Master’s Degree in Behavioral Economics
- Online
- Full-Time
- 2 Years Full-Time
An alternative to the traditional M.B.A., The Chicago School’s M.A. in Behavioral Economics online program provides students with a foundation in advanced psychology focused on business applications such as human decision-making, negotiation, marketing, and consumer behavior.
Students enrolled in The Chicago School’s online programs will enjoy a transformative educational experience with the flexibility of a program that does not have to interfere with their other commitments.
Integrating elements of economics, financial literacy, public policy, and consumer psychology, the Behavioral Economics Program includes studies in:
- Consulting
- Social psychology
- Cognitive psychology and consumer psychology
- Statistics
- Public policy
- Economics and finance
- Game theory
Graduates of the Behavioral Economics program will have a unique understanding of consumer and social behavior, which is a strong asset in business, politics, and nonprofit. Graduates will also have the tools necessary to excel as consultants, researchers, public servants, and marketers.
Online M.A. in Behavioral Economics: Student Experience
Through the convenience of The Chicago School’s online programs, your life remains intact. Our online Global Student Dashboard is where you will find all of the components to successfully complete your program successfully. There, you’ll find your coursework and assignments, interact with fellow students, and ask your instructor questions.
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Brain and Behavior
Studying how the brain informs our behaviors is an essential step in learning ways behavioral economics can be used to inform social interventions. Students will study neuropsychology with a focus on the study of how our brain structures are related to judgment and choice. From this foundation, students will be able to use neuro-marketing techniques (the use of marketing techniques to activate certain structures in the brain) to target ideal consumers and their diverse needs. This class concludes with a group project in which students will develop a neuro-marketing idea for use among diverse market segments.
Consumer Motivation
Consumers today are bombarded by fast-paced, technologically savvy inducements to make spontaneous purchases across media. This course helps students make sense of how potential buyers sort through the stimulus overload. Students learn how to design point-of-sale displays; improve visual merchandising; maintain the integrity of a brand image; and attract and retain customers over time. Individually tailored project work centers on the participant’s own work challenges.
Choice Architecture
Based on the principles of cognitive psychology, the concept of choice architecture involves purposefully placing primarily visual or auditory behavior-activating prompts or cues to influence choice making. Examples include changes to default choices to encourage participation in organ donor programs and retirement savings accounts. Students will learn how people respond differentially to similar cues based on interpretations of prompts through their owned cultural and personal values, attitudes, and beliefs. Students will also study ways in which to encourage positive behavioral outcomes while maintaining consumer free-choice.
For information on where The Chicago School of Professional Psychology meets, does not meet, or has not determined if the program meets licensure eligibility requirements for the state in which you wish to be licensed, please visit: https://staging.thechicagoschool.edu/admissions/licensure-disclosures/.
The program culminates in an Applied Research Project in which students will apply BE concepts to an approved topic. Students will complete classwork throughout their studies that will guide them through the process of writing the Applied Research Project. A faculty member will approve and supervise the project through these courses.
Send materials to:
Admissions Operations
c/o The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
203 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 1900
Chicago, IL 60601
Students applying to the Behavioral Economics program must submit the following:
- Application
- Application Fee: $50
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Essay – Please answer the following questions within two double spaced typed pages (approximately 500-750 words). Essay must specifically address the program/specialization for which you are applying.
- Psychology is a vast discipline with many career options. In an essay format, please describe why you chose this particular program/specialization. Cite specific experiences and examples to illustrate:
- Why it is important to you to study this discipline at a school that emphasizes cultural awareness, competence, and understanding of diversity (see our Commitment to Diversity Statement).
- Your professional career goals as they relate to this specialization.
- Why you believe this program will assist you in reaching these goals.
- Psychology is a vast discipline with many career options. In an essay format, please describe why you chose this particular program/specialization. Cite specific experiences and examples to illustrate:
- Official College/University Transcripts
- Students must submit official transcripts from all schools where degrees have been earned. The Chicago School requires that all schools be regionally accredited higher education institutions. Official transcripts may be sent directly from the institution or with your application for admission as long as they are official, sealed, and signed across the envelope flap when they arrive.
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Work experience recommended
The Chicago School is dedicated to keep our professional degree programs accessible to anyone regardless of financial status. In addition to the scholarships that may be available, our Financial Aid Department will help provide you with information to determine what financial arrangements are right for you.