The Behavioral Science in Business program equips executives with a deep understanding of behavioral science for business and the tools to implement and measure its impact of behavioral science, using a proprietary Full Cycle Approach to Applying Behavioral Science™.
The Full Cycle Approach to Applying Behavioral Science™ is a behavior change model that sets out the specific steps organizations should undertake to benefit from leveraging behavioral science in meaningful and sustainable ways. Organizations who adopt the seven key steps outlined in this model, supported by strong leadership and only modest resources, can quickly profit from what is increasingly becoming known as the ‘behavioral revolution’.
The program has been developed in collaboration with world-leading researchers and practitioners in the field. You will be learning from some of the most noted experts, leading scholars, and best-selling authors who are leaders not just in the theory of behavioral science, but also in its practice.
“Behavioral science shows that we can change behavior without necessarily changing minds.”
With our Behavioral Science in Business program, participants will walk away knowing:
Behavioral Science in Business is designed for professionals across industries who seek to apply cutting-edge insights from behavioral science to drive business outcomes and organizational change.
Ideal participants include those who:
Past participants have included general managers, marketing and brand managers, sales directors, government officials, HR and CSR leaders, entrepreneurs, and business owners.
“Fantastic faculty, content, and connections. I would highly recommend the program if you’d like to learn a practical approach to behavioral science.”
“Without a doubt the best program I have ever attended. Highly recommendable.”
“Behavioral Science has the (proven) ability to impact individuals and organizations in ways that most other contemporary approaches don't. A vital skill for any leader or manager who wants to make an impact.”
“The program is extremely practical and useful. The method [taught in the program] gave me a systematic approach to influencing behavior and help you focus on your energy, resources, and time!”
Behavioral Science 101: Participants are introduced to what they ‘need to know’ for their business to benefit from behavioral science led strategies and learn how to distinguish them from aspects that are just ‘nice to know’.
The Full Cycle Model of Behavior Change & Behavior Targeting: Participants will be be introduced to the Full Cycle Approach to Applying Behavioral Science™. They will learn how behaviors frequently come about rather than being thought about and examine the merits of changing minds over changing behaviors. The sessions will also explore the importance of defining behaviors and creating behavior maps that will make behaviors more understandable and easier to identify where to intervene and what to change.
The Engines of Change: This session explores the three most important human motivations at the heart of all influence and change.
Schedule
Three consecutive full days of in-person sessions on the Manhattanville campus in New York City from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Includes breakfast, lunch, and all materials. Dates, fees, and physical locations are subject to change. To view an agenda for this program, please connect with a Learning Solutions specialist. Contact us.
The program combines interactive lectures, case studies, group exercises, and applied experiential learning activities. You will learn the components of the Full Cycle Approach to Applying Behavioral Science™ and understand how to apply them to your own influence and change-based challenges.
“Organizations are increasingly recognizing the value of putting behavioral science—the blend of psychology, economics, and neuroscience—at the center of their work”
Hear about the program from faculty director Steve Martin.
Matthew Hinton, MBA ’03 and medtech innovator, is building a machine learning platform to advance sell-side healthcare analytics. Through the Behavioral Science in Business program, he gained tools to influence stakeholders, overcome adoption barriers, and refine go-to-market strategy—reshaping how he and his team drive measurable impact.
At Google, Inés Peralta Agüero leads a high-performing sales team across Southern Europe. She joined the Behavioral Science in Business program to better understand what drives behavior, and shares how the experience strengthened her leadership style, coaching approach, and ability to influence without authority.
Tasked with cultivating a thriving coworking community within a large real estate ecosystem, Marta Moksa turned to the Behavioral Science in Business program for practical influence tools. She reflects on how it helped her move from intuition to intention—motivating teams, building trust, and inspiring action across her network.
Research and strategy leader Judy Bernstein knows that understanding human behavior drives better decisions. Through the Behavioral Science in Business program, she gained practical frameworks to translate insight into action—designing strategies that influence behavior and create meaningful, measurable change.
All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of Columbia Business School Executive Education.
Assignments
Will there be any homework or assignments?
For select programs, there will be some assignments to complete after the end of select program sessions. Assignments will typically consist of readings, self-reflections, and brief assessments. This approach is designed to help you practice your learnings.
How long will assignments take?
We do not expect that homework assignments will take up a large amount of time to complete.
Will there be any examinations or grades?
There will be no examinations or grades for our live online programs.
Certification
I’m interested in the Certificate in Business Excellence (CIBE), how do I get started?
At Columbia Business School Executive Education, you’ll be able to customize a unique learning experience by selecting programs that best interest you and are most suited for your needs. Any completed program, regardless of format (live online, in-person, or online), will count towards the Certificate in Business Excellence.
Which programs qualify for the CIBE?
Any completed executive education program, regardless of format (live-online, in-person, or online), will count towards the Certificate in Business Excellence. Partner programs will also count towards the certificate.
What programs are considered partner programs?
Executive education programs developed and administered with our educational partners, bring the best of our combined knowledge, thought leadership, resources, and expertise. Kindly find a list of our partners here on our partnership page.
What are the costs of the certificate?
There’s no set cost associated with the certificate path since you’re able to customize your learning journey with in-person and online programs (price will vary depending on the program type and length).
Are there any tuition assistance or scholarships?
At Columbia Business School Executive Education, we offer non-degree and non-credit-based professional development programs to the global business community. As our programs are non-degree and non-credit, they do not qualify for financial aid.
How are CIBE credits determined?
Credits for a program are determined by the program duration and total learning hours.
Where do I find information on the credit value for a program?
You will find this information on each program page. Credits range from 0.5 credits – 26 credits per program.
How do I get enrolled in the CIBE?
Your certificate journey will start with your first program, and you have 4 years to complete your CIBE. You may register for any of our executive education programs on each program page. You may enroll using the “View My Application Cart” button, and the application process should take 5-10 minutes.
How do I receive credits?
You are required to fully attend a program and complete all necessary coursework in order to receive CIBE credits. Credits are only awarded after you complete a program.
How do I check the status of my Certificate completion?
Kindly reach out to a Learning Solutions representative for any questions on the status of your CIBE credit count.
Do CIBE credits expire?
Credits are only valid for four years. If you have not completed your CIBE within four years, we will only count non-expired credits towards your CIBE credit total.
Does the Certificate in Business Excellence expire?
Your Certificate in Business Excellence does not expire. Once you become a certificate recipient, you will join the greater alumni community at Columbia Business School.
I’ve reached 18 CIBE credits, what’s next?
Congratulations! You should receive a digital copy of your certificate at the end of your program. If you do not receive a copy from your program manager, kindly contact your Learning Solutions representative or your program manager for next steps.
Will I receive a physical certificate?
Upon completion, you will receive a secure, digital certificate through Accredible. Within the platform you will have the option to print your credential, post it to your LinkedIn feed, or display it on your profile as a certification. Please contact your program manager for the status of your digital certificate.
How do I get access to my alumni benefits?
Once you complete your CIBE, we kindly ask for your patience as we process your alumni credentials. The processing time can take anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks long.
Can I add the Certificate in Business Excellence to LinkedIn?
Yes! We will provide you with instructions on how to add your certificate to your LinkedIn profile after you become a Certificate recipient.
Preferred Pricing and Tuition Benefits for Alumni
Are there preferred pricing options available?
Yes, preferred pricing is available for groups of two or more. To inquire, email execed@gsb.columbia.edu.
As a Columbia Business School alumni am I eligible for tuition benefit?
When you earn a Certificate in Business Excellence you will receive a 25 percent tuition benefit for full-price Executive Education in-person programs lasting three and four days and all full-price online programs. Exclusions apply**
Which programs do not qualify for a 25 percent tuition benefit?
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