The program integrates perspectives from economics, psychology and related fields to study behavior, decision making and social systems.
Students work closely with faculty from the beginning of the program and develop expertise through coursework, independent research and dissertation work.
SDS offers multiple areas of doctoral training, each focused on a different aspect of decision making and behavior.
Select a field below to view detailed information on coursework, research expectations and program requirements. Students may also create an individually tailored program in consultation with faculty.
Behavioral Decision Research
Behavioral Decision Research (BDR) draws on psychology and economics to study how people make decisions. From economics, it draws the view that behavior can be understood as a purposeful attempt to achieve well-being or utility. From psychology, it draws the view that social, cognitive and emotional factors strongly shape decision making.
This combination allows BDR to examine how real-world decision making differs from simplified economic models and to explore how decision performance can be improved.
The Behavioral Decision Research program in Social and Decision Sciences received recognition from the Decision Analysis Society at INFORMS for the quality of its contributions to education, research and service.
Graduates of the BDR program pursue positions in industry, academic departments and business schools.
Suggested coursework includes Judgment and Decision Making, Behavioral Economics, psychology, microeconomics, statistical methods, field-specific methodology courses, elective courses and SDS seminars.
For questions about the Behavioral Decision Research Ph.D. program, contact John Miller.
Requirements
The following requirements are specific to this field. Shared program requirements are outlined in the Program Structure section.
Coursework
Required coursework includes 88-702 Behavioral Economics and 88-703 Human Judgment.
Research paper
Students complete a research paper by May of the second year.
Qualifier exams
Students complete two qualifier exams before the middle of the third year, more typically by the end of July of the second year and often earlier. Required qualifiers include:
- Psychology of Decision Making
- Behavioral Economics
Dissertation
Students complete the dissertation according to SDS program requirements.
Cognitive Decision Science
Cognitive Decision Science draws on psychology, philosophy, machine learning, linguistics and decision science to study the cognitive mechanisms and algorithms underlying judgment and decision making.
This interdisciplinary perspective integrates normative and process-based approaches, providing insight into both how decisions are made and how they can be improved.
Requirements
The following requirements are specific to this field. Shared program requirements are outlined in the Program Structure section.
Coursework
Coursework includes:
- 88-702 Behavioral Economics
- 88-703 Human Judgment
- 85-706 Core Cognitive Psychology
- One machine learning or artificial intelligence course
- One philosophy or linguistics course
Research paper
Students complete a research paper by May of the second year.
Qualifier exams
Students complete two qualifier exams before the middle of the third year, more typically by the end of July of the second year and often earlier. Required qualifiers include:
- Cognitive Decision Science
- Either Psychology of Decision Making or Behavioral Economics
Dissertation
Students complete the dissertation according to SDS program requirements.
Social and Decision Sciences
Students may pursue a doctoral degree with the title Social and Decision Sciences by completing the core SDS requirements rather than selecting a specific standing field. This option allows students to design a program of study that spans multiple areas of research.
Students work with their advisor and the Ph.D. Education Committee to develop a plan that reflects their research interests. Students who complete a standing field are also eligible for the Social and Decision Sciences degree title but must select a single degree designation upon completion of the program.
Requirements
The following requirements are specific to this field. Shared program requirements are outlined in the Program Structure section.
Coursework
Students complete standard SDS Ph.D. coursework requirements.
Research paper
Students complete a research paper by May of the second year.
Qualifier exams
Students complete two qualifier exams before the middle of the third year, more typically by the end of July of the second year and often earlier. Qualifier exams align with the student’s program of study.
Dissertation
Students complete the dissertation according to SDS program requirements.
Behavioral Marketing and Decision Research (Joint with the Tepper School of Business)
The joint Ph.D. program in Behavioral Marketing and Decision Research combines the study of consumer behavior, psychology, economics and policy. Students work with faculty from both the Department of Social and Decision Sciences and the Tepper School of Business to examine how individuals make decisions in market and organizational contexts.
The program provides an opportunity to develop expertise across both fields while conducting research that integrates perspectives from SDS and Tepper. Students work with one advisor from SDS and one from Tepper.
Requirements
The following requirements are specific to this field. Shared program requirements are outlined in the Program Structure section.
Coursework
Coursework includes 88-702 Behavioral Economics, 88-703 Human Judgment, and courses required for qualifying exams.
Research papers
Students complete two research papers:
- One in the summer of the first year
- One in the summer of the second year
Qualifier exams
Students complete qualifying exams before the middle of the third year, more typically by the end of July of the second year and often earlier. Required qualifiers include:
- Psychology of Decision Making (SDS)
- Behavioral Economics (SDS)
- Marketing (Tepper)
Dissertation
Students complete the dissertation according to SDS program requirements.
Behavioral Economics (Joint with the Tepper School of Business)
The joint Ph.D. program in Behavioral Economics integrates insights from psychology and economics to study how individuals make decisions. The field was pioneered in part by Carnegie Mellon faculty, including Nobel laureate Herbert Simon and George Loewenstein.
Behavioral economics has had a broad impact on research, policy and practice. Its insights have informed public policy, shaped business strategy and contributed to understanding how individuals make decisions in complex environments. This program builds on the combined strengths of the Behavioral Economics faculty in the Department of Social and Decision Sciences and the Economics faculty in the Tepper School of Business.
Students in the program work with faculty from both departments and develop expertise in economic theory, behavioral research and empirical methods. Students work with one advisor from SDS and one from Tepper.
Requirements
The following requirements are specific to this field. Shared program requirements are outlined in the Program Structure section.
Coursework
Coursework includes 88-702 Behavioral Economics, 88-703 Human Judgment, and courses required for qualifying exams.
Research papers
Students complete two research papers:
- One in the summer of the first year
- One in the summer of the second year
The research paper plan must be approved by the Graduate Education Committee within 12 months. Papers must be completed and presented within program timelines, with limited extensions available in exceptional cases.
Qualifier exams
The qualifier plan must be approved by the Graduate Education Committee within 20 months, if not earlier. Required qualifiers must be completed within 29 months, typically by the end of July of the second year.
Qualifiers are completed in multiple substantive areas and may be drawn from both standing and non-standing fields.
Required qualifiers include:
- Behavioral Economics (SDS)
- Microeconomics (Tepper)
- Macroeconomics (Tepper)
- Econometrics (Tepper or Heinz College)
Dissertation proposal
The dissertation plan must be approved within 45 months, typically by the end of the fourth year, and the proposal must be completed within 48 months.
Dissertation
The dissertation is typically completed within 60 months.
Psychology and Behavioral Decision Research (Joint with the Department of Psychology)
The joint doctoral program in Psychology and Behavioral Decision Research integrates insights from psychology and economics to study judgment and decision making. The program combines perspectives from both fields to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how decisions are made.
Students enter the program through either Social and Decision Sciences or the Department of Psychology and apply to the joint program after completing their first year. Admission requires approval from both departments and a proposal outlining a joint research plan with co-advisors.
Students work with one advisor from SDS and one from Psychology and complete research that reflects the combined focus of both departments. Students who complete the program receive a joint degree in Behavioral Decision Research and Psychology.
Requirements
The following requirements are specific to this field. Shared program requirements are outlined in the Program Structure section.
Coursework
Coursework includes:
- 88-702 Behavioral Economics
- 88-703 Human Judgment
- 85-705 Core Social/Health Psychology
- 85-706 Core Cognitive Psychology
- 85-710 Core Developmental Psychology
- 36-749 Experimental Design for the Behavioral and Social Sciences
Students also complete:
- A two-week Psychology Immigration seminar
- The Psychology Brown Bag Presentation Course
- A one-semester Psychology teaching practicum
Research paper
Students complete a research paper by May of the second year.
Qualifier exams
Students complete two qualifier exams before the middle of the third year, more typically by the end of July of the second year and often earlier.
Depending on the chosen SDS track, qualifier combinations may include:
- Behavioral Economics
- Psychology of Decision Making
- Cognitive Decision Science
- Other approved substantive areas
Dissertation
Students complete the dissertation according to SDS program requirements.
For more information, contact John Miller (SDS).
Medical Scientist Training Program MD-Ph.D. (Joint with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine)
The Department of Social and Decision Sciences (SDS) participates in a combined MD-Ph.D. program through the , leading to an M.D. from the University of Pittsburgh and a Ph.D. from 好色先生TV.
This program provides focused education and research opportunities in social and decision sciences, behavioral decision research and related fields. Students complete the requirements of both the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the SDS Ph.D. program.
Students apply first to the MSTP and then apply to the SDS Ph.D. program during the fall of their second year in medical school. The program integrates medical training, graduate coursework and research under the guidance of SDS faculty working in medically related areas.
During the first two years of medical school, students may complete up to three summer research rotations within SDS. These rotations provide experience with research methods and social science approaches to problems in health and medicine. Students then complete the Ph.D. program before returning to complete their remaining medical training.
MD-Ph.D. program curriculum
Students are first admitted to the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. They then apply to the Social and Decision Sciences Ph.D. program, which they typically begin after completing the second year of medical school.
Timetable
The following timeline outlines the typical sequence of medical and doctoral training in the MD-Ph.D. program.
| Summer Prior to Academic Year (AY) 1 | SDS research* |
| AY1 Fall and Spring | Pitt Med School |
| Summer AY1 | SDS research |
| AY2 Fall and Spring | Pitt Med School |
| Summer AY2 | SDS research |
| AY3 Fall and Spring | SDS Courses |
| Summer AY3 | SDS research, qualifying exams |
| AY4 Fall and Spring | SDS Courses |
| Summer AY4 | SDS research |
| AY5 Fall and Spring | SDS research |
| Summer AY5 | SDS research |
| AY6 Fall and Spring | SDS research |
| Summer AY6 | SDS research |
| AY7 Fall and Spring | Pitt Med School |
| Summer AY7 | Pitt Med School |
| AY8 Fall and Spring | Pitt Med School |
| Summer AY8 | Pitt Med School |
*Students interested in the MD-Ph.D. program in Social and Decision Sciences are encouraged to conduct research within SDS during the summer before beginning medical school. This provides an opportunity to gain experience with SDS research and faculty. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the MD-Ph.D. faculty advisors listed below.
Proposal for Joint MD/Ph.D. program milestones
| Research before program | S0, S1, and S2 during Pitt med school |
| 8 courses* (4 methodology) | End of third semester |
| Graduate seminar | During 1st year |
| 2nd year paper | May 2nd year/November 3rd year |
| Qualifying exams | 29 months |
| Thesis proposal | 36 months |
| Thesis defense | 48 months |
| TA requirements | Years 1, 2, and 4 |
MD/Ph.D. Faculty Advisors
Students in the MD-Ph.D. program are advised by a faculty member within the Department of Social and Decision Sciences. Below is a list of SDS Faculty Advisors for the program.
Requirements
The following requirements are specific to this field. Shared program requirements are outlined in the Program Structure section.
Program sequence
Students complete two years of medical school at the University of Pittsburgh, followed by doctoral study in Social and Decision Sciences, and then return to complete the remaining medical school requirements.
Coursework and milestones
Students complete SDS coursework requirements, including methodology training, with a portion of coursework completed during the doctoral phase of the program.
Qualifier exams
Qualifying exams are completed as part of the accelerated MD-Ph.D. schedule and are tied to the student’s chosen SDS degree track.
Dissertation
The dissertation follows an accelerated timeline and is typically completed by the end of the fourth year of doctoral study in SDS.
Autonomous and Human Decision Making (joint with the Machine Learning Department in the School of Computer Science)
This joint Ph.D. program is offered by the Department of Social and Decision Sciences (SDS) and the (MLD) in the School of Computer Science. The program focuses on decision making in both human and autonomous systems, integrating perspectives from decision science, cognitive science and machine learning.
Students work with faculty from both SDS and MLD to study how decisions are made, modeled and supported in complex environments.
Students enter the Ph.D. program through either SDS or MLD and apply to the joint program after completing two years in their home department. Admission requires approval from both departments.
Students work with one advisor from SDS and one from MLD.
Requirements
The following requirements are specific to this field. Shared program requirements are outlined in the Program Structure section.
Coursework
Students complete 10 courses, including at least 4 in methodology.
Coursework includes:
- 88-702 Behavioral Economics
- 88-703 Human Judgment
- 88-718 Large Scale Social Phenomena
- 85-706 Graduate Core Cognitive, or a philosophy or linguistics course
- 10-715 Advanced Introduction to Machine Learning
- 36-705 Intermediate Statistics
- 10-716 Advanced Machine Learning
- 10-718 Machine Learning in Practice
- 10-734 Foundations of Autonomous Decision Making under Uncertainty
- 88-XXX / 10-XXX Human-AI Complementarity for Decision Making
Research paper
Students complete a research paper by May of the second year.
Qualifier exams
Students complete two qualifier exams before the middle of the third year, more typically by the end of July of the second year and often earlier. One qualifier must be in Cognitive Decision Science. The second qualifier must be either Behavioral Economics or Judgment and Decision Making.
Dissertation
Students complete the dissertation proposal by the end of the fourth year, if not earlier, and complete the dissertation by the end of the fifth year.
The dissertation committee must include two co-chairs, one from SDS and one from MLD, at least one additional SDS faculty member, at least one additional MLD faculty member, and one external member.
Program structure
All doctoral fields in SDS follow a similar structure and set of milestones, with specific coursework and qualifier requirements varying by field.
Students complete:
- Ph.D.-level coursework, typically 12 courses including at least 4 in methodology
- SDS Graduate Seminars 1 and 2, the SDS Seminar, and additional university seminars
- A second-year research paper
- Qualifying examinations
Following completion of coursework and qualifying exams, students advance to independent research.
Students then:
- Develop a dissertation proposal, typically by the fourth year
- Conduct dissertation research under faculty supervision
- Complete and defend the dissertation
The timing of dissertation milestones may vary slightly by field and is noted where applicable.
Students typically complete the program in approximately five years.
Detailed coursework, qualifier and research expectations for each field are outlined within each description above.
Precandidacy and candidacy
The first stage of the program is known as precandidacy.
To reach precandidacy, students must:
- Complete required Ph.D.-level coursework, including methodology requirements
- Participate in the first two semesters of the SDS Ph.D. seminar
- Complete a research paper by May of the second year (maximum 27 months)
- Complete qualifying exams, typically by the beginning of the third year (maximum 29 months)
- Submit a dissertation proposal, typically by the fourth year (maximum 48 months)
Students advance to candidacy upon completion of these requirements.
After achieving candidacy, students complete and defend a doctoral dissertation, typically within five years of entering the program.
Research and collaboration
The program’s small size allows students to work closely with faculty across multiple research areas. Students often collaborate with researchers in other departments and participate in interdisciplinary initiatives across the university.
Outcomes
Graduates of the SDS Ph.D. program pursue careers in academia, industry and government. Alumni hold positions in universities, research organizations, policy institutions and private sector roles.
Application and contact
For information about applying to the SDS Ph.D. program, visit the application and FAQ page. You may also send your questions via email, to the appropriate contact.
Ph.D. Alumni Profile
Rich Truncellito
Staff Quantitative User Experience (UX) Researcher | YouTube
What do you love about your current position?
Like anyone who chooses the path of a researcher, I love the intention: pursue a greater understanding of human behavior, especially in my case to improve real people’s lived experiences. I love that real immediate impact my research can have, and I love that the scale and the reach of the products on which I’ve worked allow the pursuit and that impact to be both wide-reaching and (statistically) nuanced.
How do you utilize your SDS training in your current position? In particular, how has the interdisciplinary nature of SDS doctoral training benefitted you in your current job?
Apart from the core quantitative skills in research design and data analysis I literally use daily in my role, the particular perspective I gained via the SDS training in JDM and Behavioral Econ. regularly informs the perspective I take on questions my teammates and I ask about human behavior: I approach unknowns through the SDS lens, considering especially elements or dynamics like channel factors, defaults, norms, mental accounts, and comparison effects as “at play” factors in the decision systems I study; I advise and recommend product and UI designs on the basis of those and other decision science principles; and on occasion I even directly educate peers, cross-functional partners, and executive leaders on how those principles may be shaping downstream aspects of our product’s performance or our users’ behavior in ways crucial to our individual responsibilities or our collective business. It’s been the interdisciplinary background I gained through SDS and my ability to deliver on it in those ways, that has given my work its strong theoretical underpinnings and distinctive voice within the broader UX community at the companies where I’ve worked.
Please share a favorite moment of your time in SDS. It might be an anecdote, an event, a particular course or person who taught you a lot, or a project you started in graduate school.
Most of my favorite moments from my time in SDS are from time spent with my fellow graduate students. Faculty and courses were there as kindling, sure, but the roaring fire of my experience were the “after class” discussions and debates with my fellow doctoral students of the material we were learning and of the new questions we each were hoping and working to answer. We each brought such a different perspective to the table and each found such a different “home” within the full breadth of the field, that it was always a pleasure to exchange ideas and collaboratively construct an understanding of the state of the science as then we knew it.
What advice would you give to current Ph.D. students, or to students considering applying to the SDS Ph.D. program?
To current Ph.D. students I would advise actively considering (e.g., even actively trying, at least for a summer) an applied approach to research. It’s not advice or an experience a doctoral student could really ever get, staying fully within the bounds of academia from matriculation to graduation; but I think it’s an important one, so that students can begin to understand that there are other pathways for dedicated researchers like themselves than professorships and can begin to stretch their theoretical muscles into practical implemented interventions or designs that have real-world impact on others’ lives. For me, that experience clicked with what had inspired me to pursue the Ph.D. in the first place; and so from my perspective it’s worthwhile that students experiment on themselves in this way, to know for themselves whether a role in government, public health, finance, technology, or another applied field may similarly click for them.
To students considering applying to the SDS Ph.D. program, or any Ph.D. program, I’d advise seriously considering the research interests and directions of the faculty for resonance and commonality with their own. Enrolling as a Ph.D. student is effectively signing up to be a junior peer of and collaborator with one or more of these experienced researchers, if not for a lifetime, then for at least as many years as it takes to successfully defend a dissertation. In that way the experience is quite unlike the academic experiences these prospective applicants will have likely had before, wherein ensuring interpersonal + academic fit likely mattered far less to the personal and professional enrichment pursuing a higher education meant. Finding a good match at the doctoral level could mean not only having a great educational experience but also having a lifelong professional partnership on your work.