»Master of Science in Behavioral and Computational Economics (MSBCE)

Program formerly known as Economic System and Design

Formed as an alternative to a more traditional theory-based degree, the Master of Science in Behavioral and Computational Economics (MSBCE) pushes students to use laboratory experiments, computer simulations and mathematical analysis to study economic institutions and how they operate. This degree prepares students to design, develop, test and implement efficient exchange systems in fields such as stock trading, online auctions, scheduling, insurance and public utilities.

The program curriculum takes a unique hands-on approach. Students spend some time with traditional study of economic systems, but the majority of their work is on personal projects and experiments. Students are encouraged to use their insights to create exchange systems they find personally interesting, and the ESI professors support and work alongside the students throughout the program.

This program is for students with a strong mathematical or computational background. Specifically, it complements the educational background of students possessing or pursuing undergraduate degrees in business, economics, computer science, mathematics and psychology.

The unique MSBCE program offers two options. Students who have completed an undergraduate degree undertake a two-year master’s program. Students still working on an undergraduate degree can take a five-year program that integrates undergraduate and master’s degrees.

2-Year Master Degree Program (For students applying from different universities)

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The 2-year Master of Science in Behavioral and Computational Economics program is a unique opportunity open to anyone with a completed Bachelor’s degree and strong mathematical or computational background.

Graduation Requirements MSBCE

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Click to view 2021-2022

Click to view 2020-2021

Click to view 2019-2020

For more information on the MSBCE degree requirements, please contact Cyndi Dumas at dumas@chapman.edu or (714) 516-4513.

Admission to the program may be achieved by the completion of the following requirements:

Completed a bachelor's degree and the appropriate prerequisites at a regionally accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher AND prerequisite coursework or equivalent preparation with cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Priority Deadline February 1, 2024. Regular Deadline May 31, 2024.
Apply Online Now
Remit the non-refundable application fee of $60, payable to Chapman University.
Submit official transcript from the baccalaureate degree granting institution only to: Office of Graduate Admission, Chapman University, Argyros Forum, Room 304, One University Drive, Orange, California 92866.
Submit one letter of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic abilities.
Achieve an acceptable score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Complete an interview either in person or via Skype.
Foreign applicants who have completed their undergraduate degree outside of the United States may 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).

Prerequisites

Prerequisites (15 credits):

MATH 210	Multivariable Calculus*	3
CPSC 236	CPSC 236 Visual Programming*	3
MGSC 406	Advanced Experimental Design and Statistics*	3
ECON 481	Economic Systems Design I*	3
ECON 567	Game Theory I	3

*Equivalent preparation may be used to fulfill these requirements.

Math 210 (or equivalent course) and CPSC 236 (or equivalent course) must be completed before entering the MSBCE program.

Subsequently, applications will be accepted until the class is full.

Students will be able to describe and provide examples of the effective use of economic models and experimental procedures and demonstrate the ability to implement economic models in an experimental setting and effectively use analytic tools. (e.g. experiment software, Mathematica, statistical packages, etc.)
Students must be able to formulate appropriate models and hypotheses, analyze data effectively, and create useful depictions of data and theory.
Student will demonstrate effective written and verbal communication; understand the social impact of an economic problem in relation to existing literature, and articulate in homework, presentations and thesis the validity of the research methodology undertaken and the its position in the context of current research.
Students will be able to recognize interactive decision making environments in which participants have an incentive to strategically respond to one and other in order to achieve either competitive or cooperative goals. Students will be able to mathematically model those environments then use either analytical or computational methods to predict the behavior that might be observed when participants act in their own interests.

5 Year Accelerated Bachelor/Masters Degree Program (An option for Chapman undergraduates)

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The 5 year integrated MSBCE program is a unique opportunity open to all Chapman University undergraduates or admitted transfer students with a strong mathematical or computational background.

Graduation Requirements Integrated Undergraduate/MSBCE

Click to view 2023-2024

Click to view 2022-2023

Click to view 2021-2022

Click to view 2020-2021

Click to view 2019-2020

For more information on the integrated MSBCE requirements please contact Cyndi Dumas at dumas@chapman.edu or 714/516-4513.

Admission requirements:

Eligible students will have completed roughly 75 credits or more of their undergraduate coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher AND prerequisite coursework or equivalent preparation with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Priority Deadline February 1, 2024. Regular Deadline May 31, 2024.
Apply Online Now.
Submit one letter of recommendation from an individual familiar with the applicant's academic abilities.
Achieve an acceptable score on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
Submit application for admission by May 31st after their junior year of college.
Complete an interview either in person or via Skype.

Additional requirements for transfer students:

Be admitted at Chapman University in the undergraduate program of their choice.
Initiate communication with Admissions about interest in the integrated five-year undergraduate/MSESD program.
Foreign applicants who are transferring from another institution may 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).

Prerequisites:

Undergraduate Prerequisite Courses (18 credits):

MATH 210	Multivariable Calculus*	3
CPSC 236	Visual Programming*	3
MGSC 406	Advanced Experimental Design and Statistics*	3
ECON 481	Economic Systems Design I*	3
ECON 567	Game Theory I	3
MGSC 532	Computational Economics**	3
ECON 582	Economic Systems Design II**	3

*Equivalent preparation may be used to fulfill these requirements.

Math 210 (or equivalent course) and CPSC 236 (or equivalent course) must be completed before entering the MSBCE program.

**Credits must be completed during undergraduate study.

Students must submit an application for admission by May 31st, after their junior year in college.

Students will be able to describe and provide examples of the effective use of economic models and experimental procedures and demonstrate the ability to implement economic models in an experimental setting and effectively use analytic tools. (e.g. experiment software, Mathematica, statistical packages, etc.)
Students must be able to formulate appropriate models and hypotheses, analyze data effectively, and create useful depictions of data and theory.
Student will demonstrate effective written and verbal communication; understand the social impact of an economic problem in relation to existing literature, and articulate in homework, presentations and thesis the validity of the research methodology undertaken and the its position in the context of current research.
Students will be able to recognize interactive decision making environments in which participants have an incentive to strategically respond to one and other in order to achieve either competitive or cooperative goals. Students will be able to mathematically model those environments then use either analytical or computational methods to predict the behavior that might be observed when participants act in their own interests.