• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Degrees
​
Log In
Join for Free
  • Browse
  • Public Economics

Public Economics Courses

Public economics courses can help you learn about government policies, taxation, public spending, and their impacts on economic efficiency and equity. You can build skills in cost-benefit analysis, fiscal policy evaluation, and understanding the role of public goods in the economy. Many courses introduce tools like econometric software for analyzing data and modeling economic scenarios, as well as methods for assessing the effectiveness of various public programs.


Popular Public Economics Courses and Certifications


  • U

    University of Michigan

    Environmental Economics

    Skills you'll gain: Sustainable Development, Sustainable Business, Environmental Policy, Environmental Issue, Environmental Regulations, Environment, Environment and Resource Management, Climate Change Programs, Climate Change Mitigation, Financial Policy, Cost Benefit Analysis, Energy and Utilities, Economics, Oil and Gas, Policy Analysis, Market Dynamics, Public Policies, Decision Making

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    27 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • O

    O.P. Jindal Global University

    Theories of Public Policy

    Skills you'll gain: Public Policies, Policy Development, Public Affairs, Policty Analysis, Research, and Development, Policy Analysis, Political Sciences, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Advocacy, Environmental Policy, Behavioral Economics, Public Administration, Media and Communications, Program Evaluation, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Governance, Economics

    Build toward a degree

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    6 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • E

    Erasmus University Rotterdam

    Introduction to Economic Theories

    Skills you'll gain: Consumer Behaviour, Market Dynamics, Financial Market, Financial Systems, Economics, Financial Policy, Economic Development, Tax, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, General Finance, Public Administration, Public Policies, Environment and Resource Management, Social Studies, Social Sciences, Socioeconomics, Sustainable Development, Supply And Demand, Behavioral Economics, Governance

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    381 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • U

    University of Michigan

    Social Impact & Public Policy

    Skills you'll gain: Policy Analysis, Community Organizing, Policy Development, Social Justice, Social Work, Public Policies, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Systems, Community Development, Community and Social Work, Political Sciences, Health Policy, Social and Human Services, Advocacy, Social Impact, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Sustainable Business, Strategic Leadership, Systems Thinking, Cultural Diversity

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    951 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • E

    EDUCBA

    Economics and Finance Fundamentals

    Skills you'll gain: Economics, International Finance, Market Dynamics, Supply And Demand, Business Economics, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Financial Policy, Consumer Behaviour, General Finance, International Relations, Financial Trading, Game Theory, Financial Systems, Tax, Market Analysis, Economic Development, Competitive Analysis, Bidding, Finance, Fiscal Management

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • U

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Managerial Economics and Business Analysis

    Skills you'll gain: Supply And Demand, Statistical Inference, Business Analytics, Descriptive Statistics, Sampling (Statistics), Market Dynamics, Business Planning, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Statistics, Financial Systems, Banking Services, Bank Regulations, Financial Policy, Banking, International Finance, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Literacy, Data Analysis, Economics, Statistical Analysis

    Build toward a degree

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    4.4K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • I

    IE Business School

    Globalization, Economic Growth and Stability

    Skills you'll gain: Financial Policy, International Finance, Public Policies, Economics, Economic Development, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Policy Development, Business Economics, Market Opportunities, International Relations, Tax, Market Data, Policy Analysis, Socioeconomics, Risk Analysis, Demography, Crisis Management, Fiscal Management, Social Studies, Supply And Demand

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.4K reviews

    Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • U

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Microeconomics Principles

    Skills you'll gain: Supply And Demand, Economics, Market Dynamics, Business Economics, Behavioral Economics, Policy Analysis, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Business, Business Operations, Consumer Behaviour, Operations, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Business Strategy, Public Policies, Competitive Analysis, Resource Allocation, Revenue Management, Market Analysis, Socioeconomics

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    3.4K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

  • U

    University of Virginia

    The Economics of AI

    Skills you'll gain: Agentic systems, Generative AI Agents, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Economics, Artificial Intelligence, Economic Development, AI literacy, Socioeconomics, Public Policies, Automation, Labor Relations, Market Dynamics, Growth Strategies, Policy Analysis, Innovation, Production Process

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    88 reviews

    Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Job Ready
    Job Ready
    O

    O.P. Jindal Global University

    M.A. Public Policy

    Skills you'll gain: Econometrics, Surveys, Data Ethics, R (Software), Environmental Laws, Social Sciences, Matplotlib, Research Reports, Social Determinants Of Health, Public Policies, Research Methodologies, Political Sciences, Policy Development, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Economic Development, Financial Policy, Diplomacy, International Relations, Economics, Policty Analysis, Research, and Development

    Earn a degree

    Degree · 1 - 4 Years

  • E

    EDUCBA

    Markets and Firm Decisions in Economics

    Skills you'll gain: Economics, Market Dynamics, Business Economics, Supply And Demand, Consumer Behaviour, Tax, Market Analysis, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Cost Benefit Analysis, Cost Accounting, Competitive Analysis, Revenue Management, Production Process, Production Management, Branding, Resource Allocation

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • B

    Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani

    Introduction to Economics

    Skills you'll gain: Financial Systems, Economics, Supply And Demand, Capital Markets, Financial Market, Consumer Behaviour, Market Dynamics, Financial Policy, General Finance, Economic Development, Business Economics, Market Data, Socioeconomics, Labor Law, Fiscal Management, Social Sciences, Market Analysis, Resource Allocation, Public Policies, Decision Making

    Build toward a degree

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

1234…271

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular public economics courses

  • Environmental Economics: University of Michigan
  • Theories of Public Policy: O.P. Jindal Global University
  • Introduction to Economic Theories: Erasmus University Rotterdam
  • Social Impact & Public Policy: University of Michigan
  • Economics and Finance Fundamentals: EDUCBA
  • Managerial Economics and Business Analysis: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  • Globalization, Economic Growth and Stability: IE Business School
  • Microeconomics Principles: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  • The Economics of AI: University of Virginia
  • M.A. Public Policy: O.P. Jindal Global University

Frequently Asked Questions about Public Economics

Public economics is a branch of economics that focuses on the role of the government in the economy. It examines how government policies affect economic efficiency, equity, and overall welfare. Understanding public economics is crucial because it helps policymakers design effective interventions to address market failures, redistribute income, and provide public goods. By studying public economics, individuals can gain insights into how fiscal policies, taxation, and government spending influence economic outcomes and societal well-being.‎

A background in public economics can lead to various career opportunities. Potential job roles include public policy analyst, economic consultant, budget analyst, and research economist. These positions often exist within government agencies, think tanks, non-profit organizations, and private sector firms. Professionals in this field analyze data, evaluate policies, and provide recommendations to improve economic outcomes. Additionally, roles in academia or teaching positions in economics can also be pursued.‎

To excel in public economics, several key skills are essential. Strong analytical abilities are crucial for interpreting data and evaluating economic policies. Proficiency in statistical software and econometrics is also important for conducting research and analysis. Furthermore, effective communication skills are necessary to present findings and recommendations clearly to stakeholders. Understanding economic theory and public policy frameworks will enhance your ability to navigate complex economic issues.‎

There are several online courses available that can help you learn about public economics. Some recommended options include the Agribusiness and Sustainable Food Production Economics Specialization and the Managerial Economics and Business Analysis Specialization. These courses cover various aspects of economics and can provide a solid foundation for understanding public economics.‎

Yes. You can start learning public economics on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many public economics courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in public economics, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

To learn public economics effectively, start by exploring foundational courses that cover basic economic principles. Engage with online resources, such as lectures and articles, to deepen your understanding. Participating in discussions or study groups can also enhance your learning experience. Additionally, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios through case studies or projects can solidify your grasp of public economics.‎

Public economics courses typically cover a range of topics, including government intervention in markets, taxation, public goods, externalities, and income distribution. Students may also explore the impact of fiscal policies on economic performance and social welfare. Understanding these concepts is essential for analyzing how government actions influence economic behavior and outcomes.‎

For training and upskilling employees in public economics, courses like the Data Analytics in the Public Sector with R Specialization can be particularly beneficial. These courses provide practical skills that can be applied in various public sector roles, enhancing employees' ability to analyze data and inform policy decisions effectively.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Other topics to explore

Arts and Humanities
338 courses
Business
1095 courses
Computer Science
668 courses
Data Science
425 courses
Information Technology
145 courses
Health
471 courses
Math and Logic
70 courses
Personal Development
137 courses
Physical Science and Engineering
413 courses
Social Sciences
401 courses
Language Learning
150 courses

Coursera Footer

Skills

  • Accounting
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • Digital Marketing
  • Human Resources (HR)
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Project Management
  • Python
  • SQL

Professional Certificates

  • Google AI Certificate
  • Google Cybersecurity Certificate
  • Google Data Analytics Certificate
  • Google IT Support Certificate
  • Google Project Management Certificate
  • Google UX Design Certificate
  • IBM AI Engineering Certificate
  • IBM AI Product Manager Certificate
  • IBM Data Science Certificate
  • Intuit Academy Bookkeeping Certificate

Courses & Specializations

  • AI Essentials Specialization
  • AI For Business Specialization
  • AI For Everyone Course
  • AI in Healthcare Specialization
  • Deep Learning Specialization
  • Excel Skills for Business Specialization
  • Financial Markets Course
  • Machine Learning Specialization
  • Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT Course
  • Python for Everybody Specialization

Career Resources

  • Career Aptitude Test
  • CAPM Certification Requirements
  • CompTIA A+ Certification Requirements
  • CompTIA Security+ Certification Requirements
  • Essential IT Certifications
  • High-Income Skills to Learn
  • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
  • PMP Certification Requirements
  • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
  • Share your Coursera learning story

Coursera

  • About
  • What We Offer
  • Leadership
  • Careers
  • Catalog
  • Coursera Plus
  • Professional Certificates
  • MasterTrack® Certificates
  • Degrees
  • For Enterprise
  • For Government
  • For Campus
  • Become a Partner
  • Social Impact
  • Free Courses
  • Udemy

Community

  • Learners
  • Partners
  • Beta Testers
  • Blog
  • The Coursera Podcast
  • Tech Blog

More

  • Press
  • Investors
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Help
  • Accessibility
  • Contact
  • Articles
  • Directory
  • Affiliates
  • Modern Slavery Statement
  • Do Not Sell/Share
Learn Anywhere
Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play
Logo of Certified B Corporation
© 2026 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Coursera Facebook
  • Coursera Linkedin
  • Coursera Twitter
  • Coursera YouTube
  • Coursera Instagram
  • Coursera TikTok