validity.
• Critically analyze econometrics research and gauge the validity of the findings For graduate students, an additional objective is to individually develop an econometrics-based research project related to a topic of their graduate research, including collecting data, estimating econometric model and critiquing the validity of that model.

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