Burrhus Frederic Skinner was born in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, the elder son of Grace Madge (née Burrhus) and William Arthur Skinner, a lawyer. His upbringing was stable and relatively affluent, with a strong emphasis on ethical behavior and clear expectations.

Skinner grew up in a small-town environment, enjoying activities typical of the time, such as building mechanical devices, constructing go-carts, and developing a general interest in how things worked. He was an active and inquisitive child, fostering an early interest in practical problem-solving.

Skinner graduates from high school, demonstrating a solid academic record and a growing interest in literature and writing. He initially aspired to become a writer.

Skinner graduates from Hamilton College with a B.A. in English Literature. He wrote for the college newspaper and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. However, he began to question his literary aspirations after receiving criticism from Robert Frost.

Following graduation, Skinner dedicated himself to writing, building a study in his parents' attic. However, this period proved unfruitful, and he produced little of which he was proud. This experience led him to question his career path and explore other intellectual pursuits.

Skinner enrolled in the psychology program at Harvard University, shifting his focus from literature to behavior. He was drawn to the experimental approach and the possibility of scientifically understanding and predicting behavior.

Skinner receives his Master's degree in psychology from Harvard University. His research was already focused on developing objective methods for studying behavior.

Skinner earns his Ph.D. in psychology from Harvard University. His dissertation focused on the concept of the 'reflex,' marking the beginning of his systematic investigation of operant conditioning.