Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Doctoral students are required to complete 37 credits, including 12 credits of NACS899. Specific course requirements include two core courses--a scientific ethics course and a foundational readings course--and three out of five core courses from among introduction to neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, computational neuroscience, cellular and molecular neuroscience, and cognitive science. Non-course requirements include completing a First Year Research Project, pass the Qualifying Exam, submit a Dissertation Proposal, and pass the Ph.D. Defense.

A qualifying examination is given at the beginning of the third year to ensure that all students have a core knowledge of basic neuroscience and cognitive science and know how to apply it to their own research area, and that each student has the knowledge and skills necessary to develop a dissertation proposal. 

Effective Spring 2021: Students are admitted to candidacy upon passing the Qualifying Exam. By the end of their fourth year, students formally present their dissertation proposal. The dissertation is normally completed within one year of the proposal defense, and within five years of entering the program.