Psychology PhD, Psychological and Brain Sciences
The Psychological and Brain Sciences program provides opportunities for study, research, and training in various areas including psychophysiology, psychopharmacology, neuroendocrinology, cognitive neuroscience, and neuropsychology. This program prepares students for research careers in academia or industries, such as pharmaceutical firms and medical schools. Full-time enrollment is required.
Application Deadline
The Application Deadline for the Psychological and Brain Sciences Program is December 1.
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements of the Graduate School, applicants should have completed undergraduate courses at minimum in general psychology, psychological statistics, and research methods. Each doctoral program has additional admission requirements specific to that program.
For more information about the admission requirements, visit the department's program website and apply to the program through the Graduate School.
Teaching and Research Assistantships
Doctoral students receive a teaching assistantship in their first and second year. Funding in later years is not guaranteed, but could come from grant funding and/or teaching courses.
Degree Requirements
Doctoral students in the Psychological and Brain Sciences program will take coursework and conduct research. Students will complete their core coursework and a thesis project in Years 1 and 2. Other requirements completed during Years 3-5 include directed research, a qualifying exam, a specialty paper, and a dissertation.
Students will complete 60 credit hours, including core, research, and elective courses listed below as part of the Ph.D. program:
| Core Courses | ||
| PSYCH 5340 | Human Neuroanatomy | 3 |
| PSYCH 5400 | Seminar: Special Topics in Behavioral Neuroscience | 4 |
| PSYCH 5407 | Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| PSYCH 5465 | Seminar: Behavioral Neuroscience | 3 |
| PSYCH 5468 | Seminar: Cognitive and Affective Processes | 3 |
| PSYCH 7421 | Quantitative Methods I | 4 |
| PSYCH 7422 | Quantitative Methods II | 4 |
| Research Courses | ||
| PSYCH 7483 | Directed Research | 19 |
| or PSYCH 7484 | Directed Readings | |
| PSYCH 7491 | MA Thesis Research | 3 |
| PSYCH 7492 | Ph D Thesis Research | 8 |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Choose two of the following courses: | ||
| Drug Use and Addiction: People, Policy, and Practice | ||
| Human Learning and Memory | ||
| Emotions and the Brain | ||
| Introduction to Clinical Neuropsychology | ||
| Quantitative Methods III | ||
| Total Hours | 60 | |
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an integrative understanding of psychological concepts, theories, research, and historical trends in Psychological and Brain Sciences and apply this knowledge in research and teaching. (Psychological Science Knowledge Base)
- Explain and apply the scientific method using a variety of research paradigms to solve problems in Psychological and Brain Sciences and articulate how the solutions rely on scientific reasoning. (Critical Thinking)
- Evaluate, identify, and apply appropriate research methods in Psychological and Brain Sciences, including research design, data analysis (i.e., selecting, conducting, and interpreting basic statistical tests) and data interpretation. (Scientific Inquiry)
- Communicate using a variety of written and oral formats (e.g., papers in the format specified by journal or granting agency, oral research presentations, posters for research at conferences, grant applications, professional publications) in a clear, concise way. (Communication)
- Evaluate and apply ethical principles to Psychological and Brain Sciences research and teaching according to national and international standards, while adopting social and ethical values that build community at local, national, and global levels (Ethical and Social Responsibility)
- Demonstrate self-reliance and independence in initiating a program of research and carry out research projects from design to dissemination. (Professional Development; Scientific Inquiry)
- Display professionalism and ownership of professional growth and learning through an evolving career development plan tailored to one’s accurate self-assessment of abilities, achievements, motivations, and work habits. (Professional Development)