Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Behavioral and Computational Economics, M.S.


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This innovative master’s program is open to any student with a strong mathematical or computational background and an interest in how people make personal and impersonal exchanges with individuals, corporations, and government entities. It complements the preparation of students who have received undergraduate degrees in engineering, economics, computer science, mathematics, physics and computational science. Admission is limited to highly qualified students with a completed bachelor’s degree and appropriate prerequisites. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher to remain in the M.S. in Behavioral and Computational Economics program.

Admission deadline

Submit an application by May 31.

Admission requirements

  1. A bachelor’s degree and appropriate prerequisites from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher and prerequisite coursework or equivalent preparation with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or higher.
  2. Remit the non-refundable application fee of $60, payable to Chapman University.
  3. Submit official transcript from the baccalaureate degree granting institution only to the Office of Graduate Admission, Chapman University, One University Drive, Orange, California 92866.
  4. Submit one letter of recommendation from an individual familiar with the applicant’s academic abilities.
  5. Achieve an acceptable score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
  6. Complete an interview in person or via teleconferencing platform (Skype, Zoom, etc.).
  7. Foreign applicants who completed their undergraduate degree outside of the U.S. will be required to achieve an acceptable score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a minimum score of 59 on the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic).

Requirements for the Master of Science in Behavioral and Computational Economics degree

Students pursuing the Master of Science in Behavioral and Computational Economics degree are held to the University’s Academic Policies and Procedures . In addition these specific degree standards apply:

  • Minimum grade “C+” or above required in all coursework.
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher to remain in the program.
  • Complete the degree program’s course requirements including either the thesis or non-thesis option for a total of 33 credits.

The following courses make up the Master of Science in Behavioral and Computational Economics curriculum:

prerequisites (12 credits)


prerequisites must be completed with a 3.25 GPA or higher

  • MATH 210 - Multivariable Calculus 3 credits *
  • CPSC 236 - Visual Programming 3 credits *
  • MGSC 406 - Advanced Experimental Design and Statistics 3 credits **
  • ECON 481 - Auction and Market Design 3 credits **

elective requirement (3 credits)


  • Graduate level elective(s) chosen with approval of the Program Director

thesis or non-thesis option (6 credits)


all students complete either the thesis option or non-thesis requirement

  • Graduate level electives (500 or higher) with approval of the Program Director, 6 credits required)
  • OR

  • 3-6 credits (3 credits per semester for two semesters, 6 credits required)

total credits 33


*Equivalent preparation may be used to fulfill these requirements.

**MGSC 406, ECON 481, ECON 567  can be taken at Chapman University as a junior, senior or graduate if planning to apply to the program or have been admitted to the program.

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