Integrating economics into professional studies: Criminal justice, health, and public policy education

The theories and practices of economics are important in teaching students and practitioners in the fields of criminal justice, health, and public policy. Criminal justice and health professionals face increased scrutiny due to cost growth and inequities. Practitioners and policymakers can be challenged in their understanding of quantifiable benefits and the costs of interventions. It becomes imperative that professionals have an understanding of cost structure and behaviors, benefit-cost analysis, and cost effectiveness to justify efficient systems. Teaching challenges include the integration of economic principles in courses where students have had no exposure to economics teaching methods and theories. Programs that emphasize the efficient practice of health and criminal justice interventions might consider integrating economic principles into their curriculum.