CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · UNITED STATES
Social and Decision Neuroscience PhD Program
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
60 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 81 unitsGraduate Coursework Required
- 5 yearsTypical Program Duration
- 3 quartersMandatory Lab Rotations (1st Year)
- 80%Minimum Score for General Knowledge Exam
- 4 membersThesis Committee Requirement
- 100% doctoral coverageMerit-based financial support
The Social and Decision Neuroscience PhD Program at Caltech is a highly interdisciplinary program focusing on the neural mechanisms underlying social behavior and decision-making. This program integrates methodologies and theories from neuroscience, economics, political science, and psychology to offer a comprehensive understanding of how the brain processes social information and makes choices. Students in this program engage in rigorous coursework, extensive research, and professional development activities. The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in both social sciences and neuroscience, preparing graduates for advanced research and leadership roles in academia and beyond.
Curriculum
The program requires students to complete significant coursework and research components, culminating in a dissertation defense. Key requirements are met within the first two years, with subsequent years focusing on research, candidacy, and thesis completion.
- Year 1
- Brains, Minds, and SocietyCNS/Psy/Bi 102 ab
- Introduction to NeuroscienceNB/BI/CNS 150
- Graduate course in behavioral economics
- Two courses in statistics, econometrics, or machine learning
- Two additional upper-undergraduate or graduate courses in economics, political science, or finance
- Research in Computation and Neural SystemsCNS 280
- Research in Social ScienceSS 300
- Graduate Proseminar in Social and Decision NeurosciencePsy 283 abc
- Seminar attendance (social sciences)
- Responsible Conduct of ResearchBi 252
- Year 2
- Graduate Proseminar in Social and Decision NeurosciencePsy 283 abc
- Seminar attendance (social sciences)
- General Knowledge Exam
- Attend a conference and submit a grant proposal
- Year 3
- Graduate Proseminar in Social and Decision NeurosciencePsy 283 abc
- Seminar attendance (social sciences)
- Present a poster or give a talk at a conference
- Candidacy Exam (Thesis Proposal Defense)
- Year 4 onwards
- Graduate Proseminar in Social and Decision NeurosciencePsy 283 abc
- Seminar attendance (social sciences)
- Present a poster or give a talk at a conference
- Thesis Defense
Careers
Graduates of the Social and Decision Neuroscience PhD program are prepared for a variety of careers in research and academia. The interdisciplinary nature of the program equips them with a unique skill set applicable to diverse fields.
- Postdoctoral Researcher
- University Professor/Faculty
- Research Scientist (academia or industry)
- Data Scientist
- Behavioral Economist
- Cognitive Scientist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for the Social and Decision Neuroscience PhD program?
- Caltech provides 100% coverage of doctoral students' tuition through merit-based financial support. This support often includes stipends for living expenses.
- How long does the Social and Decision Neuroscience PhD program typically take to complete?
- The typical program duration for the Social and Decision Neuroscience PhD is 5 years. Key requirements are usually met within the first two years, with subsequent years focused on research and dissertation.
- What are the entry requirements for this PhD program?
- A strong undergraduate background in a relevant field is expected, though specific academic qualifications beyond a Bachelor's Degree are not detailed. Admission to Caltech graduate programs is highly competitive, emphasizing academic excellence and research potential.
- What kind of career opportunities are available after completing this program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Postdoctoral Researcher, University Professor/Faculty, Research Scientist, Data Scientist, Behavioral Economist, and Cognitive Scientist.
- When is the application deadline for the Social and Decision Neuroscience PhD program?
- The application deadline is typically in December for Fall admission. Decisions are usually communicated in February/March, with an enrollment deadline around April 15th.
- Does the program offer financial support for doctoral students?
- Yes, Caltech offers merit-based financial support covering 100% of doctoral students' tuition. This support often includes stipends for living expenses.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeA strong undergraduate background in a relevant field is expected, though specific requirements are not detailed.
While specific GPA or GRE requirements are not listed for the SDN PhD program, admission to Caltech graduate programs is highly competitive, emphasizing academic excellence and research potential.
Fees
Tuition (international)100% coverage of doctoral students' tuition with merit-based financial support
Tuition (home)100% coverage of doctoral students' tuition with merit-based financial support
LivingNot specified
Caltech provides 100% coverage of doctoral students' tuition through merit-based financial support, which often includes stipends for living expenses. Details on specific amounts and living costs are not provided on the program pages.
How to apply
1. Prepare Application MaterialsGather transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and any other required documents. GRE scores may be required, check the Graduate Admissions website for current policies.
2. Submit Online ApplicationComplete and submit the graduate application form through the Caltech Graduate Admissions portal.
3. Secure Letters of RecommendationRequest letters from individuals who can attest to your academic and research potential.
4. Application ReviewThe SDN admissions committee will review applications, focusing on academic background, research experience, and statement of purpose.
5. Interviews (if applicable)Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews.
6. Decision NotificationAdmissions decisions will be communicated to applicants.
Scholarships
Merit-based financial support100% tuition coverage
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for the Social and Decision Neuroscience PhD program?
+
Caltech provides 100% coverage of doctoral students' tuition through merit-based financial support. This support often includes stipends for living expenses.
How long does the Social and Decision Neuroscience PhD program typically take to complete?
+
The typical program duration for the Social and Decision Neuroscience PhD is 5 years. Key requirements are usually met within the first two years, with subsequent years focused on research and dissertation.
What are the entry requirements for this PhD program?
+
A strong undergraduate background in a relevant field is expected, though specific academic qualifications beyond a Bachelor's Degree are not detailed. Admission to Caltech graduate programs is highly competitive, emphasizing academic excellence and research potential.
What kind of career opportunities are available after completing this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Postdoctoral Researcher, University Professor/Faculty, Research Scientist, Data Scientist, Behavioral Economist, and Cognitive Scientist.
When is the application deadline for the Social and Decision Neuroscience PhD program?
+
The application deadline is typically in December for Fall admission. Decisions are usually communicated in February/March, with an enrollment deadline around April 15th.
Does the program offer financial support for doctoral students?
+
Yes, Caltech offers merit-based financial support covering 100% of doctoral students' tuition. This support often includes stipends for living expenses.