Course Syllabus

Instructor:              Kerry Krutilla | Professor

Office Hours:          By appointment (Zoom Link)

This course applies benefit-cost analysis to public and environmental policies. The first part of the course develops the conceptual foundations and associated methods. The second part applies the methods to practice and further develops topics on benefit valuation and political economy.

P541 has two overarching objectives. The first is to introduce the conceptual framework underlying benefit-cost analysis, develop the associated methods, and provides the opportunity to apply the methods through application-oriented assignments.  The second is to develop the methodological sophistication and philosophic perspective needed to understand the information that benefit-cost analysis provides. You will come to understand both the value and limitations of your work as a BCA practitioner and become a sophisticated consumer of benefit-cost analyses produced by government agencies, non-profits, and others.

P541 Syllabus Fall 2026.pdf

(Students: See "Detailed Syllabus" on the left navigation menu for full course information.)

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