At a glance
60 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€64k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Ph.D. in Psychology or Cognitive ScienceDegree Offered
- Five years of guaranteed financial supportFunding
- Individualized study plans with faculty guidanceCurriculum Flexibility
- Focus on scientific and applied researchCareer Preparation
- Multidisciplinary study of mind, brain, and behaviorDepartment Focus
Brown University's graduate program in Psychology is designed to prepare students for careers as scientists and teachers who will make contributions to society in academic and applied settings. The Department of Cognitive and Psychological Sciences is dedicated to the multidisciplinary study of mind, brain, behavior, and language, offering two Ph.D. programs: Cognitive Science and Psychology. Students are accepted by the department and choose their specific program during their first year. The department does not offer terminal master's degrees or programs in clinical, counseling, school, or applied psychology. The Psychology Ph.D. program aims to equip students with broad competence in psychological theories and experimental methods, fostering expertise in specialized research areas. Study plans are highly individualized, with research and coursework decisions made in close collaboration with a research advisor and graduate committee. Students are encouraged to explore different research areas and collaborate with faculty outside their primary advisory. This program guarantees five years of financial support, typically through teaching or research assistantships, with opportunities for summer stipends and external fellowships.
Curriculum
The curriculum includes first-year research projects, core and quantitative courses, specialization courses, teaching assistantships, and culminates in a preliminary exam, dissertation proposal, and final dissertation with an oral presentation. Programs of study are highly individualized.
- Year 1
- First-year research project
- Three core courses
- Two quantitative courses
- Ongoing
- Three specialization courses
- Four semesters of teaching assistantships
- Preliminary exam paper
- Dissertation proposal
- Dissertation and oral presentation
Careers
The program prepares students for distinguished careers in research, teaching, and as experts in public and private sectors.
- Scientist
- Teacher
- Researcher
- Academic
- Expert in applied settings
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition and fees for the Psychology PhD program?
- Annual tuition and fees are approximately $74,568. This figure includes various fees and the student health insurance plan. It is advised to consult the university's graduate admissions and financial aid pages for precise graduate program costs as the provided information may be for undergraduate programs.
- How long does the Psychology PhD program typically take?
- The program involves first-year research projects, core and quantitative courses, specialization courses, teaching assistantships, a preliminary exam, dissertation proposal, and a final dissertation with an oral presentation. Specific duration is individualized.
- What are the career outcomes for graduates of the Psychology PhD program?
- The program prepares students for careers as scientists and teachers in academic settings, as well as roles as experts in public and private sectors.
- Does the Psychology PhD program offer financial support?
- Yes, the program guarantees five years of financial support, typically through teaching or research assistantships, with opportunities for summer stipends and external fellowships.
- What are the application deadlines for the Psychology PhD program?
- The application deadline for the Psychology PhD program is November 15, 2026.
- What specific documents are required for the Psychology PhD application?
- Required documents include transcripts, GRE General Test scores, a writing sample, and a personal statement of purpose.
Entry requirements
Previous academic recordsDemonstrated academic excellence is expected for admission to doctoral programs.
Applicants should describe their background and interests in relation to the preferred Ph.D. program and the research of specific faculty members. Thoroughly reviewing the departmental website, particularly faculty research descriptions, is strongly recommended.
Fees
Tuition (international)Annual tuition and fees are approximately $74,568, which includes tuition, student activities fee, student resources fee, student recreation fee, health services fee, academic records fee, and the student health insurance plan. Note: The provided fee information is for undergraduate programs and may not directly reflect graduate tuition and fees. Consult the university's graduate admissions and financial aid pages for precise graduate program costs.
Tuition (home)Annual tuition and fees are approximately $74,568. Note: The provided fee information is for undergraduate programs and may not directly reflect graduate tuition and fees. Consult the university's graduate admissions and financial aid pages for precise graduate program costs.
LivingEstimated living costs are not provided on the linked pages.
All tuition and financial aid for dual-degree students are based on Brown rates. Student account charges are billed per semester, except for the Student Health Insurance Plan, which is billed annually. The Cost of Attendance (COA) is estimated annually by the Office of Financial Aid.
How to apply
1. Review Departmental InformationThoroughly read the departmental website, paying close attention to faculty research descriptions, to align your interests with potential advisors and programs.
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all required documents including transcripts, GRE General Test scores, a writing sample, and a personal statement of purpose.
3. Submit Online ApplicationComplete and submit the online application form through the Graduate School admissions portal.
4. Statement of PurposeIn your statement, describe your background and interests, connecting them to the Ph.D. program and the research of specific faculty members you wish to work with.
5. Application DeadlineEnsure your application is submitted by the deadline of November 15, 2026.
Scholarships
Graduate School Doctoral SupportFive years of financial support
Departmental Summer StipendTypically provided for a fourth summer
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition and fees for the Psychology PhD program?
+
Annual tuition and fees are approximately $74,568. This figure includes various fees and the student health insurance plan. It is advised to consult the university's graduate admissions and financial aid pages for precise graduate program costs as the provided information may be for undergraduate programs.
How long does the Psychology PhD program typically take?
+
The program involves first-year research projects, core and quantitative courses, specialization courses, teaching assistantships, a preliminary exam, dissertation proposal, and a final dissertation with an oral presentation. Specific duration is individualized.
What are the career outcomes for graduates of the Psychology PhD program?
+
The program prepares students for careers as scientists and teachers in academic settings, as well as roles as experts in public and private sectors.
Does the Psychology PhD program offer financial support?
+
Yes, the program guarantees five years of financial support, typically through teaching or research assistantships, with opportunities for summer stipends and external fellowships.
What are the application deadlines for the Psychology PhD program?
+
The application deadline for the Psychology PhD program is November 15, 2026.
What specific documents are required for the Psychology PhD application?
+
Required documents include transcripts, GRE General Test scores, a writing sample, and a personal statement of purpose.