Overview

Behavioral economics combines psychology and economics to look at the ways that people make economic decisions. Using psychological theories, you'll dissect the social, emotional, and cognitive influences on economic behavior and decisions. This interdisciplinary approach helps you understand why people's economic decisions are often irrational, inconsistent, and against self-interest.

If you major in this field, you'll graduate with a strong quantitative background in statistics and calculus, skills in reading primary literature, and remarkable experience designing, conducting, and reporting research. You'll be prepared to work in a think tank designing important public policies, or enter a graduate program in behavioral economics, experimental economics, or psychology.

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CLASSES OF NOTE

Game Theory

Game theory is a logical toolbox for analyzing situations where decision-makers influence each other. Learn to think clearly about strategic interactions and evaluate impacts in economic and social spheres.

Social Psychology

A survey of theory, research, history, and research methods used by social psychologists. Topics include social cognition, social perception, self-justification, social influence, conformity, interpersonal attraction, pro-social behavior, aggression, and prejudice.

Methodology and Research in Economic Thought

This capstone course explores both the practical and theoretical ways of approaching research in economics. It helps students think about research projects as well as include practice in the application of statistical and econometric techniques.