Master of Science in Decision Analysis

A Degree for Leaders and Decision Makers

The online Master of Science in Decision Analysis (MDA) prepares students to make informed, consequential decisions across all disciplines and employment sectors, including science, education, government, technology, and finance. The MDA attracts founders, CEOs, directors, and managers, as well as people aspiring to such positions.

Employing Minerva’s unique Habits of Mind and Foundational Concepts (HCs), students build lifelong core competencies of critical thinking, creative thinking, effective communication, and effective interaction. Our HCs are updated regularly to ensure they remain a dynamic, living suite of learning tools.

MDA graduates are prepared to navigate uncertainty boldly and deftly by framing problems, contextualizing research, and synthesizing approaches.

Program of Study

Structure
The online MDA requires successful completion of six practical knowledge courses, two analytical courses, and a master’s thesis for a total of 36 credits.

Six practical knowledge courses designed to develop creative thinking, critical thinking, and effective interaction skills.
Two analytical courses to enhance your functional skills in data analysis and research design.
A master’s thesis, on a topic of your choice, demonstrating mastery of the program’s practical and analytical skills. Other than a one-semester thesis workshop, the master’s thesis does not entail scheduled class time, but instead is completed independently in conjunction with your individual thesis advisor.

Time Frame
The MDA is a part-time program. It can be completed as quickly as 21 months or as long as four years, depending on your needs. If life circumstances necessitate a truncated version, you may be eligible for the Certificate in Decision Analysis as an alternative.

Optional In-Person Experiences
While classes are taught virtually, students may elect to join their cohort in person each year for a one-week cultural and professional immersion experience. In addition, Minerva’s graduate students are invited to special events in global locations such as London and San Francisco.

Active Learning Environment

Minerva University teaches using Forum, a dynamic, online, active learning platform built according to the science of learning. With no more than 20 students per course, classes are discussion-based seminars held in real time, allowing students to learn, practice, then master universal skills for good decision-making and creative problem-solving.

Forum

Each discussion-based seminar pushes you to continuously interact with your professors and classmates. Through this deep collaboration, you learn to question assumptions, analyze information, perform simulations, devise novel solutions, and fundamentally reshape the way you think about the world.

Career Coaching

Minerva’s Coaching and Talent Development team supports students as they develop their professional goals and networks to enhance their careers.

“Since Minerva's curriculum is based on the science of learning, it is designed in a way that, with a constant input of work every day, you can achieve unbelievable results. At the end of the MDA program, I was astonished by how much knowledge I gained, how many skills I learned, and how much I grew over those two years, personally and professionally.”

Daeil Chun
MDA Class of 2022

Admissions & Tuition

Admissions

To identify students with the greatest likelihood of succeeding in our program, we have developed a unique way of evaluating applicants that is equitable and cost-free. No standardized testing is required. Complete your application by the dates below to start your Minerva journey. The earlier you apply, the earlier you can begin planning your future.

Admissions

Affordable Education

Total tuition for the MDA degree is $39,500, payable in five equal installments over the course of the program. Some scholarships and loans may be available to you through Minerva University. Please see our Tuition & Finance page for details.

Tuition & Finance

Application Deadline Round 1: November 29, 2022
Application Deadline Round 2: March 2, 2023
Application Deadline Round 3: June 1, 2023

Master's Insights

Dr. Geneva Stein, Director of Graduate Programs, and Ms. Hiromi Sakae Ogawa, MDA class of 2023, present insights from Minerva's unique skills-based curriculum among other distinguished higher education leaders at the QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2022.