Learn the theory, apply the tools, and improve decisions in the real world
Every organization depends on people making decisions, both individually and in groups. Behavioral science helps us understand those decisions—and how to change them for the better.
Penn's Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences (MBDS) prepares students to apply insights from behavioral economics, decision sciences, network analysis, public policy, and the social sciences to real-world challenges.
Whether in business, government, nonprofit, healthcare, education, technology, or social impact, MBDS students learn to examine and influence how individuals and groups think, choose, collaborate, and act. Even when an individual makes a decision by themselves, they're still influenced by the expectations and thoughts of those around them, complicating the nature of every decision.
The program equips students with both theoretical foundations and practical tools to address complex problems wherever human behavior shapes outcomes. Rooted in Penn”s School of Arts and Sciences, MBDS helps students build the skills to make a positive, sustainable impact across industries, institutions, and communities.
Penn's MBDS program is a STEM-designated program, coded as 30.1701.
Please note: GRE test scores are required for applicants who have less than three years of professional experience post-bachelor's.
Program team
Cristina Bicchieri
Founding Director, Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences; S. J. Patterson Harvie Professor of Social Thought and Comparative Ethics; Professor of Philosophy, Psychology and Legal Studies (Wharton)
Marco Carrara
Director, Employer Partnerships
Jenny Weyant
Associate Director
Megan Wilkins
Program Coordinator
