Kathryn Wassel, PhD

Practical application of appropriate social science research methodology to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of public and non-profit sector programs and policies. Covers a broad range of topics including how to develop an evaluation plan, how to design various types of evaluations such as process, impact, cost-benefit, and cost-effectiveness evaluations, and how to manage evaluation projects.

Chronological examination of the main frameworks, theories, and models of the policy process. Focus areas include the assessment and evaluation of public policy and policy outcomes. Seminal empirical works provide the context for understanding the major academic literature in policy analysis, aiding students in developing their own policy analysis skills.

History and development of social policy related to health care; theories and methods used in the analysis and evaluation of health policies; and federal, state, and local governmental structures and processes, special interest groups, and other actors that impact health policy.

Examination of variations in, and population health impacts of, state, regional, and local government public health policies in the US. While attention is often paid to national and international public health policies, subnational policies can have significant impacts on the health and well-being of populations well beyond their jurisdictional boundaries.

Chronological examination of the main frameworks, theories, and models of the policy process. Focus areas include the assessment and evaluation of public policy and policy outcomes. Seminal empirical works provide the context for understanding the major academic literature in policy analysis, aiding students in developing their own policy analysis skills.