online phd cognitive psychology

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• PsyD vs PhD

Best Online PhD in Cognitive Psychology Programs

According to the APA, cognitive psychology utilizes human learning and development principles, as well as cognitive processing, to overcome problematic behavior and emotional thinking. It uses these vital principles to help people live more productive lives.

Cognitive psychologists have an excellent grasp of applied behavior analysis, cognitive therapy, behavior therapy, social learning theories, emotional processing theories, and information processing theories.

A Ph.D. in cognitive psychology investigates the vital cognitive processes and applies several theoretical perspectives to understanding these complex processes. Doctoral candidates in cognitive psychology often conduct basic and translational research to devise solutions for real-world issues, such as enhancing children’s reading comprehension.

Students in cognitive psychology develop expertise in quantitative methods and take courses in vital cognitive processes, such as decision making, dynamics, language, embodiment, natural language processing, perception and action, and neuroscience.

With a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology, you may work in intelligence, research, computer science, speech synthesis, big data analysis, informatics, or telecommunications. The degree fully prepares you for any field that is based on cognition and technology.

Are you interested in earning your Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology online? Please review the available online programs below.

Schools on This Page

• Grand Canyon University
• George Mason University
• Bircham International University

#1 Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University offers an online Ph.D. in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Cognition and Instruction . This doctoral program is intended to educate students who want to work with adult students in economically and culturally diverse communities.

Graduates will study how cognitive processes can affect and inform instructional methods. The coursework in this program covers topics that are important for building and analyzing needed learning outcomes, including assessments and social cognition.

Required courses in this four-year, accredited program are:

• Introduction to Research
• Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Theory
• Foundations of Research 1 and 2
• Behaviorism
• Social Cognition
• Cognition and Instruction
• Designing a Qualitative Study

Many graduates of this program continue in their current jobs, but others seek new roles as teachers, researchers, professors, and government contractors.

*Visit Grand Canyon University

• Institution type : Private, non-profit
• Delivery method : Online
• Headquarters : Phoenix, Arizona
• Accreditation : Western Association of Colleges and Schools
• Degrees offered : Ph.D. in cognitive psychology
• Expected total tuition : $41,700
• Prerequisites : Master’s degree in psychology

#2 George Mason University

George Mason University offers an online Ph.D. in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience that provides advanced knowledge of the essential areas of psychology and practical experience to apply this information to solve problems in relationships, work, and education.

Core courses cover information essential to doctoral in psychology training, including the biological, social, cognitive, and individual bases of behavior, as well as the long history of psychology in the US and across the world.

The program also focuses on the study of biological substrates of human behavior. Faculty study areas such as neural control of behavioral development; animal models of memory and learning; social brain systems involved in perception, human error, decision making, and movement; and the relation of neural activity to human performance.

Required courses are:

• Biological Bases of Human Behavior
• Social Bases of Behavior
• Special Topics in Psychology
• Advanced Statistics
• Psychometric Methods
• Developmental Assessment
• Emotional Bases of Behavior

Total credits required for graduates range from 72 to 76. If you enter the program with a master’s, you can reduce the number of credits you take by up to 30, if approved by the dean.

• Institution type : Public, non-profit
• Headquarters : Fairfax, Virginia
• Accreditation : Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Expected total tuition : $56,000
• Visit school : Click here

#3 Bircham International University

Bircham International University offers a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology entirely online . This accredited, four-year program reviews the findings, methods, and controversies in cognitive neuroscience and psychology.

The program uses a comparative and developmental perspective to study brain evolution theories and human cognition by using information derived from young children and animals.

The Ph. D. program has 30 required for graduation, but other courses can be added if you are interested in additional specialties. A 70-page thesis paper is required for graduation that will be reviewed by the program’s academic committee. Several 30-page reports may also be required to complete all credits.

The student must defend their thesis in front of at least three members of the Bircham University Academic Network.

• Institution type : Public, for-profit
• Headquarters : Madrid, Spain
• Accreditation : United States Distance Learning Association
• Expected total tuition : $12,240

Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology Summary

Obtaining your Ph.D. in cognitive psychology can be an excellent way to enhance your career if you intend to work in academia, research, or private practice. Students interested in moving to the highest levels of the field with the best salary will find that this highly-respected degree is worth the time and effort.

• Best Online Doctorates In Psychology

Best Online Doctorates In Psychology Of 2024

Updated: Mar 28, 2024, 12:13pm

Psychologists don’t just work one-on-one with patients to treat behavioral and mental health issues. Today, psychologists advise corporations, study cognitive science and the brain, coach athletes to peak performance and help students thrive in school.

In addition to clinical counseling, an online doctorate in psychology can lead to well-paying work in diverse fields like education, business, social services, nonprofit management and community organizing.

To help with your search, Forbes Advisor reviewed 43 programs and ranked eight schools that met our criteria. Each school demonstrates a commitment to student experience, outcomes, credibility and affordability. Programs include Ph.D.s, Psy.D.s and Ed.D.s, with specializations like leadership, community or educational psychology. Explore our recommendations below.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• Over 3,868 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
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• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked eight accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online doctoral degrees in psychology in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of student experience, credibility, student outcomes and affordability. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

Data is accurate as of February 2024. Note that because online doctorates are relatively uncommon, fewer schools meet our ranking standards at the doctoral level.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• More than 50% of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduate student fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Student loan default rate

We listed all eight schools in the U.S. that met our ranking criteria.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Best Online Doctorates in Psychology

Should you enroll in an online psychology doctoral program, accreditation for online doctoral programs in psychology, how to find the right online doctorate in psychology for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online doctorates in psychology, national louis university, liberty university, keiser university-ft lauderdale, university of the southwest, the chicago school at los angeles, southern california seminary, william james college, adler university.

Graduate Tuition

$800/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

This Chicago-based college was founded in 1886 with a mission to train elementary school teachers. Today, National Louis University (NLU) offers a fully online Ph.D. in community psychology to prepare professionals for work in areas including housing, urban education, child abuse and substance abuse.

NLU teaches the foundations of community psychology and encourages learners to research topics that pique their interest. Coursework provides training in quantitative and qualitative methods, grant writing, advocacy, and community development. Online learners complete an internship and dissertation in addition to coursework. NLU offers both synchronous and asynchronous formats.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 69 to 72 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time, part-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Community organizing, statistics for community psychology
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, internship required

$595/credit (full-time)

Liberty University ’s Ph.D. in psychology teaches human behavior from a biblical perspective. This nonclinical, nonlicensure program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Liberty offers six specializations, including social psychology and developmental psychology. Learners conduct their own research, with the opportunity to present their work at conferences. Optional on-campus intensive courses allow students to deepen their academic and professional skills alongside faculty and classmates.

Current and former military members and their spouses qualify for discounted tuition at $300 per credit.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Psychological research and biblical worldview, teaching of psychology
• Concentrations Available: Behavioral health leadership, developmental psychology, general psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, social psychology, theology
• In-Person Requirements: No, but optional in-person intensives offered

$528/credit (in-state)

The Fort Lauderdale branch of Keiser University , Florida’s largest private, nonprofit university, offers a research-based online Ph.D. in psychology. The program employs a “scholar-practitioner” model that integrates leading research and professional practices into the classroom experience.

The school offers hybrid and fully online programming. Online learners have access to technical support and academic counseling. With courses held in eight-week terms, students can complete the program in as little as 36 months.

Keiser also offers a baccalaureate entry path; admitted students only need a bachelor’s degree before starting their Ph.D.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Behavioral neuroscience, sociocultural basis of behavior
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, two residencies required

$799/credit (in-state)

The University of the Southwest (USW) offers a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in educational psychology. The degree suits professionals who work or hope to work in educational leadership and administration. USW’s curriculum focuses on four key areas: leadership foundations, organizational dynamics and change, strategic planning, and research. With an optional self-design track, learners can customize their specialization courses.

Online learners receive free virtual healthcare and a free laptop in their first course. The tuition price includes the cost of all textbooks and course materials. Students can also access leading software designed to guide them through the dissertation process.

Two clinical residencies provide real-world experience. They can be completed in person or virtually.

• Application Fee: N/A
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Organizational dynamics of human behavior, advanced study of educational psychology
• In-Person Requirements: No, but optional in-person residencies offered

$1,703/credit

The Chicago School at Los Angeles ’ Ph.D. in international psychology prepares learners to work in organizations with global missions. In addition to classwork, the program features an international internship and real-world training opportunities. Students complete two on-campus residencies and two international field experiences.

Learners must pass written and oral comprehensive exams and complete an original dissertation addressing a gap in international psychology’s professional study. The nonlicensure program can be completed in three and a half years.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Foundations of international psychology; ethics and professional development
• Concentrations Available: Organizations and systems, trauma services
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, residencies and international trip required

$650/credit (in-state)

Southern California Seminary ’s nonlicensure Psy.D. program uniquely integrates theology and psychology to prepare learners for private counseling, local church ministry, or work in a service or institutional setting. The El Cajon-based school also offers an M.A. to Psy.D. track, which requires a minimum of 99 credits.

Students can choose between four emphases: psychology, educational psychology, international/multicultural psychology and industrial/organizational psychology. Classes begin every seven weeks.

In addition to academic requirements, learners must demonstrate moral integrity and be recommended for graduation by at least four faculty members.

• Application Fee: $85
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54 to 73 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Advanced psychosocial basis of behavior, hermeneutics
• Concentrations Available: Psychology, educational psychology, international/multicultural psychology, industrial/organizational psychology
• In-Person Requirements: No

$1,675/credit (in-state)

William James College ’s Psy.D in leadership psychology integrates hands-on experience with classroom learning to deeply explore how humans function as leaders and followers. Full-time students can complete the program in four years, while part-time students may take six years.

Students can concentrate in four psychology subject areas or participate in a co-curricular college-wide concentration such as Asian or Latino mental health.

The blended program features a mix of online synchronous activities, like webinars and team projects, as well as asynchronous discussion boards, readings, and pre-recorded lectures. Program graduates complete 900 hours of supervised field training: a 600-hour practicum and 300-hour internship. Practicum sites include Comcast and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. The college is based in Boston, Massachusetts.

• Application Fee: $60
• Degree Credit Requirements: 68 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: The neurobiology of leadership, organization development and change
• Concentrations Available: Educational leadership, inclusive leadership, leading nonprofits and NGOs, neuroscience of leadership psychology
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for required residencies

$972/credit (in-state)

The online Ph.D. in industrial and organizational psychology by Chicago-based Adler University helps graduates reach their full potential in organizational settings. Elective courses teach skills like consulting, talent management and entrepreneurship.

Learners without a master’s degree can enroll in a 90-credit post-bachelor’s program; those with a master’s degree in a related field can finish in as little as three years. To graduate, learners must pass a comprehensive exam and complete a dissertation in addition to a 200-hour social justice practicum at an aligned community site.

• Application Fee: $32
• Degree Credit Requirements: 90 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Organizational theory; job and task analysis
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, practicum required

While an online psychology doctoral degree has its upsides, it isn’t the right move for everyone. In light of the huge commitment of time and money—to say nothing of effort—think hard about factors like budget, scheduling and learning style.

Online doctoral programs often cost less than campus programs since they allow you to save on big-ticket expenses like housing and transportation. Plus, some state schools extend in-state tuition rates to all online learners, regardless of their state residency status.

Online learning provides flexibility to work around work and family obligations. However, some programs mix asynchronous lessons with synchronous events like discussion groups.

Remote learning works well for disciplined self-starters. But if you need the accountability and support that come with in-person learning, an online doctoral program might not be a good fit for you.

There are two kinds of accreditation to consider in online psychology doctoral programs: institutional and programmatic.

Institutional accreditation is given by bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). To receive federal financial aid, you must attend an accredited institution. Several institutions on this list have earned accreditation by regional agencies like SACSCOC or the Higher Learning Commission.

Programmatic accreditation proves that a degree has been vetted to meet certain academic standards. The primary accreditor for post-graduate psychology programs in the U.S. is the American Psychology Association (APA), which accredits Ph.D. and Pys.D. programs. APA accredits specific degrees, not departments. You can find programs using APA’s accredited programs search tool . WHAT

To confirm a college’s accreditation status, search CHEA’s directory .

Consider Your Future Goals

To choose the best program for you, think through your long-term career goals. This helps inform whether you should pursue a Psy.D. or Ph.D. and what kind of field experience you may need to complete.

Programs vary in their focus on clinical application of psychological principles versus research and classroom instruction. For example, William James College’s Pys.D. in leadership psychology allows learners to work an additional 150 practicum hours beyond the program requirement. The extra hands-on experience could help you prepare for more specialized psychology careers .

A degree from an APA-accredited program is required for some employment opportunities and, in some states, licensure. If you intend to become a licensed psychologist after graduation, make sure your program prepares you for this path.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

The programs on this list vary greatly in terms of cost. On the high end, the Chicago School at Los Angeles charges $1,703 per credit. At $528 per credit, Keiser University-Ft. Lauderdale offers the cheapest option. Both programs require 60 credits, putting our range between about $31,000 and $102,000.

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to learn about financial aid opportunities. Other financing options to explore include assistantships, scholarships, grants and loans.

How long does it take to get a doctorate in psychology?

A psychology doctorate typically takes four to six years, but some programs can be completed in less time. In addition to coursework, programs generally require clinical or practicum hours and a dissertation.

Is it worth it to get a doctorate in psychology?

A doctorate in psychology is not easy to obtain, but it can help you land an in-demand job that tends to pay well. However, many people pursue this degree out of personal interest rather than a desire for financial gain.

Is a Psy.D. higher than a Ph.D.?

Both degrees concern the same subject matter, but a Psy.D. focuses on clinical practice, while a Ph.D. has more to do with scientific research. Ph.D., or Doctor of Philosophy , programs are more common and contain more sub-fields. A Psy.D., or Doctor of Psychology, focuses on preparing students to serve clients and patients.

Is a psychology doctorate hard?

Doctorate programs are generally difficult and take a long time to complete. The vast field of psychology features training in both the natural and social sciences. In addition to years of coursework, most psychology doctorate programs require supervised practicum hours and an original dissertation.

Garrett Andrews is an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Political Science at Portland Community College where he teaches State and Local Government.

Cognitive Psychology

Information about the Cognitive Psychology Graduate Major

This Area’s goal is to produce cognitive psychologists who combine general scholarship with sophistication in research design, theory formulation, experimental and computational methods, and scientific communication. The cognitive program at UCLA is designed to ensure exposure to the content and methods deemed essential for all cognitive psychologists, and to provide the opportunity for exposure to additional knowledge and research tools required for specialized professional positions.

The scope of the study of cognition at UCLA is broad, encompassing perception, the control of attention and motor responses, the formation of mental representations, the dynamics of memory retrieval, learning, cognitive development and cognitive breakdown, the mechanisms of reasoning, language, and problem solving. The range of methodological approaches is broad as well. Efforts to formulate computational models of cognitive processes are combined with empirical research and with efforts to specify the neurophysiological underpinnings of cognition. There are applied research opportunities as well in areas such as human-factors engineering, medical technology, education, psychology and the law, and learning/language disabilities.

Modern cognitive psychology is increasingly merging with the broader fields of cognitive science and cognitive neuroscience, which draw together researchers from a variety of disciplines concerned with the study of mind, brain, and intelligence. UCLA has established programs in cognitive science and cognitive neuroscience that sponsor colloquia, seminars, and interdisciplinary research. UCLA is unique in the breadth and depth of its cognitive programs, which draw upon upwards of 40 faculty from such disciplines as cognitive, developmental, and physiological psychology, along with neuroscience, artificial intelligence, linguistics, and philosophy. Each of the major departments involved are among the most highly rated in the country.

The general facilities and resources at UCLA are outstanding. There are few universities with more extensive central libraries, computing facilities, and brain imaging equipment. Overall, the faculty and resources available in the Cognitive Psychology program at UCLA are among the best in the world.

More Cognitive Psychology Information

• For a list of Required Courses please see the  Psychology Handbook

Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology

Graduate students trained in Cognitive, Developmental, Social, or Quantitative Psychology follow a single curriculum with a uniform set of requirements, but their research programs and seminar courses focus on their unique areas of interest.

Our philosophy can be summed up as cooperative, and the small size of our program ensures individualized attention for all students. Although students work directly with a faculty advisor, following a mentor-apprentice model, they also have considerable freedom to collaborate with other faculty and students within and beyond the Department. Indeed, we encourage students to publish with several faculty members before they graduate. Greensboro’s central location in NC has resulted in close ties to other top departments, creating opportunities for our students to take courses, collaborate, and network.

We are no longer accepting GRE scores from applicants to the MA-PhD program in Cognitive Psychology, for entry starting in Fall 2024.

Application Deadline:

Program highlights.

• Individual attention and mentoring from faculty
• Students have a primary faculty advisor but are also supported to conduct research projects with other faculty if it fits with their goals
• Students typically receive 5 years of funding, including tuition remission
• We’re a highly collaborative group, who not only enjoy “talking science” with each other but who also frequently conduct research together across laboratories
• Methods training in experimental design, experience and thought sampling, protocol analysis, eye-tracking and pupillometry, and psychometrics
• Recent graduate seminars in  Variation in Executive Control ,  Cognition in the Classroom ,  Event Cognition ,  Cognitive Aging ,  Metacognition ,  Working Memory, Memory and Belief , and  What’s the big idea? Competing perspectives on human cognition

Recent graduates have secured postdoctoral and tenure-track positions:

• Appalachian State University [ Matt Meier ]
• Millikin University [Sydney Garlitch]
• Washington University in St. Louis [ Matthew Welhaf ]
• Youngstown State University [ David Frank ]

Faculty in Cognitive Psychology

Yoojin chang.

Dual processes of memory and its implications in various social judgment settings such as truth judgments of general knowledge, information from social media, and stigma related information. Cognitive processes and/or fallacies in courtroom decisions.

Not accepting students

Peter F. Delaney

C.L.A.M. Lab

Memory, planning, problem-solving, skill learning, and expertise.

Accepting students

Michael J. Kane

Professor and Associate Department Head

I.D.E.A. Lab

Individual differences in executive control, attention, action, memory, and intelligence

Bridget Smeekens

Chris wahlheim.

Associate Professor

Memory and Cognition Lab

Memory, event cognition, cognitive aging, metacognition, and category learning

Robert W. Wiley

Assistant Professor

Cognitive and Neural Science of Learning Lab

Learning and perception, neural plasticity, cognitive science and education

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS BY CURRENT/RECENT STUDENTS

Adams, R. L. , & Delaney, P. F. (2022). Long-term working memory and language comprehension. In J. W. Schweitzer & Z. E. Wen (Eds.),  Cambridge Handbook of Working Memory and Language  (pp. 98-119). Cambridge University Press.

Garlitch, S. M. , Richmond, L. L., Ball, B. H., & Wahlheim, C. N. (2023).  Adult age differences in subjective context retrieval in dual-list free recall.   Memory, 31 , 218-233 ( OSF Link ) Gilbert, L. T. , Delaney, P. F., & Racsmány, M. (2023). People sometimes remember to forget: Strategic retrieval from the list before last enables directed forgetting of the most recent information. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 49(6), 900–925. https://doi.org/10.1037/xlm0001178 .

Hermann, M. M., Wahlheim, C. N.,  Alexander, T. R. , & Zacks, J. M. (2021).  The role of prior-event retrieval in encoding changed event features.  Memory & Cognition, 49, 1387-1404.

Kemp, P. L., Alexander, T. A. , & Wahlheim, C. N. (2022).  Recalling fake news during real news corrections can impair or enhance memory updating: The role of recollection-based retrieval.   Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications,  7:85. ( OSF Link ).

Kemp, P. L. , Loaiza, V. M., & Wahlheim, C. N. (2022).  Fake news reminders and veracity labels differentially benefit  memory and belief accuracy for news headlines.   Scientific Reports,  12:21829. ( OSF Link ).

Smith, W. G. , & Delaney, P. F. (2023). Updating and pre-existing semantic associations: Testing can enhance or impair new learning. Memory, 31(4), 530-544. https://doi.org/10.1080/09658211.2023.2173784

Wahlheim, C. N., Smith, S. T., Garlitch, S. M. , & Wiley, R. W. (2023). Interpolated retrieval retroactively increases recall and promotes cross-episode memory interdependence.  Learning & Memory.  ( OSF Link ).

Welhaf, M.S. , & Kane, M.J. (2023). A nomothetic span approach to the construct validation of sustained attention consistency: Re-analyzing two latent-variable studies of performance variability and mind-wandering self-reports . Psychological Research.

Welhaf, M.S., Meier, M.E., Smeekens, B.A.,  Silvia, P.J., Kwapil, T.R., & Kane, M.J. (2022).  A “Goldilocks Zone” for mind wandering reports? A secondary data analysis of how few thought probes are enough for reliable and valid measurement . Behavior Research Methods.

Request more information

Please address all Graduate Application questions to:

Malcolm Moon

Administrative Assistant

[email protected] 336-334-5014

Please address all additional Graduate questions to:

Professor and Graduate Program Director

[email protected] Eberhart 271

Brain and Cognitive Sciences PhD Program

Graduate students in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences are among the sharpest, most innovative brain scientists to be found anywhere. In a given year the department admits less than 5 percent of applicants, and our PhD program is consistently ranked among the best in the world. Students work hard to get here, and they are highly valued in the BCS community.

Innovative:  Our students often take on riskier projects and pilot studies that probe the edges of our technical and scientific knowledge. They can move among projects more easily, and their successes lay the foundation for not only their careers but the future directions of their mentors’ labs.

Collaborative:  Our students bring bold, fresh thinking to the department, and exploring these potentially transformative ideas often means reaching across boundaries of lab, center, and department to build new collaborations. Graduate students help BCS mesh with the rest of MIT.

Supportive: Graduate students are the most frequent mentors of undergraduate students in UROPs , actively guiding and developing those who will become the next generation of top-tier graduate students. BCS graduate students also are helping make sure the department is a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable community.

Overview of the Program

Graduate students in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences work with an advisor and advisory committee to pursue an innovative and rigorous program of original research. Students should aim to complete their PhD in five to six years.  

• Students take three to four of their required six courses
• Students complete required Responsible Conduct in Science training.
• Students complete a minimum of three lab rotations by March 31.
• Students select a thesis advisor by April 30.    
• Students complete the remaining two to three of their academic course requirements by the end of the Spring Term.
• Students complete teaching assistant training and their first teaching (TA) requirement.
• Students form their qualifying exam advisory committee, have their first committee meeting, and turn in the completed committee meeting form to BCS HQ by the end of the Spring Term. 
• Students should plan which activities they will participate in to fulfill the professional development requirement .
• Students complete the second teaching requirement.
• Students complete the written and oral qualifying exam in October or November.
• Students form a thesis committee, submit a written thesis proposal to their committee, orally present their proposal to the thesis committee, and receive committee approval, before the end of the Spring Term.
• Students fulfill their professional development requirement by the end of the Summer term of their fourth year.
• Students must meet with their thesis committee once per year.
• Students take the final steps to completing the PhD oral examination (also known as the thesis defense) and submission of the approved written dissertation.

For detailed information on courses, rotations, and other program requirements, see Program Details .

PhD in Psychology Further Your Understanding of Psychology

Degree Options

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Understand the Human Experience from a Biblical Worldview with an Online PhD in Psychology

Do you want to deepen your knowledge in psychology and use your research to contribute to the field of understanding human behavior? Liberty University’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology can provide rigorous research training that can better prepare you for a career in academia and research. An online PhD in Psychology is ideal for students who want to bring new knowledge of human behavior to the field and find new ways to help people heal, grow, and thrive.

Liberty’s PhD in Psychology is designed to prepare you to evaluate research and to understand the truth about human behavior from a biblical worldview. Our mission is to  Train Champions for Christ , and we fulfill this mission by training professionals to use science and biblical values to understand the full breadth of the human experience. Our unique, biblically-based approach to this field can help prepare you to make a positive impact on those you work with.

With Liberty’s PhD in Psychology, you can take part in optional face-to-face on-campus intensives that will allow you to meet faculty and other students while you develop your professional and research skills.

What Will You Study in Our PhD in Psychology Degree?

Liberty’s online PhD in Psychology is designed to build on your previous study and experience in human psychology and develop you into a researcher and psychologist who demonstrates ethical and academic excellence while integrating biblical values into your practice.

Through this program, you will:

• Learn how an appreciation of biblical values enhances psychiatric practice by putting human value at the forefront of technique and theory.
• Develop a grounded critical approach to psychiatric research and theory while integrating a biblical worldview into approaches to current issues in psychology.
• Master psychiatric research and writing techniques that can establish your work in the study of human behavior.
• Complete dissertation research through your program with mentorship from your professors so that you have the option to present research at conferences.

Through this program, you will be encouraged to become a thought leader on a variety of topics related to the human experience. Our goal is to help you venture into the world of psychiatric research and practice and offer insights based on biblical foundations of truth that can help people heal and thrive.

Featured Courses

• PSYC 510 — Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology I
• PSYC 710 — Psychological Research and Biblical Worldview
• PSYC 716 — Theories and Research in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• PSYC 775 — Teaching of Psychology

Degree Information

• This program falls under the  School of Behavioral Sciences .
• View the  Graduate Behavioral Sciences Course Guides   (login required).
• View the  PhD in Psychology Dissertation Handbook
• The online PhD in Psychology is a non-clinical, non-licensure program.

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Degree?

To help you meet your educational goals in a way that fits your life, our online PhD in Psychology provides scheduling flexibility and keeps affordability in mind. Our PhD in Psychology’s online format allows you to take your classes from home without traveling to campus. However, this program still provides a community of psychology professionals and the ability to take optional intensive courses to allow you to connect in person.

Throughout this program, Liberty incorporates a biblical worldview into your instruction. This perspective in your research and practical training in psychology can help you develop professional and academic excellence without compromising an ethical appreciation for human life. Additionally, our caring faculty are devoted to helping you grow personally and academically.

With our online PhD in Psychology, you can learn effective clinical techniques, essential behavioral theory, and develop your research and writing expertise. You can be equipped with a thorough understanding of human thought and behavior while developing your own research to further the field.

Earning a PhD in Psychology online with Liberty means that you will be trained to engage with research and psychiatric practice critically and biblically. If you are interested in becoming a thoughtful, articulate, and research-focused professional, then this is the program for you.

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• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Potential Career Opportunities for PhD in Psychology Graduates

• Corporate psychologist
• Program or department head
• Project manager

Degree Options for Our PhD in Psychology Program

Focus your studies in psychology with a specialization.

Behavioral Health Leadership

Through the  PhD in Psychology – Behavioral Health Leadership , you can hone your research and leadership skills as you prepare to pursue administrative and management positions in mental and behavioral health organizations.

View the Degree Completion Plan .

Developmental Psychology

Through the online  PhD in Psychology – Developmental Psychology , you can learn about research theory related to human development, including cognitive development, social development, and language development.

General Psychology

The online PhD in Psychology – General Psychology provides an in-depth study of advanced psychiatric research and practice while giving you room to customize your course content.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

In the online  PhD in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Psychology  track, you will study human behavior in organizations and the workplace. You will focus on deriving principles of individual, group, and organizational behavior and applying that knowledge to developing solutions for challenges in the workplace.

Social Psychology

In the online  PhD in Psychology – Social Psychology  track, you can learn about research and theory related to social processes and relationships, attitudes, and other constructs related to social psychology.

In the online  PhD in Psychology – Theology  track, you can learn how to study the Bible and integrate that study of the Bible with research in psychology to further your understanding of psychological concepts.

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for Our PhD in Psychology Degree

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Contact information  for 2 recommenders is required (approved recommenders are the student’s former college professors or supervisors).
• Statement of Purpose  is required (1,000-1,500 words, double spaced).
• Departmental approval is required.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

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Email for Documents

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Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

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Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

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You can meet faculty and fellow students in person through optional on-campus intensives.

Can I have an impact through this degree?

Through your dissertation, you can contribute to the understanding of human experience and behavior.

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Cognitive science

Psychology phd specialization.

Explore the scientific study of the mind through collaborative, interdisciplinary training in psychology with a focus on cognitive science.

How to apply

PhD program details

Specialization description

Degree awarded: psychology, phd.

Cognitive science is one of six degree specializations offered through ASU's PhD program in psychology. With award-winning faculty, students explore fundamental cognitive processes using various theoretical perspectives. The specialization emphasizes both basic and translational research, investigating topics like:

• Decision making
• Multilingual experiences and word learning
• Natural language processing
• Neuroscience
• Perception and action

The Department of Psychology cultivates a collaborative learning environment. Students specializing in cognitive science complete unique core curriculum while engaging with faculty and peers across all psychology disciplines.

• Decision making.
• Multilingual experiences and word learning.
• Natural language processing.
• Neuroscience.
• Perception and action.

Important dates

• September 1: Fall 2025 application opens.
• December 5: Fall 2025 application deadline.

Students must submit ASU’s graduate application and the Department of Psychology’s Slideroom application to be considered for admission.

More about applying

Faculty and research labs

Engage in quality academics and groundbreaking research, led by renowned cognitive science experts.

Dr. Eric Amazeen

Dpac: dynamics of perception, action and cognition lab.

The DPAC Lab adopts a dynamical approach to understanding perception, action and cognition. Using principles of complex systems and ecological psychology, the lab studies team and motor coordination, physiological processes, postural control, learning, exploration, weight perception and tool use.

Explore the lab

View faculty profile

Recruiting new students for fall 2025

Dr. Gi-Yeul Bae

Visual cognition neuroscience lab.

The Visual Cognitive Neuroscience Lab explores how we maintain stable visual perception amid noisy sensory input. Their research spans visual attention, working memory and decision-making, using psychophysics, EEG and computational modeling. 

Dr. Viridiana Benitez

Learning and development lab.

The Learning and Development lab focuses on understanding how cognition and experience shape word learning across development. Using behavioral experiments and observational methods, they work with infants, children and adults from monolingual and bilingual backgrounds. They aim to identify the factors that promote learning for children growing up in diverse language environments.

Dr. Michael McBeath

Pearl: perception, ecological-action, robotics and learning lab.

The PEARL Lab explores perception-action and biases in natural environments including sports, music, scene processing and language-emotion.

Dr. Samuel McClure

Decision neuroscience lab.

The Decision Neuroscience Lab studies how the brain makes decisions about rewards. Using fMRI and EEG, the lab relate findings to computational models of brain function and investigates how brain systems interact during decision involving self-control and competitive social interactions.

Dr. Danielle McNamara

Solet: science of learning and educational technology lab.

The SoLET Lab improves education by studying factors in comprehension and learning for K-12 students, adults, and second language learners. They integrate psychology, linguistics, and computer science to develop game-based tutoring systems and natural language processing tools.

Courses and electives

Core and skill courses (24 credits).

Core courses.  Students choose three 500-level courses in cognitive science, along with the area's topical seminar offered each semester.

Skill courses. Two required courses that integrate quantitative methodologies into students' work.

Electives (6 credits)

Elective breadth courses. Students are required to take a course on cognitive processes and encouraged to take a class related to current issues in cognitive science. 

Research (42 credits)

Research activities.  Milestone courses, involving independent study and regular meetings with a faculty member to discuss assignments and conduct research.

Dissertation (12 credits)

Dissertation.  Supervised research including literature review, research, data collection and analysis, and writing.

Graduate students in the cognitive science training area must complete 84 credit hours. Following an apprenticeship model, they work closely with a faculty mentor and publish in major peer-reviewed outlets by graduation. Students may also participate in multiple research labs and have the opportunity to earn a master's degree en route to their PhD.

Student Handbook

The cognitive science specialization prepares students for careers in cognition and technology. 

Faculty members serve not only as educators but also as mentors, guiding students towards impactful research and fulfilling careers in computer science, informatics, intelligence, marketing, speech synthesis, telecommunications, medicine and data analysis.

Get in touch

• For questions about the specialization, email the cognitive science area head, Dr. Samuel McClure, directly at [email protected] . 

Other specialized areas of study

Behavioral neuroscience and comparative psychology, clinical psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, quantitive research methods.

Home / Psychology Degree / Online Cognitive Psychology Programs

Online Cognitive Psychology Programs

Choosing the right online cognitive psychology degree program, which cognitive psychology degree is right for me, cognitive psychology degree program curriculum, cognitive psychology degree program clinical requirements, list of cognitive psychology degree programs.

Cognitive psychologists work with people who have problems related to cognition, which includes memory, perception, attention, and language processing. Patients with attention deficit disorder, autism spectrum conditions, learning disabilities, brain trauma, and Alzheimer’s disease may find that their mental health professional is a cognitive psychologist. These psychologists also work in research, medical, and university settings.

On your journey to becoming a cognitive psychologist , it is important to choose accredited degree programs. Always check to make sure a program has this qualification since not all programs are properly qualified – even at some state-level universities. Accreditation is typically provided by the American Psychological Association and is required by most employers and licensing boards.

Which online degree is right for you depends on your career goals. A license is required to be a clinical practitioner, but many positions in this field do not call for licensing. You can work in research positions without licensing, and many non-doctoral positions exist in medical or even mental health facilities.

Bachelor’s Degree

There is no specialist degree at this level. Instead, most will get their bachelor’s in (general) psychology. The coursework will be heavy on psychology classes, but a few math, English, and history classes will be peppered into the mix. It usually takes four years to get this degree online.

Master’s Degree

Specialization begins at this level, and it is also possible to get cognitive psychology-specific careers at this point. Research work, certain teaching positions, and some clinical positions are available to master’s degree holders. A doctorate-level professional will typically supervise the team or facility. Getting this degree online can take as little as two years beyond your bachelor’s, so it’s a fairly quick step up.

Doctorate Degree

This is required to become licensed as a clinical psychologist. Licensure lets you work on your own, or be the boss over a team of other practitioners. The amount of credit hours for a doctorate isn’t very arduous, but there are other requirements for earning a doctorate. A specified number of practicum hours, as well as a dissertation, are common to these programs. The number of practicum hours depends on the university as well as the state it is in. Since you’ll be studying in an online format, you’ll be performing these internship or practicum hours within your own community.

As should be expected, online courses in a cognitive psychology degree program focus on subjects related to the field. The bachelor’s degree has more of a focus on general psychology and underlying theories, and also includes several classes in unrelated subjects like history and math.

• Bachelor’s Degree – This will usually be a general psychology degree. It takes 120 credit hours to complete and is set up so that if you take 15 credit hours each fall and spring, you’ll get it in four years. Because of this, institutions that offer it are known as “four-year” universities.
• Master’s Degree – The specific credit requirement depends on the university, but is typically about 30. Depending on the program, a dissertation may also be required.
• Doctorate Degree – Credit hour requirements range from 85-95, with some possible outliers, depending on the university in question. Most of the work of getting this degree comes in the form of practicum experience. You will also have to do a dissertation. How much practicum experience is involved varies widely; many schools base it on their state’s requirements for licensure. Licensure requirements range from 1,500-6,000 hours of experience.

Clinical practice requirements are typically set according to what the state’s licensing board demands. This lets you get all of the needed experience to apply for a license as part of your doctorate degree study, rather than doing it separately.

States require between 1,500-6,000 hours of practicum experience, so it’s important to check with the state where you intend to practice before choosing a doctorate degree program. The experience can come in the form of an internship, externship, or other such placement.

Normally, this part of the online program will involve you being placed in a real-world clinical situation under the supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist in your own community. At first, you’ll only get to observe the doctor as she or he interacts with patients, and then ask questions once sessions are over. As time goes on, you’ll get to be more hands-on. Finally, you’ll be allowed to practice on your own, with the licensed doctor giving you pointers and commentary after your sessions are done.

Looking for an online or campus-based cognitive psychology degree program near you? Browse our state-by-state school listings below.

Jump to Your State Listings

Auburn university at montgomery.

• Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences Program Campus

The University of Alabama

• PhD Cognitive Psychology Campus

University of Arizona

• Ph.D. Cognition and Neural Systems Campus

Claremont Graduate University

• MA Program in Applied Cognitive Psychology:User Experience Campus
• Applied Cognitive Psychology Campus

University of California-Los Angeles

• Cognitive Science BS Campus

University of California-San Diego

• Psychology B.S. with a Specialization in Cognitive Psychology Campus

University of California-Santa Cruz

• Cognitive Psychology, PhD Campus

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

• Cognitive Psychology Campus

University of Colorado Boulder

• Undergraduate Certificate in Cognitive Science Campus

University of Denver

• Affective / Social / Cognitive Psychology Campus

Connecticut

Eastern connecticut state university.

• Cognitive Neuroscience Concentration Campus

University of Connecticut

• Ph.D. program in Cognition, Instruction and Learning Technology Campus
• Ph.D in Language and Cognition Campus
• B.A. or B.S. Cognitive Science Campus

University of Delaware

Florida atlantic university.

• Ph.D. degree in Experimental Psychology-Cognitive Psychology Campus

Florida State University

University of central florida.

• Ph.D. Human Factors and Cognitive Psychology Campus

University of Florida

• Cognitive and Emotion Neuroscience Campus
• Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Track Campus

Emory University

• PhD in Psychology-Cognitive and Computational Sciences Concentration Campus

Georgia Gwinnett College

• Psychology Specialization-Cognitive / neuroscience Campus

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

• Certificate in Cognitive Psychology Campus
• Cognition and Brain Science specialty area for the Psychology Ph.D. Program Campus
• Cognitive Aging specialty area in the Psychology Ph.D. program Campus

Georgia State University

• Psychology, Ph.D., Cognitive Sciences Campus

Illinois State University

• Psychology - Cognitive and Experimental Psychology Campus

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

• Doctorate in Psychology: Brain and Cognitive Sciences Campus

University of Illinois Chicago

• Brain and Cognitive Sciences Campus

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

• Psychology: Cognitive Psychology, BSLAS Campus

Indiana University-Bloomington

• Computational and Cognitive Neuroscience Campus

University of Notre Dame

• PhD in Cognition, Brain, and Behavior Campus

Iowa State University

Kansas state university.

• Cognitive/Human Factors Campus

University of Kentucky

• PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience Campus

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

• Psychology B.S.-Concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience Campus

Tulane University of Louisiana

• Psychology, PhD: Brain, Cognition and Developmental Science Campus

Massachusetts

Boston university.

• Brain, Behavior, & Cognition Campus

Harvard University

• Cognition, Brain, and Behavior Campus

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

• Cognitive Science Tracks of Study Campus

Minnesota State University-Mankato

• Cognitive Science BS Psychology Campus

Mississippi

Mississippi state university.

• Cognitive Science PhD Campus

University of Southern Mississippi

• Psychology Brain and Behavior Campus

Washington University in St Louis

• Behavior, Brain, & Cognition Campus

The University of Montana

• Neuroscience, Cognitive Neuroscience Campus

University of Nebraska at Omaha

• MA in Cognitive Psychology Campus

University of Nevada-Reno

• Cognitive & Brain Sciences Ph.D. Campus

The College of New Jersey

• B.A. in Psychology-Cognitive Psychology Campus

University of New Mexico-Main Campus

• Cognition, Brain & Behavior Campus

Binghamton University

• Cognitive Psychology PhD Campus

CUNY Graduate School and University Center

• Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Campus
• Cognitive and Comparative Psychology Campus

Columbia University in the City of New York

• Ed Psych EdM Campus

Stony Brook University

• Cognitive Science Psychology Campus

North Carolina

University of north carolina at charlotte.

• Graduate Certificate in Cognitive Science Campus

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Bowling green state university-main campus.

• Neural and Cognitive Sciences Campus

Miami University-Oxford

• Brain, Cognitive and Developmental Sciences Campus

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Wright state university-main campus.

• Psychology, Cognition and Perception Campus

Oregon State University

• Ph.D. in Psychology Campus

Pennsylvania

Drexel university.

• PhD in Applied Cognitive and Brain Sciences Campus

Temple University

• Cognition and Neuroscience Campus

The Pennsylvania State University

University of pittsburgh-pittsburgh campus.

• Cognitive Program Campus

Villanova University

• BS in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience Campus

South Carolina

University of south carolina-columbia.

• Cognitive and Neural Sciences Concentration Campus

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

• Applied Educational Psychology Campus

Vanderbilt University

• Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience Campus
• Cognition in Context Campus
• M.S. in Cognitive Psychology in Context Campus

Texas Tech University

• Cognition & Cognitive Neuroscience Campus

The University of Texas at Dallas

• Cognition and Neuroscience PhD Campus

The University of Texas at El Paso

• Bilingualism, Language and Cognition Campus

University of Houston

• Developmental, Cognitive, and Behavioral Neuroscience Campus

University of Utah

• Cognition and Neural Science (CNS) Campus

Utah State University

• PhD in Psychology Brain and Cognition Campus

George Mason University

• Accelerated MA in Psychology (with a Concentration in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience) Campus
• Human Factors/Applied Cognition Concentration Campus
• Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience Concentration Campus
• Graduate Certificate in Cognitive Neuroscience Campus

University of Virginia-Main Campus

University of wisconsin-milwaukee.

• Educational Psychology, MS: Cognitive and Developmental Sciences Campus

University of Wyoming

• Cognition or Cognitive Development Campus

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

Other Psychology Degree Program Profiles

Behavior, Cognition, and Neuroscience

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Study the Brain and the Mind

The PhD in Behavior, Cognition, and Neuroscience (BCaN) is a multidisciplinary, interdepartmental program that applies biological and psychological principles to behavior and cognition . In this program, you will gain academic expertise through laboratory experience and core coursework while broadening your knowledge and research skills through electives and special seminars.

We apply a flexible approach to your education, providing a broad-based curriculum, specialized research training , and quality teaching opportunities. Our doctoral students concentrate on one of the traditional areas of behavior, cognition, or neuroscience or combine portions of these areas for individually tailored regimens specifically suited to their interests.

Our faculty members are active scientists with fully equipped laboratories who provide individual mentorship throughout the program. You will receive in-depth, apprenticeship-style training, working closely with faculty. Our complete program of classes, research, teaching practica, and grantsmanship training will prepare you for an academic teaching position and to perform independent and funded research in behavioral neuroscience.

This program is designated as a STEM degree program.

Rigorous, Research-Centered Education

The BCaN PhD is a rigorous and uniquely flexible 54-credit hour program. Focusing on one of the traditional areas of behavior, cognition, or neuroscience or combining elements of these areas, you will develop an individualized course of study to pursue your academic and research interests.

You will build a solid foundation in biology and psychology through required and elective coursework and take advantage of faculty expertise by engaging in special topic seminars. In the course of your in-depth laboratory research training, you will perform original experiments under the guidance of a faculty member. With this apprenticeship-style training, your master’s thesis, and your dissertation research, you will engage in research every semester . This combination of an advanced scientific education and extensive hands-on experience will prepare you for your research career .

Students who enter the program without an MA in psychology will complete one over the course of the doctoral program. Students are admitted for full-time study only. See complete Admissions & Course Requirements .

Active Scientists Dedicated to Your Success

BCaN is a multidisciplinary research program , and our faculty works in diverse areas of specialization. The faculty includes distinguished experts from our psychology, biology, chemistry, health studies, computer science, and physics departments. The small program size allows you to work closely with our dedicated faculty. Rather than rotating through different laboratories, you will work with a single mentor throughout the program. With this one-on-one mentorship , you will develop the laboratory and professional skills necessary to succeed in your field of interest.

Study and Work in the Neuroscience Research Hub

Boasting a number of private and public research institutions, the capital area is a national hub for neuroscience research . AU’s strategic position in DC and our affiliations with prestigious area institutions such as the National Institutes of Health, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and Georgetown Medical School provide countless resources and opportunities for collaboration.

The world’s largest neuroscience conference, the Society for Neuroscience meeting, is held in DC once every three years, providing AU students with the unique opportunity to attend lectures by leading experts, present their own findings , and network with researchers from around the world.

Your Path to a Successful Career

Our graduates typically take post-doctoral positions in clinics or laboratories. There, they utilize their skills and training to pioneer exciting new research in their fields of expertise. Those with a passion for teaching find plenty of opportunities to share their insights with students of every level.

Though our graduates work around the world, some choose to stay in the nation’s capital. The DC area offers career paths in research and science policy , at federal agencies, or at area institutions such as the National Science Foundation, American Association for the Advancement of Science, or the MITRE Corporation. No matter the path they take, students leave the program with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

Ph.D. Human Factors and Cognitive Psychology

Mission statement.

The HFC Doctoral Program’s overall goals are to:

• Train and educate leaders in Psychology at the doctoral level within the scientist-practitioner tradition
• Facilitate the exploration and understanding of the complexity of human behavior while expanding our collective knowledge base through multiple avenues (e.g., publications in scientific journals, conference presentations, teaching)
• Strive to improve the health and quality of life of individuals through excellence in education as well as in research and practice in human-technology interaction.

The overall philosophy that drives these goals is embodied in the policy statement that emerged from the National Conference on Scientist-Practitioner Education and Training for the Professional Practice of Psychology held in Gainesville, Florida on January 16-20, 1990. The training model of the HFC Doctoral Program reflects our efforts to educate students so that they can advance psychological knowledge through research and scholarship, and to evaluate the impact of training regimens and interface designs using empirically derived methods and procedures. The model also strives to help students learn how to think critically and scientifically about problems while invoking the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct. The overall philosophy of the training program is consistent with that of the Mission Statement of the Department , the College of Sciences , the Graduate School, and the  University .

Program Description

A Ph.D. professional’s degree track in Human Factors and Cognitive Psychology, accredited by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, is offered to those with a baccalaureate or master’s degree in psychology or an allied area. The track seeks to develop the capacity to design, conduct, and apply human factors and cognitive psychology research in a variety of professional settings. It is patterned on the scientist-practitioner model of the American Psychological Association (APA) and adheres to guidelines established by the committee for Education and Training of APA’s Division 21 (Applied Experimental and Engineering Psychology). A variety of research, consulting, and internship arrangements are included in the track. Students receive training in the content and techniques of human factors and cognitive psychology–including statistical and quantitative procedures, experimental design, survey methods, computer techniques, and other research methodologies. Students also select a concentration area, which may be in human-computer interaction, human-machine-environment interface, human performance, human factors in simulation and training, or other areas of interest with the adviser’s authorization. A dissertation representing a significant research contribution to the field is required.

Degree Requirements

The Ph.D. is designed to be obtained in 4-5 years of full-time study from the baccalaureate level and in 3-4 years from the master’s level. (A minimum of one year full-time student status is required.) For students who enter with a baccalaureate degree, the program requires 74 semester hours minimum. Students who enter with a master’s degree may be granted up to 30 hours of transfer credit with approval of the program faculty, and will also be required to complete a minimum of 60 semester hours at UCF.

For Fall 2023, submission of GRE scores is not required.

Concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience

The Human Factors & Cognitive (HFC) Psychology Ph.D. Program offers students opportunities for both lab and course-based training in Cognitive Neuroscience. To support cognitive neuroscience research training, the Department of Psychology maintains state-of-the-art research facilities, including space and equipment for electroencephalography/event-related potentials (EEG/ERP), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), eye tracking, pupillometry, heart-rate variability, respiration, and electrodermal activity, as well as external collaborations to support functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In addition, the HFC Program also offers a course-based concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience with the following curriculum:

Required Coursework The Cognitive Neuroscience concentration requires the following four courses for a total of 12 credit hours:

• PSB 6328 Psychophysiology (3 credit hours)
• PSB 6348 The Neuroanatomical Basis of Psychological Function (3 credit hours)
• PSB 6352 Neuroimaging Design and Analysis Methods (3 credit hours)
• PSB 7349 Advanced Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience (3 credit hours)

Note:  Admission to these courses is not guaranteed, but is contingent on the decision of the department, college, and instructor of record for the course.

Links to More Information

Faculty in human factors and cognitive psychology.

Program Director

[email protected]

Mailing Address

UCF College of Graduate Studies Millican Hall 230 PO Box 160112 Orlando, FL  32816-0112

Institution Codes

GRE: 5233 GMAT: RZT-HT-58 TOEFL: 5233 ETS PPI: 5233

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Psychology: Cognitive PhD

College of arts and sciences, program description.

The Cognitive Psychology PhD program offers an exceptional, research-intensive training environment for students interested in understanding how the mind works. The program faculty are nationally and internationally known for innovative research on sentence comprehension and discourse, speech and language perception, word recognition and lexical access, animal cognition, auditory perception, categorization, learning, and motor control. The program is for individuals who aim to become independent research scientists in cognitive psychology, primarily (but not limited to) in the context of academic careers.

Mary Wlodarczyk 213 Park Hall Buffalo, NY 14260 Email: [email protected] Phone: 716-645-8617 Fax: 716-645-3801

Instruction Method

• In Person   (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Credits required, time-to-degree, application fee, admission tests**.

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

** At least one of the admissions tests are required for admission. Test and score requirements/exceptions vary by program. Contact the department for details.

Applied Cognitive Psychology

PhD in Psychology

The Applied Cognitive Psychology PhD Program is not currently accepting applications.

The phd program in applied cognitive psychology offers students training in cognitive psychology research and theory and a wide range of statistical and methodological skills necessary to do basic and applied research on important issues related to human cognition..

CGU’s PhD programming in Applied Cognitive Psychology offers in-depth scholarship in the theories and research that define the traditional and contemporary areas of cognitive psychology, including cognitive aging, eyewitness memory, intelligence and working memory, and perception and human performance. Intensive research will define your education; you’ll be quickly involved as a student, collaborator, and colleague with globally renowned faculty-scholars, conducting research on applied topics that inform important societal problems.

Program Highlights

• A key component of the Applied Cognitive Psychology program is the apprentice model, in which PhD students collaborate closely with their faculty research advisors throughout their graduate studies.
• Many cognitive psychology students focus their research in law & psychology, including the topics of eyewitness memory, autobiographical memory, and lie detection.
• Cognitive psychology students also collaborate with faculty from The Claremont Colleges on a range of topics, including cognitive aging, decision-making, prospective memory, autobiographical memory, and embodied cognition.
• Cognitive psychology graduate students and faculty gather regularly for Cognitive Brown Bag Lunches to hear research presentations on topics of current interest.
• All Applied Cognitive Psychology students who request financial aid receive fellowships. The Division of Behavioral & Organizational Sciences also regularly hires students for paid teaching assistantships.
• We also offer an MA program in Applied Cognitive Psychology: User Experience. Learn more

Program At-a-glance

required units

degree awarded

Spring, Fall

program start

5-7 years | full time*

estimated completion time

Where You Can Find Our Alumni

Legacy Games

Founder and President

California State University, Fullerton

Professor of Psychology

Quantitative UX Researcher

Arizona State University

Professor, School of Criminology & Criminal Justice

Naval Postgraduate School

NICE inContact

UX Researcher

Kathy Pezdek

Research Interests

Memory & Comprehension, Eyewitness Memory, Autobiographical Memory

Extended Faculty

Lise abrams.

Pomona College

Language and memory, speech production, tip-of-the-tongue (TOT) states, cognitive aging, bilingualism

Gabriel I. Cook

Claremont McKenna College

Cognition, memory

Jennifer Groscup

Scripps College

Intersection of psychology and law

Alison Harris

Cognitive neuroscience, decision neuroscience, neuroeconomics

David Moore

Pitzer College

Cognitive development, development of mental rotation, infant-directed speech, categorization in infancy

Catherine L. Reed

Cognitive neuroscience, electroencephalography, human behavior and human factors, multisensory perception

Shlomi Sher

Rational and psychological levels of analysis; scientific approaches to the mind-body problem

Patricia Smiley

Language development, self-development, achievement motivation

Sharda Umanath

Cognition, education, experimental psychology, memory

Megan Zirnstein

Sentence processing, individual differences in reading behavior and comprehension, bilingual language processing, ERPs, eye tracking

Cognitive Psychology (12 units) Cognition (4 units) Memory (4 units) Applied Cognitive Psychology (4 units)

Cognitive Psychology & Related Electives (32 units) You are encouraged to take elective courses in the School of Educational Studies, the Drucker School of Management, the Division of Politics & Economics, and the Center for Information Systems & Technology.

Statistics & Research Methods (20 units) Research Methods (4 units) Directed Research: Cognitive Psychology (two 2-unit courses) Intermediate Statistics (2 units) Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) (2 units) Applied Multiple Regression (2 units) Categorical Data Analysis (2 units) Additional 4 units of Advanced Methodology

Field/Teaching Experience (4 units) Supervised Teaching Seminar (4 units) or Field Placement (4 units)

Transdisciplinary Core Course (4 units) All PhD students are required to enroll in a transdisciplinary core course from the “TNDY” course sequence during their first three semesters at Claremont Graduate University.

Portfolio In addition to 72 units of coursework, you must complete a portfolio that represents a cohesive set of experiences balancing training in your area of specialization.

PhD Completion • PhD qualifying exam • Dissertation proposal • Dissertation and oral defense

Review General Costs

Are you ready to apply?

Cognitive and Psychological Sciences

Graduate study.

Our graduate programs are highly selective, successfully recruiting and retaining excellent students, competing with the top programs in the world. Our doctoral students go on to be scientists and scholars who contribute to the generation of knowledge in both academic and non-academic settings.

Graduate Program Handbook

About our programs, how to apply, director of graduate studies, william heindel, graduate advisors, fulvio domini, oriel feldmanhall, bertram f. malle.

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Educational Neuroscience

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Ph.D. Program in Educational Neuroscience (PEN)

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Students in our pioneering PEN program gain state-of-the-art Cognitive Neuroscience training in how humans learn, with a special strength in the neuroplasticity of visually guided learning processes. While Cognitive Neuroscience includes studies of learning and higher cognitive processes across the lifespan, its sister discipline, Educational Neuroscience, includes intensive study of five core domains that are crucial in early childhood learning, including language and bilingualism, reading and literacy, math and numeracy, science and critical thinking (higher cognition), social and emotional learning, and includes study of action and visual processing. PEN students become expert in one of the world’s cutting-edge neuroimaging methods in the discipline of Cognitive Neuroscience (e.g., fNIRS, EEG, fMRI, and beyond), study Neuroethics, gain strong critical analysis and reasoning skills in science, and develop expertise in one of the core content areas of learning identified above. While becoming experts in both contemporary neuroimaging and behavioral experimental science, students also learn powerful, meaningful, and principled ways that science can be translated for the benefit of education and society today.

This doctoral program is a research-focused program where students develop a specific research focus, conducting supervised research within their mentor’s lab as well as developing their own lines of research through independent research projects. Students accepted into the program receive four years of funding as follows: tuition scholarship for up to the domestic rate + $25,200 annual stipend + health insurance option.

Students benefit from access to in-house, research-dedicated neuroimaging facilities where students can also choose to become certified in fNIRS (functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy), one of the world’s most advanced neuroimaging technologies. Students graduate from the program prepared to become groundbreaking scientists!

The PEN program opened its doors to the first class of Ph.D. students in Fall 2013. This is Gallaudet’s first interdisciplinary Ph.D. program and has its administrative home in Gallaudet University’s National Science Foundation Science of Learning Center, Visual Language and Visual Learning, VL2. Learn more about VL2 and its cognitive neuroscience and translational labs, all of which provide PEN students with unparalleled lab research experience and opportunities.

Deadline to apply for this program: February 15, 2023 (Early applications will be considered)

The Ph.D. Program in Educational Neuroscience (PEN) was founded at Gallaudet University by Dr. Laura-Ann Petitto (Chair, PEN Steering Committee) and Dr. Melissa Herzig (Assistant Program Director, PEN). Students in...

July 11, 2024

Math conference on campus highlights the benefits of focusing on accessibility

July 9, 2024

Graduate students bring cognitive science to deaf K-12 classrooms and beyond

April 17, 2024

Gallaudet receives NSF funding to emphasize accessibility during international conference

May 16, 2022

Dr. SaraBeth Sullivan and Carly Leannah honored with 2022 PEN distinguished awards

February 15, 2022

PEN student invited to prestigious summer institute

November 23, 2021

Dr. Sullivan successfully defends dissertation, graduates from PEN

Action & brain lab, cognitive and affective neuroscience lab (can), motion light lab (ml2), numeracy and educational neuroscience lab (nens), petitto brain and language center for neuroimaging (bl2).

PEN students benefit from Gallaudet University’s local university consortium, which provides students access to courses taught in the Washington, D.C. area. PEN students also have access to a national network of more than 20 cognitive neuroscience labs throughout the world, through formal Memoranda of Understanding.

In the BL2, students can choose to become certified in one of the world's most advanced neuroimaging technologies that is suited for the study of young children and individuals across the lifespan, fNIRS (functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy).

Students in PEN will spend a large portion of their time learning about current neuroscience research and conducting their own research. The Science of Learning Center on Visual Language and Visual Learning supervises and aids students in research. Students may join efforts in any of our Research hubs listed above.

Ilaria Berteletti

Associate Professor

Rachel Pizzie

Assistant Professor

Lorna Quandt

Crystal padilla.

Research Services Coordinator

Melissa Malzkuhn

Director, Motion Light Lab

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