PhD in Brain and Cognitive Sciences in Rochester United States | University of Rochester

The Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences (BCS) at the University of Rochester includes 17 primary faculty members along with numerous affiliated professors from other departments. BCS researchers and their work have gained national and international recognition across multiple specialties.
Our investigations cover a broad spectrum while bridging various disciplines within behavioral, neural, and computational sciences. A unifying principle connects all our research: comprehending behavior requires examining not just observable actions but also the neural mechanisms and computational processes that enable them.
Given the diverse academic backgrounds of students entering brain and cognitive sciences (BCS), the PhD program is structured to expose learners to unfamiliar aspects of the field while equipping them for higher-level study.
This foundational coursework explores subjects including perception, movement, cognition, language, learning, and development, with each topic analyzed through behavioral, computational, and neuroscience lenses.
While research methodologies may differ among students, all must develop proficiency in at least two approaches to prepare for this interdisciplinary domain. Advanced coursework and specialized seminars complement this training. Throughout their graduate studies, students maintain strong research involvement.