Psychology, PhD (Behavioral Neuroscience and Comparative Psychology)

Core courses. Three courses covering the basic content in behavioral neuroscience from the following:

• PSY 512 Advanced Learning
• PSY 526 Neuroanatomy
• PSY 570 Psychopharmacology
• PSY 591 courses: Neuropsychopharmacology, Neuroendocrinology, Neurophysiology, Behavioral Neuroscience, and Stress  and the Brain
• PSY 591 – Behavioral Neuroscience Seminar (required all semesters)

Skill Courses. Two courses:

• PSY 530 Intermediate Statistics (ANOVA)
• PSY 531 Regression Analysis

Breadth Courses. At least one course, to be agreed upon with the mentor, from the courses above or:

• PSY 525  Cognitive Psychology
• PSY 528  Sensation and Perception
• BCH 461 Biochemistry
• PSY 624 Clinical Neuroscience
• PSY 573 Psychopathology
• PSY 591 courses: Mathematical Psychology, History and Systems of Psychology or other courses deemed appropriate by the mentor, such as cell biology, genetics, immunology, etc.

In-Depth Seminars. Two topical seminar courses, selected from those made available over the student's time in the program. These courses tend to be decided upon according to the interests of the current faculty and student body.

Research Seminar and Research Hours. Each semester, students enroll in PSY 598 Behavioral Neuroscience Research Seminar, a weekly forum for presenting new research and discussing current topics. In addition, students enroll in the milestone-related courses below:

• PSY 590 Reading and Conference
• PSY 592 Research
• PSY 599 Thesis
• PSY 790 Reading and Conference
• PSY 792 Research

PSY 799 Dissertation 

• Q: What is the acceptance rate of students who apply?
• There is not a certain quota of students that are accepted or declined. Generally, applicants are accepted based on the compatibility between the applicant’s research interest and an individual faculty member’s need.
• Q: Does the behavioral neuroscience department have lab rotations the first year?
• No, during the first year, students choose a research mentor under whose supervision they complete a “first year research project,” culminating in a paper and oral presentation. The presentation is scheduled at the end of the spring semester and has come to represent a celebration of the completion of the first year.
• What kind of degree do I need to enter a graduate program in behavioral neuroscience?
• Students with a Bachelors of Science or Bachelors of Arts degree from an accredited university are encouraged to apply. Most applicants have taken several basic science courses including: biology, chemistry and physiology.          
• Q: Will my master's degree from a different area help my graduate studies in behavioral neuroscience?
• Applicants are encouraged to apply from a variety of different disciplines. Each applicant will be reviewed on a case by case basis taking into consideration the nature of the graduate degree, the applicant's previous coursework, and research interests.   
• Q: How much independent research can I expect in addition to my own research?
• This is dependent on your mentor. If you are given a research assistantship expect to spend approximately 20 hours a week in addition to your own research project.
• Q: Do I need research experience?
• No, this is not a requirement, but it is a desired quality. Research techniques are usually learned in the process of completing your first year project. However, advisors typically will look for preliminary qualifications such as processing the scientific theory at a cognitive rather than a procedural level. It should be noted that most successful applicants do have some research experience that demonstrates their capacity to work in the lab and to think analytically.