Behavioral economics and behavioral science serve as design frameworks that helps program managers improve project effectiveness by furthering their understanding of human decision-making, biases and communication.

In our Behavioral Economics & Behavioral Science online course, explore how behavioral insights can help you better understand and address development challenges faced by low-income communities. Learn behavioral science theory, methods and real-world development applications. Working alongside Duke faculty and peers, you'll apply your new knowledge and skills to various development sectors during the course’s immersive and engaging group project component. Previous group project topics include curbing consumption, nudging farmers and fishermen to take more sustainable practices, combating Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy, and increasing school retention rates.

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About the Program

Topics covered

Theory and Fundamentals

  • Foundational behavioral principles, using the behavioral economics EAST framework
  • Common behavioral and psychological biases that serve as levers to improve program outcomes
  • Introduction to Human-Centered Design (HCD) and its relation to behavioral science
  • Complex ethical questions in behavioral research

Methods and Applications

  • Real-world case study applications of behavioral economics across development sectors such as financial inclusion, sustainability, governance, health, and education.
  • Innovation through evidence-based and human-centered policymaking 
  • Testing behavioral economics interventions using randomized control trials

Group Project Component 

Working with faculty and peers, students will engage in an interactive mock client project. They will choose from a select array of real-world development challenges to form groups in which they will work together for the four weeks of the program. The groups will develop literature reviews on their issue topic, identify opportunities for behavioral interventions, develop prototypes, and design implementation test plans. The group project will culminate in a joint presentation to the class and faculty.

This program is ideal for professionals wanting to learn how to integrate behavioral economics principles and methods into their development policy work.

Past program participants include the following:

  • Program and project managers from the public and non-profit sectors
  • Researchers from think tanks and academic institutions
  • Monitoring, evaluation, and learning specialists
  • Communications, public relations, and donor campaign specialists
  • Policy advocacy professionals

If you have questions about whether this course is a fit for you, email us at dcidexed@duke.edu.

Tuition for this program is $2,500.*

Tuition and fees cover:

  • Faculty instruction from Duke faculty and expert guest speakers
  • All course materials and resources
  • Access to course website for 6-months after course completion

*Reach out to our staff to inquire about program tuition discounts for Duke and executive education alumni as well as for group rates.

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DATES & Times

May 19 - June 13, 2025 (M, W, TH 9 a.m.-12 p.m. EDT)

LOCATION

All classes will be held virtually using the Zoom video conference platform.

Questions?

Email the ExEd Team at dcidexed@duke.edu

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Learn about the Behavioral Design Expert certification.

Program Director

Joseph Sherlock

Joseph Sherlock is a Lecturer at the School for Government at King’s College London. His PhD is from the London School of Economics, focused on applying behavioural science to strengthen democracy. Driven by a passion for evidence-based and evidence-generating innovation, his work generally centers on leveraging behavioural science to advance democracy and sustainability, as well as the science of behavioural science.

Joseph also serves as a Behavioural Science Fellow in the United Nations Secretary-General’s Office. Previously, he was a Principal Behavioral Scientist at Duke University, where he led a team dedicated to fostering innovation in civic society through behavioral science. He also held the role of Principal Behavioural Researcher at HM Revenue & Customs, contributing to public sector innovation and policy development.

This course had the best virtual facilitation that I've encountered to date. It was the perfect balance of content, pace, short break, and participant engagement.

2024 Participant