Behavioral economics sits at the intersection of psychology and economics, studying how cognitive biases, social norms, and emotions shape real-world decisions. It is the study of judgment and choice, providing a lens through which people can understand anomalies in human behavior that traditional economic models are unable to explain, blending psychology and economics for a fuller understanding of human behavior and customer preferences. Demand for behavioral economists is surging across sectors, and companies from Google and Facebook to the World Bank have all used behavioral economics to solve their business challenges, which has convinced business schools to offer specialist master's degrees in the subject.
Below you will find a carefully researched list of master's-level programs—spanning the United States, Europe, and online options—so you can identify the right fit for your career goals and lifestyle.
Why Pursue a Master's in Behavioral Economics?
Schools and businesses see the potential of behavioral economics to create a positive impact in society; it has already been used to increase organ donations, improve savings for retirement, foster environmentally friendly behaviors, and motivate healthier food choices. A graduate degree in this field positions you for roles in policy design, product strategy, marketing analytics, and organizational consulting.
Graduates get hired by central banks, think-tanks, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies, while others go on to pursue PhDs and launch academic careers.
Top Master's Programs in the United States
1. Evidentia University — Master of Science in Behavioral Economics (Online)
Evidentia University offers an official U.S. Master of Science degree comprising 36 credits. The university is officially licensed by the Florida Department of Education. The program stands out for three reasons:
- Radical Practicality: The approach bridges the gap between theory and the real world—students apply science from day one through case studies and practical projects that deliver tangible results.
- Elite Faculty: The faculty is a curated team of PhDs, corporate leaders, and renowned consultants, including practitioners from the Busara Center for Behavioural Economics and MIT GovLab.
- Full Flexibility: The program is 100% online to fit your schedule.
You do not need a specific background to succeed (but you need a bachelor's degree diploma), and the student cohorts thrive on diverse professional perspectives—from marketing and tech to finance and HR. Nine out of 10 graduates would recommend the master's degrees to other professionals, according to the May 2025 satisfaction surveys.
2. University of Pennsylvania — Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences (MBDS)
The MBDS program at the University of Pennsylvania is a training ground for the next generation of applied behavioral scientists. The degree is informed by contemporary theories and research methods of behavioral economics, decision sciences, network analysis, and public policy. Penn's MBDS program is STEM-designated, coded as 30.1701, which is especially valuable for international students seeking OPT extensions.
3. Chapman University — MS in Behavioral and Computational Economics
The 2-year Master of Science in Behavioral and Computational Economics program is open to anyone with a completed bachelor's degree and strong mathematical or computational background. Formed as an alternative to a more traditional theory-based degree, the MSBCE pushes students to use laboratory experiments, computer simulations, and mathematical analysis, preparing them to design, develop, test, and implement efficient exchange systems.
The program provides full tuition coverage along with potential research assistantships for the Fall 2026 intake.
4. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology — M.A. in Behavioral Economics (Online)
Both the Behavioral Economics master's program and the certificate program are offered 100% online and asynchronously. The program is grounded in psychology, studying the mechanisms behind what economists observe and predict. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for economists is 5% new job openings from 2023 to 2033, with 17,500 new job openings in 2023.
Top Master's Programs in Europe
5. London School of Economics — Executive MSc in Behavioural Science
The MSc Behavioral Science is offered by one of the world's leading academic institutions; students learn the skills and competencies they need to understand, predict, and change human behavior. LSE's proximity to the UK's Behavioural Insights Team gives students unparalleled access to policy networks.
6. Tilburg University — MSc Economics: Behavioral Economics Track (Netherlands)
This program trains students to address economic problems related to human behavior and become economists who consider both economics and psychology. With a specialization in Behavioral Economics, graduates have a degree tailored for careers in policy advising, project management, and consultancy, with demand from government agencies, financial institutions, insurance companies, and multinational corporations.
7. City St George's, University of London (Bayes Business School) — MSc Behavioural Economics
This program, put on by City University's Bayes Business School in London, covers the ethical and unethical applications of nudge theory, instilling sensitivity to these issues.
8. University College Dublin — MSc in Behavioural Economics
Offered by UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School in Dublin, Ireland, the course equips students with knowledge on human decision-making applicable in academic, business, and policy settings.
9. University of Warwick — MSc in Behavioural and Economic Science
Warwick's MSc in Behavioural and Economic Science has a growing reputation and is particularly good for applied career paths.
How to Choose the Right Program
Selecting a master's in behavioral economics depends on several personal and professional factors. Use this decision framework:
- Career Goal Alignment: Identify your career goal—academic research programs should prioritize PhD-track, research-active faculty; policy and NGO careers benefit from programs with policy-lab ties; industry and product roles favor master's degrees with applied labs and internships.
- Format and Flexibility: If you are a working professional, fully online programs like Evidentia University and The Chicago School let you study without relocating.
- STEM Designation: International students in the U.S. should check whether a program carries a STEM CIP code for extended OPT eligibility.
- Financial Support: Some programs, like Chapman's MSBCE, offer full tuition funding. Others provide grants or interest-free payment plans.
- Curriculum Focus: Programs range from psychology-heavy (The Chicago School) to computation-heavy (Chapman) to policy-oriented (LSE, Tilburg). Match the curriculum to your target industry.
Key Takeaways
- Behavioral economics master's programs are available across the U.S., Europe, and online, giving you options regardless of geography.
- Evidentia University's approach is built on radical practicality, elite mentorship from active industry shapers, and a complete toolkit for analyzing, predicting, and influencing human behavior in any professional field.
- Consider format (online vs. on-campus), funding, STEM designation, and career alignment when shortlisting programs.
- The field is growing: behavioral insights are now embedded in corporate strategy, public policy, and technology design worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an economics or psychology background to enroll?
Not necessarily. At Evidentia University, for example, you do not need a specific background to succeed—you only need a bachelor's degree, and the cohorts thrive on diverse professional perspectives. Requirements vary by program; some, like Chapman, expect a strong quantitative background.
Can I earn a behavioral economics master's degree entirely online?
Yes. Several programs are fully online, including Evidentia University's 100% online format and The Chicago School's 100% online and asynchronous delivery.
What careers can I pursue with this degree?
Someone interested in decision-making, consumer behavior, and negotiation is a great fit, and the degree teaches valuable skills applicable in government, marketing agencies, nonprofit management, public relations, and business. Common roles include behavioral strategist, UX researcher, policy analyst, and management consultant.
Are there funded master's programs in behavioral economics?
Yes. Chapman University's MSBCE offers successful applicants full tuition scholarships, with additional opportunities to earn through research assistantships. Many European programs also offer tuition waivers or stipends for international students.
How long does a master's in behavioral economics take?
Most programs last one to two years. Chapman's MSBCE is a 2-year program, while many European MSc degrees are completed in 12 months of full-time study. Online programs often allow flexible pacing.