Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience (PhD)

Program Overview

The doctoral program in behavioral neuroscience offered by the Department of Psychology is highly individualized, competitive and research-intensive. Students are expected to be self-directed and dedicated to research. Our program emphasizes three principle areas of scientific training: breadth of knowledge, analytical and methodological skills, and scientific communication skills. The program is ranked in the top 15th percentile in the nation by Academics Analytics.

Research is a core component of the program. Each student receives support from faculty and the department to create a unique course of study specific to individual research interests. Prospective students are encouraged to explore faculty specializations before applying to see if areas of concentration align.

Past research experience is highly regarded during the application process. Potential candidates will be invited for an interview on campus with travel expenses compensated by the department. Interviews via Skype are available for students currently overseas. Students may be admitted with a tuition scholarship and a stipend for serving as research or teaching assistants. In many cases, teaching assistantships include health insurance and a tuition scholarship. Student that remain in good standing are eligible for up to 5 years of funding.

Program research themes include:

  • Alcohol, drugs of abuse and addictive processes
  • Developmental psychobiology
  • Learning and memory processes
  • Biological rhythms and stress
  • Neurochemistry and psychopharmacology
  • Neural-coding and computational neuroscience

Degrees Offered

  • PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

The department seeks to foster an integrative and collaborative atmosphere to accommodate a multidisciplinary and diverse range of research interests from both faculty and staff. With guidance from faculty advisors, students choose the details of their areas of study. Students will not only be exposed to courses in behavioral neuroscience, but also to those from the other two PhD tracks: clinical psychology and cognitive and brain sciences. Specialized seminars are held to broaden the student’s academic experience.

Students can also take advantage of the at ßÙßÇÂþ»­ for a wealth of resources such as collaborative research ventures, information about special grant funding and opportunities to attend professional conferences.

After You Graduate

Graduates of the program often transition into postdoctoral positions at major universities, colleges and research centers such as University of British Columbia, University of Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Kessler Institute, Wayne State University and Tufts University’s School of Medicine.

Many alumni also obtain positions in the pharmaceutical sciences, working for companies and research facilities such as Lilly Pharmaceutical, Purdue Pharma, Merck Research Laboratories and Lineberry Research Associates.

Admission Requirements

Funding/Scholarships

There are many funding and scholarship opportunities at ßÙßÇÂþ»­. We encourage prospective students to review available program-specific scholarships and awards, and visit the program's website for additional information. PhD students who are registered and/or certified full-time will receive a scholarship that covers the cost of broad-based fees (this does not include international student fees).

For more information, visit the Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience website.