Understand the broader business applications of consumer behavior.
This certificate program grants knowledge in behavioral economics that can be applied to numerous professional fields, including public relations, marketing, education, economics, and consulting. Online coursework allows students to experience flexible, asynchronous learning from instructors who are actively working in the field.
Studying elements of economics and financial literacy, behavioral economics students will generate a richer understanding of human behavior through a competency-based model grounded in:
- Political science
- Public policy
- Statistics
- Consumer psychology
- Social psychology
- Cognitive psychology
- Consulting psychology
You may complete the Certificate in Behavioral Economics and apply the courses towards the M.A. Behavioral Economics degree. Or, as a non-degree seeking student, you may take nine credits to enhance your knowledge and expertise in the field.
Aaron Jones, M.A.
Admission Requirements
- Application – Apply Online
- Application Fee: $50
- Generally a GPA of 3.0 or higher is required
- Official college/university transcripts
- Applicants with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 are required to submit additional documentation
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Personal statement/ essay
Licensure
The Certificate in Behavioral Economics program is a non-licensure program. For information on whether a program at The Chicago School meets or does not meet licensure eligibility requirements for the state in which you wish to be licensed, please visit our licensure disclosures page.
Sample Courses
Fundamentals of Behavioral Economics
Behavioral Economics (BE) is the study of judgment and choice. For example, an essential part of understanding consumer behavior is learning how diverse individuals formulate judgments and make decisions. Students will learn the history of Behavioral Economics and how it has evolved from a blending of social and cognitive psychology. Students will also learn about advances in BE and modern developments which have contributed to our understanding of human behavior. Students will learn how diverse individual reference points contribute to shaping each individual’s unique response to social information processing.
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. This class concludes with a group project in which students will develop a neuro-marketing idea for use.
Social Cognition and Information Processing
Social cognition and information processing play a role in persuasive messaging that is essential to designing effective psychologically grounded interventions. Students will learn how individual and cultural differences influence how individuals perceive, comprehend, and use information through the filter of Behavioral Economics and Social Psychology. Students will learn to write persuasive messages and communications for marketing and consulting purposes to target diverse consumer market segments.
Online Student Experience
As an online student at The Chicago School, you will enjoy a transformative educational experience with the flexibility to keep your other life commitments intact. The Global Student Dashboard houses all the components you'll need to complete your online behavioral economics certificate program successfully, including coursework, assignments, and areas to interact with fellow students and ask your instructors questions.
Career Pathways
Upon completion of this online behavioral sciences certificate program, you will be prepared to enhance your careers in multiple fields, including:
- Public relations
- Marketing
- Education
- Economics
- Consulting
Financing Your Education
The Chicago School is dedicated to keeping our academic programs accessible to anyone, regardless of financial status. In addition to the scholarships that may be available, our Financial Aid Department will provide you with information to determine what financial arrangements are right for you.
