Advancing Strategic Decision Science Since 2014
The Nevada Institute of Game Theory is not only a research center but also an educational institution dedicated to training a new breed of analyst—one who is equally comfortable with deep mathematical theory, empirical methods, and real-world problem-solving. Its educational philosophy is built on the principle that mastery of game theory requires moving fluently between abstraction and application. To this end, NIGT has developed a suite of programs catering to different stages of a career, from doctoral students to seasoned executives. All programs share a common goal: to equip students with the conceptual tools to deconstruct complex strategic situations and the practical skills to design effective solutions.
At the core is a highly selective doctoral program, often undertaken in collaboration with partner universities in economics, computer science, and mathematics. Doctoral students at NIGT are immersed in an environment where cutting-edge research is the daily norm. Their coursework covers advanced topics in non-cooperative and cooperative game theory, mechanism design, behavioral and experimental methods, and computational techniques. A distinctive requirement is the 'Applied Practicum,' where students spend a semester working on a concrete problem with an external partner, such as a tech company, a government agency, or a non-profit. This ensures their research remains grounded. The Institute also offers a professional Master's degree in Strategic Analysis, a two-year program designed for students aiming for careers in consulting, finance, public policy, or tech. The Master's curriculum includes core theory but emphasizes case studies, simulation exercises, and a capstone team project addressing a live challenge from an industry sponsor.
Recognizing that strategic challenges permeate leadership roles, NIGT runs a thriving executive education program. These short, intensive courses (ranging from three-day workshops to two-week modules) are tailored for senior managers, policymakers, military strategists, and legal professionals. Courses like 'Strategic Negotiation and Deal-Making,' 'Game Theory for Business Strategy,' and 'Designing Incentives in Organizations' translate game-theoretic insights into actionable frameworks. Participants engage in realistic simulations and role-playing exercises, receiving immediate feedback on their strategic choices. These programs are often held on-site at corporate headquarters or as custom engagements, allowing the Institute's faculty to address the specific strategic dilemmas faced by an organization.
Each July, NIGT hosts its prestigious Global Summer School in Game Theory, a four-week intensive for outstanding undergraduate and early-stage graduate students from around the world. The school is renowned for its rigorous curriculum and its faculty of visiting stars from the global game theory community. Mornings are dedicated to lectures on foundational and advanced topics, while afternoons involve problem-solving sessions, computer labs, and group projects. The summer school culminates in a mini-conference where student teams present their project findings. For many participants, this experience is transformative, solidifying their decision to pursue graduate study and research in game theory and related fields. The school also serves as a powerful recruitment tool for NIGT's own graduate programs.
The Institute is committed to pedagogical innovation. Faculty have developed interactive online learning modules and simulation games that are used in classrooms worldwide. They also engage in significant outreach, offering guest lectures and modular courses at undergraduate institutions with limited access to game theory specialists. A popular online lecture series, 'Strategic Thinking in Everyday Life,' has attracted a large public audience, demonstrating the relevance of game theory to personal decisions and current events. Through these multifaceted educational efforts, the Nevada Institute of Game Theory fulfills its mission to disseminate strategic literacy, ensuring that the power of game theory to clarify and improve decision-making is available to as broad an audience as possible, from the next Nobel contender to the curious citizen.