Launched in 2020, the Data, Economics, and Design of Policy (DEDP) master’s program at MIT is the pioneering example for ADEPT partnerships. As the first master’s degree offered by MIT’s Department of Economics and the Institute’s first program delivered exclusively in a blended format, the program combines rigorous online MicroMasters coursework with an intensive eight-month residential experience on campus. Each year, the program trains a diverse cohort of approximately 20 students from around the world.

The DEDP program uses an inverted admissions model: only learners who complete the DEDP MicroMasters credential are eligible to apply. Admissions decisions are based primarily on academic performance in the online courses, with no requirement for prior degrees or standardized tests such as the GRE or GMAT. This approach has created a new pathway to graduate education for learners from non-traditional backgrounds. To date, the program has graduated over 100 students from 44 countries—84% of whom are international students, and more than half from low- or middle-income countries.

Graduates go on to meaningful careers and further study. Around 75% work with NGOs, multilateral organizations, or government agencies, while 21% pursue PhDs or research roles. Alumni have continued their studies at institutions including MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, and Princeton.

As the flagship model for ADEPT, MIT’s DEDP program offers a compelling proof of concept: globally informed, scalable, and rooted in open-access learning. ADEPT builds on this foundation to expand access to high-quality education and equip more learners worldwide with the skills to advance evidence-informed policy and development.

Home to J-PAL LAC’s office in Brazil, Insper Learning Institution (Insper) in São Paulo is known for its strong academic programs, including a Master’s in Public Policy (MPP) and a rich set of online and in-person course offerings through its Executive Education program.

In collaboration with ADEPT and J-PAL LAC, Insper will offer courses from the MicroMasters in Data, Economics, and Design of Policy (DEDP) in a “flipped classroom” format starting in October 2025. In this model, students watch the online lectures independently and attend weekly in-person sessions taught by Insper faculty. These sessions focus on applying course concepts through practical exercises and examples tailored to the Brazilian context.

As with all DEDP MicroMasters learners, Insper students who complete the online coursework and pass a final proctored exam will receive course certificates from MITx. Upon successful completion of five courses (three core and two electives), they will earn the DEDP MicroMasters credential. Students who also meet Insper-specific requirements– such as participation in the weekly in-person “flipped classroom” sessions– will receive a separate credential and course credit from Insper.

Courses will be offered through Insper’s Executive Education platform and therefore be available to MPP students, who may take DEDP x Insper courses as electives; professionals enrolled in Insper’s Executive Education programs; and in a specialization-level graduate program.

Leveraging the expertise of Insper faculty, the rigor of DEDP MicroMasters coursework, and Insper’s digital learning infrastructure, this innovative model aims to build a strong pipeline of locally trained policy professionals in Brazil.