Foundations of Development Policy
MIT's 14.740x examines how policy is made in developing countries, covering education, health, gender, family structure, land relations, risk, and the informal and formal institutions that shape household decisions. The course is empirical, working through concrete case studies drawn from countries around the world to ask what determines the choices poor households make, what constraints they face, and whether government, international organizations, or NGOs can effectively intervene. It weighs specific policies that have been tried against evidence of whether they worked. The course is part of MIT's MicroMasters Program in Data, Economics, and Design of Policy, offered through MITx Online. It is free to audit, with a paid, income-adjusted proctored exam available for learners who want a certificate. Enrollment requires creating an MITx Online account.