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Behavioral Decision Sciences
The Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Decision Sciences is an interdisciplinary program that explores how people make decisions in real-world contexts by blending insights from psychology, economics, cognitive science, and public policy. This innovative field examines the cognitive, emotional, social, and cultural factors that influence human behavior and decision-making processes. Students are introduced to the psychological foundations of judgment and choice, alongside economic models of rational behavior and the ways in which actual behavior deviates from those models. With training in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, learners develop the tools to analyze and predict behavior in various domains—from financial decisions and consumer behavior to political judgment and health-related choices.
This program equips students to explore questions such as: Why do people procrastinate? How do biases and heuristics shape our decisions? What motivates ethical or unethical behavior? The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, statistical reasoning, and experimental design, allowing students to rigorously test hypotheses about human behavior. Courses are drawn from diverse departments, encouraging students to approach decision-making from multiple perspectives. Through hands-on research, case studies, and applied projects, students gain a well-rounded education that prepares them to interpret complex behavioral data and influence outcomes across industries and policy arenas.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Behavioral Decision Sciences
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: Brown University, United States
- Field of Study: Cognitive Science
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1
• Introduction to Behavioral Science
• Foundations of Psychology
• Principles of Microeconomics
• Logic and Critical Reasoning
Year 2
• Judgment and Decision Making
• Cognitive Psychology
• Introduction to Game Theory
• Research Methods in Behavioral Science
Year 3
• Behavioral Economics
• Social Cognition
• Data Analysis and Experimental Design
• Elective: Moral Psychology or Public Policy
Year 4
• Capstone Research Project
• Advanced Topics in Behavioral Decision Sciences
• Seminar in Applied Behavioral Interventions
• Internship or Field Research Option
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are uniquely prepared to thrive in roles that require deep understanding of human behavior, decision-making patterns, and data-driven insights. They are highly sought after in market research, UX design, behavioral consulting, finance, policy analysis, and healthcare innovation, where organizations need professionals who can translate behavioral theory into actionable strategies. In the private sector, graduates may work with consumer analytics teams, digital product teams, or behavioral marketing firms. In the public and nonprofit sectors, they often contribute to improving public policy, educational initiatives, and community health programs. The strong analytical foundation also makes this degree ideal for graduate study in behavioral economics, cognitive science, public policy, or law. The ability to integrate data, psychology, and decision theory gives these graduates a competitive edge in any field that values human-centered, evidence-based decision making.
Why Choose This Program
Choosing Behavioral Decision Sciences means choosing to understand how people really think, act, and choose—not just in theory, but in the messy, nuanced world of real-life decisions. The program’s cross-disciplinary structure ensures that students don’t just memorize models; they learn to question assumptions, design interventions, and analyze results with rigor and empathy. Students are encouraged to engage with real-world problems through experiments, fieldwork, and internships, turning classroom knowledge into meaningful action. With its powerful blend of cognitive science and behavioral insight, this degree fosters intellectual curiosity, practical problem-solving, and social awareness, making it an excellent foundation for careers that aim to drive change, shape behavior, and design better systems for people. It’s a forward-thinking choice for students who want to influence the world by understanding the minds that shape it.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 401 863 1000
Email: admissions@brown.edu
Address: University of Brown, Providence, RI 02912, United States
