Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Economics Evaluation
Published on June 23, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm thrilled to be talking with Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in behavioral economics and the lead instructor for the new Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Economics Evaluation. Welcome, Jane! GUEST: Thanks for having me! I'm excited to discuss this innovative program. HOST: To start, can you share a bit about your experience in behavioral economics and what drew you to this field? GUEST: Absolutely! I've always been fascinated by how people make decisions, and behavioral economics bridges the gap between economics and psychology. It's been rewarding to apply these insights to real-world issues. HOST: That's fascinating! Now, let's dive into the course. Can you explain the concept of "choice architecture" and its significance in behavioral economics? GUEST: Of course. Choice architecture refers to how we can structure decision-making environments to nudge people toward better choices. It's a powerful tool for improving outcomes in various sectors, from public health to marketing. HOST: I see. And how does this course help students understand and apply these concepts in their professional lives? GUEST: The course provides hands-on training in designing and analyzing impact evaluations using advanced econometric methods. Students will learn to identify causal relationships and design effective behavioral interventions or "nudges." HOST: That sounds incredibly useful. Now, what are some challenges students might face when learning about behavioral economics evaluation, and how does the course address them? GUEST: One challenge is applying abstract concepts to real-world situations. We've designed the course to include practical examples and case studies to help students overcome this hurdle. HOST: Great to hear! Now, looking to the future, how do you see the field of behavioral economics evolving, and how does this course prepare students for those changes? GUEST: Behavioral economics is becoming increasingly relevant in policy and organizational decision-making. This course equips students with the skills to stay at the forefront of this dynamic field and apply cutting-edge techniques to improve outcomes in their respective industries. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you so much for sharing your insights and giving us a closer look at this exciting new course. I'm sure our listeners will find it as engaging and valuable as I have. GUEST: My pleasure! I encourage anyone interested in behavioral economics and evaluation to explore the program and see how it can transform their skills and career. HOST: To learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Economics Evaluation, visit our website and sign up for updates. Thanks for joining us today, and we'll see you in the next episode!
