RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Is there a Causal Effect of High School Math on Labor Market Outcomes?
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 171
OP 198
DO 10.3368/jhr.44.1.171
VO 44
IS 1
A1 Juanna Schrøter Joensen
A1 Helena Skyt Nielsen
YR 2009
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/44/1/171.abstract
AB In this paper, we exploit a high school pilot scheme to identify the causal effect of advanced high school math on labor market outcomes. The pilot scheme reduced the costs of choosing advanced math because it allowed for a more flexible combination of math with other courses. We find clear evidence of a causal relationship between math and earnings for students who are induced to choose math after being exposed to the pilot scheme. The effect partly stems from the fact that these students end up with a higher education.