Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences Landing Page

Understand how individuals and groups make decisions, and how to affect those decisions

The University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences (MBDS) is informed by contemporary theories and research methods of behavioral economics, decision sciences, network analysis, and public policy. Our program equips students with theoretical and practical tools to address a variety of real-life problems, putting you ahead of the curve in a growing field of study.

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Cristina Bicchieri

“Students interested in applying behavioral decision sciences to specific fields will find expertise in education, public health, law, and neuroscience. The common thread is a rigorous study of behavior and its motivations, the cognitive biases that leads up to act in specific ways, and most importantly, you will learn how to enact behavioral change in individuals and in organizations.”

- Founding Director Cristina Bicchieri

Students at the latest MBDS Design Challenge

Design Challenge

MBDS students, supported by MBDS faculty, work to translate academic research, theoretical foundations, and applied frameworks into actionable insights towards a client-focused problem. The objective of the Design Challenge is to highlight students’ training and diverse skill sets adopted from the MBDS program by applying behavioral insights to industry questions in an immersive and actionable format. Our goal is to create opportunities for our students and industry affiliates to integrate cutting-edge knowledge in the fields of behavioral economics, decision sciences, network analysis, and public policy into real-life problems and situations.

MBDS students in a classroom on Penn Campus

Program Highlights

The MBDS program allows you to:

  • Establish a theoretical, methodological, and quantitative foundation in the field with a common core covering behavioral economics, psychology, social norms, and public policy
  • Customize your degree with elective courses from schools across the University, including the School of Arts and Sciences, Penn Law, The Wharton School, Perelman School of Medicine, Annenberg School for Communication, and Penn Graduate School of Education
  • Take advantage of Penn’s world-renowned academic resources and work with faculty experts in fields such as policy, education, law, business, and medicine
  • Get connected with private corporations, consulting firms, NGOs, and government agencies through the Design Challenge and practice your consulting skills working for real clients
Penn students gathering on campus

MBDS Advisory Board

Our Advisory Board features exceptional thought leaders, strategists, and innovators from around the world who represent a range of industries and sectors. Together, we co-create opportunities such as workshops, conferences, executive trainings, professional development, and employer-driven projects. The board’s expertise and guidance ensure that our program stays abreast of the ever-changing needs of the workforce.

Application Deadlines

Fall 2024

February 1, 2024

MBDS
McNeil Building, Rm 438
3718 Locust Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19104