Online Summer School in Modern Difference in Differences Design

Course Outline:

This course provides a comprehensive overview of modern Diff-in-Diff designs. The sessions will proceed step by step starting by the basic set-up and build up to the state-of-the-art applications. The course is structured to provide:

• a broad overview of a problem and the associated methods and literature; 
• an in-depth look at a particularly important paper;
• how to implement the methods in software.

Learning outcomes: 

The course will provide a complete overview of the difference-in-differences technique to achieve causal inference. During the course students will:

• Build the theoretical and practical knowledge on the use of different Diff-in Diff techniques
• Become familiar with the most advanced techniques of Diff-in-Diff such as matching, synthetic control, asymmetric/staggered treatments, dynamic
  treatments, interference, and heterogeneous treatment effects
• Become acquainted with the most important applications of each tool
  covered
• Gain a deep understanding of the practical use of each econometric
  strategy
• Receive feedback on individua research projects

Software:

Applications will be made available in Stata and R. However, not all of the tools covered are available in both software packages.

Prerequisites:

The course is appropriate for anyone considering using observational causal inference tools and makes no assumption of pre-existing training beyond basic regression.

Degree requirements:

The course is open to anyone (scholars or professionals) with an interest in Difference-in-Differences econometric techniques. Applicants are required to hold at least a bachelor’s degree and be on track to completing/have completed a postgraduate degree. The course is most suited to: Ph.D. students, young scholars and early career researchers.

Course fees:

The course is fully funded by the Department of Economics, Management and Quantitative Methods (DEMM) at the University of Milan. This was made possible thanks to an award to DEMM as Department of Excellence by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR), which resulted in establishing the Centre of Excellence in Economics and Data Science (CEEDS).

Credit:

The course is equivalent to 3 ECTS in the European system. Students who wish to receive credit for their Summer School course will need to contact their Study Abroad Office or the office in their university that deals with external credit. We strongly advise you to verify your university credit-granting process before you apply.

Certification:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to request a certificate of participation.

Number of places available: 25

Note that availability is limited to 25 participants. Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.

How to apply: 

All applicants are requested to:

• Fill the following online application form with your personal
  information together with an updated CV, and, for PhD students only, a
  motivation letter of no more than 150 words:

https://forms.gle/U6gYmLZb12JNyUmv5

Deadline:

February 28^th, 2021 at 23:59:59 CET.

Candidates will be informed of the outcome of their application by March 12^th, 2021. Successful applicants will be requested to confirm their presence by March 19^th, 2021.