Skip to main content
    GradsMatch
    Back to Programs
    University of Pennsylvania

    Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences (MBDS)

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Philadelphia, USMBDSIn-person1 year
    STEM-OPT
    $64,576.00
    Tuition
    over 12mo
    90
    Credits
    $95.00
    App fee

    Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences (MBDS) at University of Pennsylvania is a 90-credit, 1-year, in-person MBDS program based in Philadelphia, US. Tuition is $64,576 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The program covers theories and research methods in behavioral economics, decision sciences, network analysis, and public policy. It focuses on understanding individual and group decision-making and applying tools to influence decisions in various fields.

    Focus: coursework
    Part-time option

    Your fit

    Match

    Pro users see a 0 to 100 match score personalized to their academic profile, plus a per-component breakdown (major, GPA, tests, work experience, and more).

    Admissions

    Pro

    Unlock full admissions requirements

    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

    Sign in to view - it's free

    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Dec 1, 2026

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    required
    Min GRE scores are required for applicants with less than three years of full-time professional experience, excluding internships. No minimum score specified.
    TOEFL
    required
    Min Internet Test (iBT) = 100 (with a speaking score of 25+); Computer-Based Test (CBT) = 250; Paper-Based Test (PBT) = 600
    IELTS
    required
    Min 7.5

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT extension if eligible

    $118,000.00
    Avg starting salary
    $27,200.00
    Annual living cost

    Application Checklist

    Sign in to track what you need to submit for this program.

    Sign in
    See admits on GradCafe
    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences (MBDS) at University of Pennsylvania cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences (MBDS) at University of Pennsylvania is $64,576 across 90 required credits.
    Is Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences (MBDS) at University of Pennsylvania online or in-person?
    Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences (MBDS) at University of Pennsylvania is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences (MBDS) at University of Pennsylvania take to complete?
    Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences (MBDS) at University of Pennsylvania is structured around 1 year and 90 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences (MBDS) at University of Pennsylvania?
    Per the program's published guidance: A minimum GPA of 3.5 or significant professional experience
    Is Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences (MBDS) at University of Pennsylvania STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences (MBDS) at University of Pennsylvania is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.