Graduate Program in Psychology: Concentrations in Cognitive Science, Cognitive Neuroscience, Perception, Biopsychology, and Social Psychology
Students entering the graduate program in psychology can take courses of study leading to a Ph.D. in psychology with specializations in biopsychology, cognitive neuroscience, cognitive science, perception, and social psychology. Current research in the biopsychology of emotion and adaptive behavior focuses on the motivational, evolutionary, and developmental mechanisms underlying behavior. Research in cognitive neuroscience offers training in neuroimaging methods, concepts, and experimental paradigms. Studies in working memory, motion perception, event perception, and spatial navigation are conducted using an fMRI scanner. Research in the area of cognitive science offers training in the computational and experimental study of cognitive processes. The curriculum provides basic instruction in computational and mathematical modeling methods, with a focus on connectionist systems, learning, memory, and categorization. The perception specialization offers training in the experimental study of motion and color perception as well as many advanced areas within vision science. The social psychology concentration focuses on attachment theory, conflict mediation, interracial feedback, social support, and the methods and techniques used most commonly in these areas.Students are encouraged to take advantage of training opportunities in the adjacent Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, the College of Business (Information Sciences), the College of Nursing, the Department of Biological Sciences, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), and the New Jersey Institute of Technology as well as adjunct courses listed in related areas (such as linguistics, philosophy, or cognitive science) on the New Brunswick campus. A written qualifying examination is given after the completion of basic course work at the end of the second year. Upon satisfactory completion of these requirements, students advance to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree and must submit a thesis proposal, carry out their thesis research, and then defend their dissertation.
Graduate Program
Course Descriptions
The Faculty & Areas of Research
Research Facilities
Admissions & Requirements
Financial Aid
Rutgers University Academic Catalogs
Graduate Student Handbook
Location
Online Schedule of Classes
Rutgers University Online Web Registration for Classes
The American Psychological Association of Graduate Students