Social and Decision Sciences (Carnegie Mellon University)

SDS is known for research and education programs in decision-making in public policy, economics, management, and the behavioral social sciences.

The Department of Social Sciences was established in 1976, as part of the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences under Dean John Patrick Crecine with approval from Heinz College Dean Otto Davis, which previously housed the program.

At the master's degree level, SDS partners with several other colleges and departments for the Engineering and Technology Innovation Management program.

The department's primary focus lies in interdisciplinary research, particularly in the intersection of politics and sociology with economics, psychology and human decision making.

Some notable faculty members (both current and past) include Baruch Fischhoff, Paul Fischbeck, Robyn Dawes, George Loewenstein, Cleotilde Gonzalez, Jennifer Lerner, Kathleen Carley, David Krackhardt, Steven Klepper, Linda C. Babcock, Lee Branstetter, David A. Hounshell, William Keech, John H. Miller, Mark Kamlet, Roberto Weber, Herbert A. Simon, Jendayi Frazer, Kiron Skinner, Sara Kiesler, John Patrick Crecine, Cristina Bicchieri, Joseph Born Kadane, Daniel M. Oppenheimer, Patrick D. Larkey, and Otto Davis.