Behavioral Economics
Sustainable Master of Business Administration
Use your sustainable master's degree to influence customers
using insights from psychology and economics.
Our online SMBA in Behavioral Economics equips you with the knowledge to understand how human behavior impacts decision-making in sustainability. Unity is the leader in sustainability degrees and will prepare you to pursue careers in green marketing, sustainability consulting, or corporate social responsibility (CSR). You'll learn to drive sustainable choices within organizations, helping to shape eco-friendly products, services, and business strategies that resonate with today’s environmentally conscious consumers. Our sustainable behavioral economics program empowers you to lead in roles that blend psychology, business, and environmental stewardship, setting you up for meaningful impact in industries committed to sustainability.
In the SMBA in Behavioral Economics program you'll learn to:
- Explain decision-making influences using theories from the social sciences, including cognitive, emotional, cultural, and social factors
- Measure environmental impact of products and services using various tools and approaches
- Use consumer behavior data to make informed decisions supporting sustainable products and services
- Create marketing plans that promote sustainable products and services effectively
- Develop Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies for organizations to enhance sustainability and social responsibility
Career Outlook
What can I do with a master's in sustainability?
Careers for Behavioral Economics graduates.
Marketing Manager jobs in the U.S., 2023.
Marketing Manager average pay, 2023.
Estimated U.S. job growth for Marketing Manager jobs through 2033.
Marketing Manager jobs in the U.S., 2023.
Marketing Manager average pay, 2023.
Estimated U.S. job growth for Marketing Manager jobs through 2033.
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unity Environmental University cannot guarantee employment. Salary data represents averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience.
Examples of online coursework in behavioral economics:
Ecological Economics
Economic systems influence how society understands its relationship to the environment. You will learn the basic principles of ecological economics, evaluate the framework, and learn to apply its principles to sustainability work.
Behavioral Economics:
Understanding What Shapes Decision-Making
This course explores behavioral economics, blending psychology and economics to decipher human decision-making. You will delve into cognitive, emotional, and social factors affecting decisions, challenging traditional economic models. You'll examine how behavioral economics fosters pro-environmental and sustainable behaviors.
Purpose-Driven Marketing and
Brand Management
This course equips you with strategies to build sustainable brands rooted in core values. You'll choose suitable strategies and craft communication tools to engage target audiences, promoting behaviors aligned with the greater good.
Degree requirements and courses needed to earn a sustainable master's
The Sustainable MBA in Behavioral Economics degree requires 36 credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA. For more requirements, view our full course catalog.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Behavioral Economics?
Behavioral Economics is a field that combines insights from psychology and economics to understand how human behavior affects economic decisions. It explores why people often make irrational choices, deviating from traditional economic theories based on rational evaluation. By studying cognitive biases, emotions, and social influences, Behavioral Economics seeks to develop more accurate models of decision-making and apply these insights to improve economic policies, marketing strategies, and organizational practices.
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What is a Sustainable Master of Business Administration in Behavioral Economics?
The Sustainable MBA in Behavioral Economics program explores the intersection of psychology, economics, sustainability, and business strategy, providing students with the tools to shape consumer decisions and deliver data-driven insights. Rooted in a foundation of ecological awareness and behavioral economics, this program emphasizes complex problem-solving and sustainable decision-making in diverse organizational and environmental contexts.
Graduates of the SMBA in Behavioral Economics program at Unity are well-equipped for roles in marketing, consulting, and entrepreneurship, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. They gain expertise in promoting eco-conscious brands, sustainable products, and services, and applying ESG principles to drive sustainability initiatives within corporate and non-profit organizations.
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How is an SMBA different than an MBA?
A Sustainable Master of Business Administration (SMBA) includes the foundational concepts of a Master of Business Administration (MBA), while also integrating principles of environmental and social responsibility to prepare future business leaders to drive long-term economic success that includes ecological resilience and societal well-being.
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What courses will I take to earn a Sustainable Master of Business Administration in Behavioral Economics?
SMBA Core: 21 credits
- PROF 515 Ethical Practice and Policy
- SUST 525 Making the Invisible Visible: The ESG Proposition
- SBUS 503 Organizational Behavior and Change Management Strategies
- SBUS 505 Accounting & Finance for Sustainable Solutions
- SUST 515 Leading Sustainable Change
- MKTG 505 Marketing Research
- SBUS 590 Sustainable MBA Capstone I: Planning Green Business Initiatives
Major Program Core: 15 credits
- SBUS 515: Ecological Economics
- PSYC 505: Behavioral Economics: Understanding What Shapes Decision-Making
- SBUS 525: Designing Successful Teams & Organizations
- PSYC 605: Psychology of Sustainability and Consumer Behavior
- MKTG 605: Purpose-Driven Marketing and Brand Management
For a better look into your program, view our full course catalog. Then apply online for free to get started.
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How much does it cost to receive an SMBA in Behavioral Economics?
Your online education should be affordable and manageable. Thanks to our promise to keep tuition flat through 2030, you won’t be burdened with unexpected increases or fees.
Our team of distance education concierges will work with you through the admissions process to help you plan and pay for your degree. Learn more about the costs here. -
How fast can I finish my online SMBA in Behavioral Economics?
The timeframe for completion is up to you! Enroll in 6 credits per term and complete the program in a little over one year. Alternatively, opt for part-time study by taking one course at a time. Whichever path you choose, we're here to support your educational journey every step of the way. Contact your concierge or advisor to create your personalized plan.
Why Unity for your master's in sustainability degree
Career Focus – Unity ranks in the top 2% of colleges for social mobility according to CollegeNET. Demand for employees with green skills is growing daily, and the sustainability core in every master’s program at Unity means that you’ll graduate with an environmental consciousness applicable to every career path.
Earn While You Learn – Our asynchronous model is designed to provide flexibility, allowing you to balance your studies with professional and personal commitments.
World Renowned Faculty – Learn from faculty who are working in their field, bringing their professional network and real-world insights into the virtual classroom, fostering valuable connections for your future career.
Applied Learning – You’ll be required to engage your local community and environment while completing your master’s degree, giving you practical, hands-on experience while allowing you to translate theoretical knowledge into real-world solutions.
Personalized Support – You can rely on one-on-one professional advising, career support from your first day, unlimited mental health counseling, and more.