Behavioral economics courses can help you learn decision-making processes, cognitive biases, and the impact of social influences on economic behavior. You can build skills in analyzing consumer behavior, designing effective interventions, and applying experimental methods to test hypotheses. Many courses introduce tools like statistical software for data analysis and survey platforms for gathering insights, helping you apply these skills to practical work in marketing, public policy, and finance.

Duke University
Skills you'll gain: Behavioral Economics, Decision Making, Financial Planning, Finance, Consumer Behaviour, Financial Analysis, Economics, Psychology, Probability & Statistics, Risk Analysis
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Yale University
Skills you'll gain: Behavioral Economics, Storytelling, Data Storytelling, Economics, Economic Development, Financial Forecasting, Forecasting, Socioeconomics, Social Studies, Consumer Behaviour, Analysis, Complex Problem Solving
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Copenhagen Business School
Skills you'll gain: Consumer Behaviour, Marketing Psychology, Decision Making, Brand Management, Human Learning, Customer Insights, Market Research, Business Ethics, Marketing, Advertising, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Psychology, Data Collection
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Stanford University
Skills you'll gain: Game Theory, Strategic Decision-Making, Mathematical Modeling, Graph Theory, Bayesian Statistics, Behavioral Economics, Probability, Economics, Problem Solving, Algorithms
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Virginia
Skills you'll gain: Agentic systems, Economics, Artificial Intelligence, Economic Development, Socioeconomics, Public Policies, Automation, Labor Relations, Emerging Technologies, Theoretical Computer Science, Market Dynamics, Growth Strategies, Policy Analysis, Innovation
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Marketing Psychology, Case Studies, Persuasive Communication, Advertising, Consumer Behaviour, Decision Making, Marketing Effectiveness, Neurology, Behavioral Economics, Marketing, Psychology, Anatomy
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

IE Business School
Skills you'll gain: Financial Policy, International Finance, Public Policies, Economics, Economic Development, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Business Economics, Market Opportunities, International Relations, Tax, Global Marketing, Financial Trading, Policy Analysis, Socioeconomics, Demography, Business Risk Management, Crisis Management, Fiscal Management, World History, Supply And Demand
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Interactive Brokers
Skills you'll gain: Supply And Demand, Market Dynamics, Consumer Behaviour, Economics, Business Economics, Socioeconomics
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Research Design, Science and Research, Laboratory Research, Research Methodologies, Research, Consumer Behaviour, Influencing, Marketing Psychology, Case Studies, Persuasive Communication, Statistical Analysis, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Data Analysis, Data Collection, Advertising, Behavioral Economics, Biomedical Technology, Experimentation, Neurology, Decision Making
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Supply And Demand, Economics, Market Dynamics, Business Economics, Behavioral Economics, Policy Analysis, Business Operations, Price Negotiation, Socioeconomics, Consumer Behaviour, Political Sciences, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Business Strategy, Public Policies, Competitive Analysis, Resource Allocation, Decision Making, Market Analysis, Cost Benefit Analysis, Environmental Issue
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Yale University
Skills you'll gain: Investment Banking, Risk Management, Financial Market, Financial Regulation, Financial Services, Finance, Business Risk Management, Securities (Finance), Financial Policy, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Capital Markets, Behavioral Economics, Banking, Corporate Finance, Governance, Investments, Insurance, Underwriting, Derivatives, Market Dynamics
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Rice University
Skills you'll gain: Economics, Supply And Demand, Business Economics, Market Dynamics, Economic Development, Game Theory, Financial Policy, Tax, Market Analysis, International Relations, Operating Cost, Cost Benefit Analysis, Business Metrics, Public Policies, Performance Metric, International Finance, Fiscal Management, Consumer Behaviour, Investments, Labor Relations
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Behavioral economics is a field that combines insights from psychology and economics to understand how people make decisions. It explores the cognitive, emotional, and social factors that influence economic choices, challenging the traditional notion of rational decision-making. Understanding behavioral economics is important because it helps businesses, policymakers, and individuals make better decisions by recognizing the biases and heuristics that often lead to suboptimal outcomes.
Careers in behavioral economics can be diverse and rewarding. You might find opportunities in roles such as behavioral economist, data analyst, market researcher, policy advisor, or consultant. These positions often involve analyzing consumer behavior, designing interventions to influence decision-making, or advising organizations on how to implement behavioral insights into their strategies.
To succeed in behavioral economics, you'll need a mix of analytical and interpersonal skills. Key skills include statistical analysis, critical thinking, understanding of economic principles, and knowledge of psychological theories. Additionally, being able to communicate findings effectively and work collaboratively with diverse teams is crucial for applying behavioral insights in real-world scenarios.
Some of the best online courses in behavioral economics include specialized programs that cover various aspects of the field. For instance, the Behavioral Finance course offers insights into how psychological factors affect financial decision-making. Additionally, the Creating Behavioral Change course focuses on applying behavioral economics principles to drive change in individuals and organizations.
Yes. You can start learning behavioral economics on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in behavioral economics, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
Learning behavioral economics can be approached through various methods. Start by enrolling in online courses that cover the fundamentals and advanced topics. Engage with interactive materials, participate in discussions, and apply concepts to real-world scenarios. Additionally, reading books and articles on behavioral economics can enhance your understanding and keep you updated on the latest research and trends.
Typical topics covered in behavioral economics courses include decision-making processes, cognitive biases, risk perception, and the impact of social influences on economic behavior. Courses may also explore applications in marketing, finance, and public policy, providing a comprehensive view of how behavioral insights can be utilized across different sectors.
For training and upskilling employees, courses like Behavioral Marketing can be particularly beneficial. These courses help teams understand consumer behavior and design effective marketing strategies based on behavioral insights. Additionally, the Behavioral Design course equips employees with tools to create interventions that encourage desired behaviors in various contexts.