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Decision Neuroscience PhD

Doctor of Philosophy in Decision Neuroscience

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Decision Neuroscience from Temple University’s Fox School of Business provides doctoral students with the foundation, tools and support to conduct cutting-edge research in order to better understand how people make choices.

The field of decision neuroscience—and related areas such as neuroeconomics and neuromarketing—allows the exploration of psychological, economic and social phenomena such as addiction, consumer behavior, interpersonal conflict and risky choices. These fields of study prepare students to pursue careers as researchers in academia as well as roles in the business, healthcare and social services industries.

As one of the few schools offering this cutting-edge doctoral program, Temple provides students with the unique opportunity to work alongside faculty who are at the forefront of their fields, highly awarded, and frequently published in top-tier research journals such as the Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of Neuroscience and Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences. 

In this inherently interdisciplinary program, students work closely with faculty and students from different academic areas to conduct research in a variety of fields, including business administration, economics, engineering, philosophy, physics and psychology. In addition to a collaborative academic environment, students have access to Temple’s state-of-the-art research facilities such as

The PhD curriculum structure is intended to prepare students for individual research by combining classroom learning with hands-on lab experience. Specifically, all students will be required to complete two lab rotations in their first year as part of their curriculum, an aspect that is unique to this program. Learn more about research opportunities for Fox students.

Classes & Curriculum

In the first two years of the program, doctoral students complete a seminar, required and elective coursework, and research rotations that prepare them for independent work in the field of decision neuroscience.

Some of the course options are as follows.

  • Introduction to Decision Neuroscience
  • Seminar in Cognitive Psychology
  • Seminar in Judgment and Decision-Making

At the end of two years, PhD candidates take a comprehensive exam at which point they can begin work on their dissertation with their research advisor.

Learn more about Decision Neuroscience PhD curriculum.

Related Graduate Degrees

*College of Liberal Arts

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Doctor of Philosophy offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,000.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,250.00 per credit

You can view the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

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Our Advisors

Students will work closely with their primary advisors as they navigate coursework and the research dissertation process. Depending on the area of research, students may work with an advisor from the Fox School of Business or the College of Liberal Arts.

Program Contact

Lauren Murawski is the associate director of PhD programs.
Phone: 215-204-7116
Email

Student Clubs & Organizations

Joining student clubs and organizations is a great way to meet like-minded students; connect with local, national and international businesses; and enhance the skills you use in your professional career. Fox offers more than 30 student professional organizations. Supplement your academic experience by participating in a club related to your major or interests.

The following clubs and organizations are available to students in Fox.

  • The Fox Graduate Student Association connects students and alumni with the greater Fox community, providing professional development, networking and volunteer opportunities for graduate students.
  • The mission of Net Impact is to grow and strengthen a network of leaders who use the power of business to make a positive economic, environmental and social impact. It brings together students seeking to network and to use the power of business to create a better world.
  • The International Business Association brings together students from all over the world to learn about foreign business and the global economy, and offers an array of professional development opportunities.
  • Fox Professional Speakers invites students to practice their communication, presentation and leadership skills in a supportive and positive environment.
  • Those with dreams of starting their own business may be interested in the Entrepreneurial Students Association, which aims to support, inspire and encourage students to pursue their entrepreneurial goals. The association is open to students of all majors.

See a full list of student clubs and organizations.

Accreditation

The Fox School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The school has maintained AACSB accreditation since 1934.

Additional Program Information