Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Zurich offers a minor study program in Behavioral Economics, which draws upon insights from psychology to analyze how individuals behave in economic situations. This program stands in contrast to the neoclassical model of homo economicus and involves social preferences such as fairness, as well as departures from entirely rational mindsets.

Program Description

You will learn about the fundamental models used in behavioral economics and discuss how they are applied in various fields, including labor economics, organizational economics, health economics, industrial economics, and development economics. The program utilizes mathematical, statistical, and empirical methods such as laboratory and field experiments. Acquiring insights into behavioral economics enables the creation of 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 in the minor study program in Behavioral Economics, you will acquire analytical and empirical knowledge that can be applied in both private and public institutions. For example, in the fields of human resources, organizational psychology, and political consulting.

Program Structure

Behavioral Economics is available as a minor program, consisting of 30 ECTS credits. It can be combined with the following major programs:

• Business and Economics
• Banking and Finance
• Business Administration
• Economics
• Management and Economics

Additional Information

The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of behavioral economics, enabling them to make more accurate forecasts and design effective policy instruments. The University of Zurich's Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics offers a range of programs, including the minor in Behavioral Economics, to help students achieve their academic and professional goals.