In the Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences (MBDS) program, you join a vibrant intellectual community, with access to a wide range of academic and cultural resources.
Virtual information session
Get an overview of Penn's Master of Behavioral and Decisions Sciences from Associate Director Carter Timon and the MBDS program team. Learn about our curriculum, University resources, students and alumni, and the application process.
If you have a problem viewing this video, you can watch this on YouTube.
Virtual alumni panel discussion
Recent Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences alumni panelists talk about their professional and academic lives and reflect on how the MBDS program fit into and influenced their career trajectory.
If you have a problem viewing this video, you can watch this on YouTube.
Student handbook
For guidelines on MBDS degree requirements, structuring your individualized curriculum, and program policies, please contact your program director or advisor. Note that our student handbook is currently being revised for the next academic year.
Academic resources
Find the various ways to get involved at MBDS and take advantage of all that the University of Pennsylvania has to offer. Academic resources include:
- Penn Libraries Reference Services
- The Kelly Writers House
- Marks Family Writing Center
- Weingarten Learning Resources Center
- International Student and Scholar Services
- Penn Career Services
- The Graduate Student Center at Penn
Research resources
The Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences program collaborates with many schools, centers, and institutions across Penn. At MBDS, students are welcome to explore independent research opportunities and attend seminars with:
- Center for Social Norms and Behavioral Dynamics
- The Wharton School
- Perelman School of Medicine
- The Annenberg School for Communication
Student representatives
Join and lead student groups by becoming a student representative. A Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences student representative is a program student elected to serve as a liaison between the student body and the school administration. MBDS student representatives are tasked with being the voice of the MBDS program in the LPS student government and with working hand in hand with program faculty to bridge the gap between students and the administration. This includes:
- Being a sounding board for students
- Relaying the wants and needs of your peers
- Working with the program director to find ways to build positive student interactions and experiences
Meet our current student representatives:
Shankar Sriram is a student in the Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania. He has diverse experience managing programs and their operations in private and nonprofit sectors. His career is guided by his "5S" framework: Science, Strategy, Social Impact, Soccer, and Service. He holds a mechanical engineering degree from RV College of Engineering in India. Before joining Penn, Shankar developed after-sales strategies at Honda and TVS Motors and managed customer experience programs. At Penn, he has explored various opportunities, such as consulting, research, and teaching. He travels often, enjoys live music, and coaches youth soccer. As an MBDS Program Representative, Shankar leverages his varied experiences to connect faculty with students, raise awareness about opportunities, advocate for his peers, organize events, and promote student well-being. He hopes to translate his efforts into positive experiences and outcomes for students while enhancing the MBDS program's effectiveness and community impact.
Contact: shasri@sas.upenn.edu
Nisha Waghmare is a full-time international student in the Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences program. Originally from India, she moved to the US at age 18 to pursue a BA in Economics and Psychology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. After graduating, she worked in expert networking and market research before joining Penn. Nisha is passionate about fostering belonging and building inclusive communities. In her free time, Nisha enjoys meeting new people, singing, making art, playing tennis, and exploring beautiful neighborhoods. In addition to serving as an MBDS student representative, she is also a member of the International Student Advisory Board. She's always happy to connect—whether you have questions, ideas, or just want to chat.
Contact: nishaw@sas.upenn.edu
