BE - Behavioral Economics

Behavioral economics majors examine social, emotional, and cognitive influences on economic decisions and behavior. The interdisciplinary approach of behavioral economics allows better understanding of why economic decisions are often irrational, inconsistent, and against the decision maker’s self-interest. Quantitative skills, research methodology, and critical reading are emphasized as students complete multiple empirical projects across the major. The behavioral economics major provides a rigorous and practical liberal arts background to prepare students for graduate study focusing on experimental economics, behavioral economics, social psychology, or cognitive psychology and for careers in public policy or business. Students majoring in behavioral economics may not also major or minor in economics or psychology. This program is housed in the Departments of Psychology and the Nicolais School of Business.