PhD Brain and Cognitive Sciences at University of Rochester

Programme overview

The PhD in Brain and Cognitive Sciences is a full-time research doctorate in which students are treated as junior colleagues. Training combines core courses in cognition and perception with advanced electives and original dissertation research.

Faculty: School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences | Duration: Most coursework in first two years; qualifying exam in year three | Intake: Fall only | Study mode: full-time | Location: Rochester, NY, United States

What you will study

Required core courses are BCSC 502 (Cognition) and BCSC 505 (Perception, action and neural foundations), plus five advanced courses including one in statistics or methods, and expertise in at least two approaches (behavioral, computational, neural). Optional concentrations are available in Computer Science or Vision Science; a qualifying exam in year three precedes the dissertation.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences PhD (fall 2027): GRE optional (scores valid five years, no subject test); no minimum GPA but outstanding academic records expected; official transcripts from all institutions; letters of recommendation (page gives both two and three academic references); personal statement; optional writing sample. International applicants whose native language is not English submit IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo scores no more than two years old; waivers apply for citizens of listed English-speaking countries and for applicants with three years of full-time in-person postsecondary study in those countries or the US. No specific prerequisite background. Application fee $30. Deadline December 1, 2026.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Intake: Fall only

Duration: Most coursework in first two years; qualifying exam in year three

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