Doctor of Philosophy in the Field of Cognitive Neuroscience (STEM)

The PhD in cognitive neuroscience program trains students to become rigorous, creative, collaborative, methodologically strong, and independent scientists. The focus of our program is on acquiring the necessary research skills by working directly with leading scientists in their corresponding areas of expertise. The required coursework is tailored to fit the student's research interests and is geared toward practical application of academic knowledge. Program graduates leave positioned for successful careers in either academia or industry.

The cognitive neuroscience PhD program curriculum offers an intense, focused research experience in areas such as perception, attention, memory, and social decision making, with an emphasis on the neural bases of these capacities. Students use diverse research methods throughout their studies, including patient-based testing, neuroimaging, computational modeling, behavioral techniques, and big data. The program emphasizes faculty–student collaboration through joint research projects.

Students benefit from GW’s Washington, DC, location in close proximity to the National Institutes of Health and other major research institutions. On campus, GW’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences and its associated teaching hospital are also great resources for cognitive neuroscience research, with their intensive Neuroscience Program and world-class Departments of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Neuroradiology.

This is a STEM designated program.

Visit the program website for additional information.

Adminssion Requirements

Article	Requirement
Admission deadlines:	Fall: December 1
Standardized test scores:	GRE general test preferred but not required (institutional code 5246).
	The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the PTE Academic is required of all applicants except those who hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a college or university in the United States or from an institution located in a country in which English is the official language, provided English was the language of instruction.
	Minimum scores for the program are:
	-Academic IELTS: an overall band score of 7.0 with no individual score below 6.0; or
	- TOEFL: 600 on paper-based or 100 on Internet-based; or
	- PTE Academic: 68;
Prerequisite requirements:	A bachelor's degree, with a major in psychology, cognitive science, cognitive neuroscience, or a related field. Students whose academic preparation is in other disciplines will be expected to have completed prerequisite undergraduate courses to prepare for graduate study in psychology before admission.
Recommendations required:	Three (3) recommendations
Prior academic records:	Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be uploaded to your online application. Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission. If transcripts are in a language other than English, English language translations must be provided. The English translation alone should be uploaded into your application.
Statement of purpose:	In an essay of 250 – 500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in your chosen field. Include your academic objectives, research interests, research experience and career plans. Also discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application. It is recommended to identify which faculty are the best fit for your academic and research interests. If you are applying for an assistantship or fellowship, you should also describe any teaching experience you have had.
Interview:	An interview is required.
International applicants only:	Please review International Applicant Information (https://columbian.gwu.edu/international-graduate-applicants) carefully for details on required documents and English language requirements.

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:

Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Office of Graduate Studies
The George Washington University
801 22nd Street NW, Phillips Hall 107
Washington DC 20052

For additional information about the admissions process visit the Columbian College  of Arts and Sciences Frequently Asked Questions page.

Contact:

askccas@gwu.edu
202-994-6210 (phone)

Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.

The requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Program.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Required core
PSYC 8250	Foundations in Cognitive Neuroscience (Foundations)
PSYC 8250	Foundations in Cognitive Neuroscience (Proseminar)
PSYC 8289	Seminar: Current Topics in Experimental Psychology
Methods/statistics
DNSC 6274	Statistical Modeling and Analysis
DNSC 6275	Advanced Statistical Modeling and Analysis
PSYC 8202	Psychological Research Methods and Procedures
Breadth
6 credits in coursework taken outside of the cognitive neuroscience field.
Electives
21 to 27 credits in elective courses, which may include PSYC 8289, PSYC 8295, and/or other relevant courses. PSYC 8289 and PSYC 8295 may be repeated for a maximum number of credits provided the topic and/or instructor differs.
PSYC 8289	Seminar: Current Topics in Experimental Psychology (may be taken for a maximum total of 18 credits)
PSYC 8295	Independent Research (may be taken for a maximum total of 6 credits)
Dissertation
PSYC 8998	Advanced Reading and Research (taken for 6 to 12 credits)
PSYC 8999	Dissertation Research (taken for 6 to 12 credits)
Comprehensive examination
Students must successfully complete a comprehensive examination.