Pedagogy

Learn Differently, Think Critically

Traditional lectures won’t get you where you want to go. At Minerva, every course is designed around transferable mental frameworks that help you think critically, solve problems systematically, and apply knowledge across contexts.

The Minerva Learning Model

This four-part learning cycle drives everything at Minerva, and it works.

01

Prepare

Prepare for classes with readings and pre-work.

02

Engage

Engage in small, virtual, discussion-based seminars.

03

Apply

Apply knowledge through hands-on projects.

04

Impact

Create impact through global collaboration.

Student Perspective

Minerva’s Master in Decision Analysis (MDA) program is structured in a way that activates your brain to the maximum — all traditional learning techniques such as listening and note-taking, memorizing, or briefly skimming prep materials before class do not work for Minerva seminars which are built as interactive discussions with professors only facilitating, not lecturing.

Alina Ryabova,
MDA Class of 2022

Learn on a Flexible, Modular Schedule

Minerva’s programs are designed to challenge you while fitting into your life. Instead of passive lectures or rote assignments, you’ll learn in focused modules that keep you engaged and give you the tools to apply your knowledge immediately.

  • Complete one course unit every other weekend, with most courses spanning three weekends.
  • Join live, interactive seminars—2–2.5 hours each—on Fridays through Sundays, where collaboration and critical thinking take center stage.
  • Access flex sessions to dive deeper into material or explore specific challenges.
  • Dedicate about 20 hours per weekend to active learning, with an additional 2–5 hours of preparation, projects, and group work between modules.

This structure allows you to stay fully immersed in your coursework while balancing professional and personal commitments.

By combining a proven pedagogy with a flexible format, Minerva ensures your education is both transformative and practical—teaching you how to think in new ways and empowering you to make better decisions in every aspect of your life.