Psychology & Neuroscience PhD

Program Code: G-PSY-PHD
Degree Designation: Doctor of Philosophy
Department: Psychology Department
Website: psychandneuro.duke.edu/graduate

Program Summary

The Department of Psychology offers graduate training leading to the PhD in psychology. This unique program merges social sciences and natural sciences in the study of the brain, behavior, and cognition in humans and animals. Program tracks are offered in clinical psychology, cognition/cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, social psychology, and systems and integrative neuroscience.

Academic Requirements

• P&N First Year Seminar, fall and spring of 1st year

• P&N Breadth Course, fall and Spring of 1st year

• Four Core Courses, typically completed in years 1-3

  • Psychopathology

  • Cognitive Development OR Social Development

  • Social Behavior & Personality

  • Cognitive Psychology

  • Behavioral and Computational Neuroscience

  • Cognitive Neuroscience I

• Successful defense of the Major Area Paper, fall of 3rd year recommended, latest possible date is spring of 3rd year

• Dissertation Proposal, 4th year

• Area-Specific Requirements

• TA'ing, typically years 2-4

  • 4 TA'ships are required for most students

• Thesis and Final Defense, 5th year, or 6th year for clinical students