Program of Study

Our psychology doctoral program in the cognition, brain, and behavior area aims to provide you with exceptionally strong research skills in your chosen field of study through a combination of coursework, laboratory experience, and faculty mentorship. Our core courses provide a breadth of knowledge in both cognitive theory and quantitative analysis while a variety of advanced seminars provide you with expertise in specific fields of study. 

New students engage in research with faculty mentors immediately by undertaking a first-year project. Throughout your program of study, you will publish your research with faculty while preparing to enter your chosen career in academia, industry, or government institutions.

Individualized coursework

Beyond the required core courses, you may tailor your coursework to meet your individual research needs. You are expected to sign up for research credits (regular, thesis, and dissertation) each semester.

You should also take elective seminars that complement or enhance your specializations. You are also encouraged to take the teaching seminar to prepare yourself for future roles as a teaching faculty member.

The cognition, brain, and behavior (CBB) Ph.D. program is structured so that all requirements for the degree can be completed in five years. This entails satisfying all the requirements listed in the Psychology General Requirements Document and the Graduate Bulletin.

Required research milestones

To complete the program within five years, we recommend the following sequence:

• First-Year project — Completed at the end of the first year
• Master's thesis — Proposed and defended during the second or third year
• Preliminary exam — Completed during the third or fourth year
• Dissertation — Proposed and defended during the fourth or fifth year

Candidates in the program will earn their master's degree following the defense of the master's thesis. We do not have a terminal master's program.