PhD in Psychology- Cognition in Boston United States | Northeastern University

The Psychology Department's PhD program explores diverse aspects of modern behavioral science through an intimate academic environment shared by faculty and students. This program focuses on four interrelated experimental domains: behavioral neuroscience, cognitive studies, perceptual processes, and social/personality psychology. Note that clinical and counseling psychology training is not provided. The PhD curriculum aims to develop students into skilled researchers and educators in psychology. This is achieved through a mentorship model where graduate students train in faculty laboratories, maintaining close collaboration with their advisors throughout the program. Beyond the core apprenticeship, students engage in various activities including first- and second-year coursework, advanced seminars, interdisciplinary studies, departmental colloquia, teaching assistantships, master's thesis work, and dissertation research with oral defense. Following the initial year, the doctoral program offers flexible coursework structures tailored to individual learning and scientific exploration. Students can enhance their teaching and research abilities by mentoring undergraduate research assistants. This full-time, year-round program spans five years, with limited annual admissions to preserve the mentorship approach - students are accepted to work with specific faculty members. Research responsibilities transition gradually from advisor to student, culminating in the doctoral dissertation. While the program awards a Master's degree after two years en route to the PhD, applicants holding relevant Master's degrees are exempt from this requirement.