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Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics

Behavioral Economics

Gone are the times of wholly rational decision-making based purely on the needs of the self. Standing in contrast to the neoclassical model of homo economicus, behavioral economics draws upon insights from the field of psychology to analyze how individuals behave in situations relating to economics. This involves social preferences such as fairness, as well as departures from entirely rational mindsets – loss aversion being one example of this. Neuroeconomics, a related area, examines the basic neurobiological principles underpinning economic behavior.

You will learn about the fundamental models used in behavioral economics and discuss how they are applied in labor economics, organizational economics, health economics, industrial economics, and development economics, making use of mathematical, statistical, and empirical methods such as laboratory and field experiments. Acquiring insights into behavioral economics makes it possible to create more accurate forecasts of the impact that policy measures will have on actual economic affairs, and forms the basis for designing new policy instruments such as nudging.

Career prospects

By specializing with the minor study program in Behavioral Economics, you will acquire analytical and empirical knowledge which can be put to use in both private and public institutions; for example, in the fields of human resources, organizational psychology and political consulting.

Minor

Behavioral Economics is available as:

Minor program (30 ECTS credits)

Can be combined with the following major programs:
Business and Economics
Banking and Finance
Business Administration
Economics
Management and Economics

Weiterführende Informationen

How to proceed?

You plan to pursue a Master's program at our Faculty. Information on the next steps you need to take is available here.

Application and admission: For assuming studies at our Faculty, you first need to apply to the University of Zurich.
Application and admission

Admission based on academic background: If you have a Bachelor's degree from another higher education institution, get informed about the categorization process.
Admission to the Master's program

Changing program: Being a student at our Faculty, you have come to the conclusion that another study program might fit your interests even better.
Changing program

Regulations: You will find everything you need to know about your studies in the regulations.
Regulations

Questions on your program of studies: You are pursuing studies at our Faculty and have specific questions? Our academic advisors or the Dean's Office are ready to help you.