Doctor of Philosophy in Decision Theory

The Doctor of Philosophy in Decision Theory is an advanced, research-driven program that explores the principles, models, and cognitive processes underlying decision-making in complex environments. This interdisciplinary program combines behavioral decision science, probabilistic reasoning, and ethics to provide a comprehensive understanding of how decisions are made, optimized, and influenced across multiple domains. Doctoral candidates will engage in rigorous academic research, focusing on advanced decision models, game theory, and ethical frameworks in decision-making. This program prepares students to contribute original research and innovative applications in the field of decision science, with implications for economics, artificial intelligence, and public policy.

About the Program

The Ph.D. in Decision Theory offers a deep exploration of decision models, probabilistic reasoning, and behavioral insights in decision-making. Students will analyze how decisions are shaped by cognitive processes, strategic interactions, and ethical considerations. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and applied research, providing students with the tools to develop decision-support systems and optimize decision outcomes. Through advanced coursework and original research, students will explore topics such as multi-criteria decision analysis, Bayesian networks, and game theory while focusing on their real-world applications in business, policy, and technology. Doctoral candidates will conduct independent research culminating in a dissertation that contributes new insights to the field of decision theory.

Key Areas of Study

Advanced Rational Choice and Utility Models
Game Theory and Strategic Decision Models
Behavioral Decision Science and Cognitive Bias Analysis
Probabilistic Models and Bayesian Networks
Ethics and Decision-Making in Complex Systems

Who Should Enroll?

This program is ideal for decision scientists, behavioral economists, AI specialists, and researchers interested in decision-making frameworks. Whether pursuing academic research or applied roles in policy analysis, business strategy, or artificial intelligence, this program equips graduates with the expertise to lead and innovate in decision science.

Core Curriculum & Program Structure

Doctoral Degree Requirements:

Total Credits Required: 75 credits

Core Major Courses: 39 credits

Doctoral Research Seminars: 9 credits

Research & Dissertation: 27 credits

Year One – Foundations of Decision Theory

Fall Semester 1

DET 701 – Advanced Decision Theory (3 credits)

Comprehensive study of advanced decision theory, focusing on rational choice, utility theory, and decision-making under uncertainty.

DET 702 – Game Theory and Strategic Decision Models (3 credits)

Examination of game theory and its application in strategic decision-making. Emphasis on Nash equilibria, cooperative strategies, and competitive dynamics.

DET 703 – Behavioral Decision Science (3 credits)

Study of psychological and cognitive factors in decision-making. Topics include heuristics, biases, and prospect theory.

Spring Semester 2

DET 704 – Probabilistic Models and Bayesian Decision-Making (3 credits)

Exploration of probabilistic reasoning and Bayesian networks in decision-making processes. Focus on uncertainty modeling and adaptive decision support.

DET 705 – Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis and Optimization (3 credits)

Investigation of multi-criteria decision analysis techniques and their use in optimizing complex decisions across multiple domains.

DET 706 – Ethics and Decision-Making in Complex Systems (3 credits)

Study of ethical decision-making frameworks in complex systems. Topics include algorithmic fairness, moral dilemmas, and values-based decision analysis.

General Research Elective (3 credits)

Year Two – Advanced Research & Specialization

Fall Semester 3

DET 800 – Dissertation Proposal Seminar (3 credits)

Development of a dissertation proposal focusing on a specific topic in decision theory.

DET 801 – Dissertation Research I (3 credits)

Independent research under faculty supervision, focusing on theoretical or applied aspects of decision theory.

Spring Semester 4

DET 802 – Dissertation Research II (3 credits)

Continuation of dissertation research, integrating findings and preparing the dissertation for submission.

DET 803 – Dissertation Defense (3 credits)

Formal presentation and defense of the dissertation. Students must demonstrate original contributions to the field of decision theory

Year Three and Beyond – Dissertation Completion

Falll Semester 5

DET 990 – Doctoral Dissertation Research (9 credits)

DET 991 – Experimental Research in Decision Theory (3 credits)

Spring Semester 6

DET 992 – Dissertation Completion & Pre-Defense Review (9 credits)

DET 993 – Final Dissertation Defense & Publication (3 credits)