The Certificate in Decision Sciences provides graduate students with analytic and problem solving skills to strengthen their data-driven decision-making. In addition to taking a spreadsheet modeling class, students may choose from a set of electives to tailor the certificate to their specific interests. The certificate allows matriculated graduate students to show their specific focus in Decision Sciences, and provides anyone enrolled in this certificate program exposure to quantitative decision-making or the opportunity to test the waters before committing to a graduate business program.
Program Courses
Students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Decision Sciences program must complete three courses:
| Course Prefix | Course Number | Course Title | Prerequisite | Units |
| DS | 852 | Managerial Decision-Making | DS 786 / equivalent or permission |
3 |
| DS | 856 | Seminar in Project Management | DS 786 / equivalent or permission |
3 |
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| Select one |
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| DS | 853 | Applied Multivariate Analysis | DS 776 / equivalent or permission |
3 |
| DS | 855 | Supply Chain Management | DS 786 / equivalent or permission |
3 |
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| Total Units |
9 |
Look up the course descriptions in the SF State Academic Bulletin, our online course catalog.
Admission Requirements
Individuals must meet the following requirements to be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Decision Sciences program:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- 3.0 undergraduate GPA or better in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted
- Basic knowledge of business statistics and operations provided by a grade of B- or better in the DS 212 and 412 or DS 776 and 786 courses (or equivalent)
You must complete the certificate with a GPA of 3.0 or better and only courses completed with a grade of C or better may be included to meet the certificate completion requirements.
How to Apply
We welcome applications from current matriculated SF State graduate students and non-matriculated post-baccalaureate domestic adults interested in the study of decision sciences.
If you are a currently matriculated SF State graduate student:
- You will need to complete the application form on Docusign.
- Applications are due by August 15 for Fall admission or January 15 for Spring admission, unless the academic department requires an earlier deadline.
If you are not currently matriculated at SF State:
- You must formally apply to the Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Business through Cal State Apply (external link).
- Applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts, a statement of interest, and current CV/résumé.
- Important: To apply for certificates, please go to your EXTENDED PROFILE and under DEGREE GOAL select CERTIFICATE, then choose Graduate Certificate in Decision Sciences and SAVE.
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with deadlines in May and October.
If you have any questions about the application process, please send an email to the Graduate Business Programs Office at mba@sfsu.edu or call 415-817-4300.
More Information
Please contact our faculty if you have questions about the curriculum for this certificate program:
- Theresa Roeder, Ph.D. (Certificate Coordinator)
- Susan Cholette, Ph.D.
- Leyla Ozsen, Ph.D.
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