Program of Study
You will complete three virtual academic units as part of the Minerva University MDA curriculum, made up of:
Six practical courses that develop your creative and critical thinking skills and give you the tools to communicate effectively.
Two analytical courses that enhance your functional data analysis and research design skills.
A thesis that demonstrates a firm understanding of your chosen topic. Your master’s thesis does not involve scheduled class time, aside from a one-semester workshop, meaning that you will complete it independently with your thesis advisor.
Minerva's Master in Decision Analysis degree offers three tracks: Education Innovation, and Global Sustainability Solutions, and General.
Education Innovation - for students interested in focusing their work in decision analysis on the area of educational research and practices.
Global Sustainability Solutions - for students interested in focusing their work in decision analysis on the area of environmental sustainability.
General - for students who who want to apply decision analysis and research methods to a variety of fields.
Each track includes a specialized elective course in Research Methods, focused case study work in the Critical Analysis of Consequential Decisions course, as well as a Master's thesis focused on a topic in the specialization.
Most Minerva University MDA students complete this degree in 21 months, but some choose to spread their studies over the course of three or four years. See below for detail on the various paths you can take with your course of study, but keep in mind that no matter which option you choose, you must complete required and elective courses as well as your master's thesis.
Structure
Choose your path
The MDA is an online, part-time program that is typically completed in 21 months. For a more truncated version of the curriculum, consider the Certificate in Decision Analysis.
The MDA requires that you complete six practical knowledge courses, two analytical courses, and a master’s thesis for a total of 36 credits.
Required Courses
Electives (Select One)
Apply Your Learnings in a Novel Thesis Project
Under the guidance of a Minerva University advisor and an external expert, you will design and carry out an original thesis project that offers novel insights for solving a problem of consequence or for informing a substantial decision. While many students begin working on their thesis early in the program and often address an issue identified in their personal or professional lives, the thesis is completed during the last months of the degree, primarily as an independent study project. Components of a successful thesis include the following:
- Research and review of relevant literature
- Original argument
- Advanced analysis of the issue
- Demonstrated mastery of coursework skills, including the identification, analysis, and presentation of key decisions to be made
- Completed thesis of approximately 35 pages, on average
- Oral defense before a panel of Minerva University Graduate School faculty
Cultural Immersion
Get to know your classmates and explore global locations by attending a one-week intensive program for an additional fee. This program gives you the opportunity to meet with local leaders in business and government and form a global perspective on a broad range of topics.
Choosing to take part in this program also gives you the chance to bond with your classmates while you build your personal and professional networks and gain unparalleled experience you can apply to life and work. Your program fee covers essential components such as housing, programming, and administrative costs, which vary by location. Additional expenses such as airfare, local transportation to events, and most meals are not included in the fee. Typically, students should budget around $2,500 in total for the immersive week experience.
Apply to Minerva University's Master of Science in Decision Analysis graduate program to give yourself an edge and grow into a leader people want to follow.
