PhD in Psychology - Cognition, Brain and Behavior in Austin United States | University of Texas at Austin

The Psychology Department unites exceptional faculty, staff, and students at all levels to advance our research and educational goals. Fundamentally, Psychology aims to unravel the intricacies of human behavior through diverse lenses - exploring how neural processes shape actions, how mental health conditions influence conduct, and how to create impactful treatments for psychological wellness. Our research spans from microscopic neural activity to wide-ranging cultural influences on behavior and everything in between. As a modern scientific discipline, psychology continually embraces innovative methodologies, frequently transcending conventional academic divisions.
Graduate studies primarily involve specialized coursework, seminars, literature review, and research within the student's chosen focus area. All graduate candidates should consult with their area advisor before finalizing their course selections. Certain department-wide requirements ensure students gain comprehensive exposure to psychology's diverse subfields.
The Cognition, Brain, and Behavior curriculum delivers intensive training in cognitive neuroscience principles and techniques. This program investigates the neural foundations of behavior by studying both typical and atypical development across the entire human lifespan. Faculty expertise encompasses all major domains of cognitive neuroscience, including sensory processing, memory systems, linguistic abilities, cognitive control, choice behavior, conceptual organization, affective processes, and social cognition.