PhD
System Dynamics
MIT Sloan’s System Dynamics PhD group, established by Professor Jay W. Forrester in 1956, equips students with the theoretical, methodological, and philosophical tools to analyze system behaviors across various fields, including management, environmental change, politics, economics, medicine, and engineering. The group integrates organization studies, behavioral decision theory, and engineering to understand and influence dynamic changes over time. Students engage in comprehensive studies of system principles, economic and industrial dynamics, and policy analysis, supplemented by coursework in economics, information systems, statistics, and political science. Faculty members like Hazhir Rahmandad, who explores complex organizational dynamics and public health issues; John Sterman, known for his work on system dynamics modeling and sustainability; and Vicky Chuqiao Yang, who studies collective human behavior and decision-making, provide invaluable guidance and expertise.
Research from System Dynamics Faculty
Leading with Purpose: Entrepreneurship, AI, and the MIT EMBA Experience
Serial entrepreneur and MIT EMBA alum Andrea Guendelman shares how her mission-driven career—from expanding access to tech jobs to building inclusive hiring solutions—informs her leadership today. In this conversation, she reflects on the lessons she gained at MIT Sloan, the evolving role of AI in h...
3 ways to use AI: Are you a cyborg, a centaur, or a self-automator?
A study of consultants found that employees use generative AI three different ways. Each has different implications for on-the-job learning.
New study identifies shared mathematical principle linking how cells, companies, and cities diversify
New research from MIT Sloan and the Santa Fe Institute shows common patterns in the growth of biological and social systems.
From Simulation to Strategy: Climate Modeling Motivates Action at the Top
New research by MIT Sloan finds that leaders who participate in engagements using an interactive climate policy simulator, En-ROADS, demonstrated a stronger understanding of climate solutions.
Select System Dynamics Faculty
Full-Time Faculty
Johan Chu
Hear name pronounced.Sarofim Family Career Development Assistant Professor
Johan Chu is the Sarofim Family Career Development Assistant Professor and an Assistant Professor of System Dynamics at the MIT Sloan School of Management Johan's research examines power. Recently-developed technologies–including generative AI–allow…
Learn More
Hazhir Rahmandad
Hear name pronounced.Schussel Family Professor of Management Science
Hazhir Rahmandad is the Schussel Family Professor of Management Science and a Professor of System Dynamics at the MIT Sloan School of Management. Hazhir's research shows how complex organizational dynamics can lead to heterogeneity in organizational…
Learn More
Nelson P. Repenning
School of Management Distinguished Professor of System Dynamics and Organization Studies
Nelson P. Repenning is the Faculty Director of the MIT Leadership Center, and the School of Management Distinguished Professor of System Dynamics and Organization Studies at the MIT Sloan School of Management. His early work focused on understanding…
Learn More
Example PhD Thesis Topics
-
Jose Lopez (2024)
-
James Paine (2023)
-
Tianyi Li (2021)
-
Tse Yang Lim (2021)
-
Jad Sassine (2021)