Brain, Cognitive, and Developmental Sciences
A student-centric, flexible plan for students conducting research in a variety of disciplines in Psychology and Neuroscience.
Our Approach
Close mentorship
Graduate students work closely with faculty on all aspects of the research process from conception to fruition. With the personal training received through our program, students have been very successful in finding postdoctoral opportunities, academic positions, and industry positions.
Advanced research methods
Students in the program use cutting-edge methodological approaches such as virtual environments, adaptive interfaces, psychophysiological recording technologies, behavioral tracking, and in vivo monitoring and manipulation of brain circuitry using animal models.
Teaching and communication
In line with Miami's teacher-scholar model, graduate students are provided extensive opportunities to teach and mentor undergraduate students.
Environment
Graduate students play an important role in nurturing and growing our vibrant and multicultural departmental community.
Flexible learning plans
Each student chooses a plan of study appropriate for their research and long-term goals.
Students applying to this concentration should select a primary faculty mentor from the Department of Psychology. Prospective students are highly encouraged to contact potential research advisors directly before applying. Faculty that typically supervise students with a concentration in Brain, Cognitive, and Developmental Sciences include Yvette Harris, Joseph Johnson, Vrinda Kalia, Tamika McElveen, Jennifer Quinn, Anna Radke, Leonard J. Smart, and Robin Thomas.
Students with a BCD concentration take the required courses for the PhD in Psychology as well as the following required and elective courses:
- PSY 685 | Practicum in the Teaching of Psychology
- PSY 780 | Research Topics in Brain, Cognitive, and Developmental Science
- Elective graduate-level courses (12 credit hours)
- At least 9 credit hours must be in Psychology
- At least 3 credit hours must be at the 600/700 level
- The primary advisor assists students in choosing elective courses
The following plans outline potential sets of ELECTIVE courses, dependent on student interest. Students are encouraged to select courses that complement their research interests and those of their primary research lab. All course plans must be approved by the primary advisor.
Neuroscience- PSY 551 Cognitive Neuroscience
- PSY 556 Advanced Biological Bases of Behavior
- PSY 620 Seminar in Experimental Psychology
- Choose 1: BIO 552 Neuromodulation / BIO 554 Endocrinology / BIO 569 Neurophysiology / KNH 583 Advanced Motor Control and Learning
- PSY 551 Cognitive Neuroscience
- PSY 573 Human Factors
- PSY 574 Advanced Cognitive Processes
- PSY 620 Seminar in Experimental Psychology
- PSY 533 Advanced Developmental Psychology
- PSY 620 Seminar in Experimental Psychology
- PSY 648 Developmental Psychopathology across the Lifespan
- PSY 654 Affective Development
Department of Psychology
90 North Patterson Avenue
Oxford, OH 45056
