Economics of Health and Education: Policy and Decision Making

How do societies decide how much to invest in schools versus hospitals, and how do these choices affect economic growth? Understanding the economic forces behind health and education is essential for analyzing public policy and driving social change. This text-only course guides you through the foundational economic theories that govern human capital development. You will learn to evaluate policy interventions, analyze healthcare and education systems, and understand how resources are allocated to maximize societal well-being. What you will learn: 1. Understand the core concepts of human capital theory and its impact on economic growth. 2. Analyze the demand and supply dynamics in healthcare and education markets. 3. Evaluate the role of government intervention, public spending, and market failures. 4. Assess modern policy challenges, including digital delivery models like telehealth and edtech. 5. Practice cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis for social sector projects. 6. Apply economic frameworks to real-world health and education policy case studies. The course begins with essential terminology and foundational economic theories before moving into practical policy analysis and modern resource allocation challenges. Through structured written explanations and analytical exercises, you will build a solid framework for evaluating social sector investments. This course is designed for beginners, public policy enthusiasts, and students of economics or social sciences, with no prior prerequisites required. Start reading today to master the economic principles that shape health and education policies worldwide.