1. Graduate
  2. Core Programs of Study
  3. Cognitive Program
  4. Ph.D. program

Ph.D. program

Our Ph.D. students conduct cognitive research under the mentorship of a cognitive faculty member.

Below, you will find how a typical student might proceed through the program. Students should consult the program requirements for all expectations and activities.

Throughout:

  • Attend all departmental colloquia and cognitive dissertation defenses.
  • Attend all Cognitive Talk Series sessions and present once per year.
  • Present relevant findings at national/international research meetings.
  • Submit relevant findings for publication.
  • Contribute to program, department and/or school citizenship.

Year 1:

  • Engage in first-year research project.
  • Complete core statistical sequence (2 courses).
  • Take Foundations of Cognitive Psychology (PSY 2410).
  • Work toward completing three cognitive and three open electives (at least two non-cognitive, one with strong methods / advanced statistics component).

Year 2:

  • Form Master's thesis committee.
  • Complete and defend Master's thesis proposal.
  • Complete and defend Master's thesis.
  • Work toward completing three cognitive and three open electives.

At some point from second year on:

  • Teach at least one class and document teaching proficiency.
  • Take university-sponsored course on faculty development or teaching in psychology.

Year 3:

  • Continue ongoing research.
  • Form Specialty Paper committee.
  • Complete and defend Specialty paper proposal.
  • Complete and defend Specialty paper.
  • Finish completing three cognitive and three open electives.

Year 4:

  • Form dissertation committee.
  • Complete and defend dissertation proposal.
  • Continue dissertation work.
  • Take or audit one course to stay current with literature or deepen knowledge of statistical/methodological tools.

Year 5:

  • Complete and defend dissertation.
  • Complete any requested dissertation revisions (if necessary).
  • Take or audit one course to stay current with literature or deepen knowledge of statistical/methodological tools.

Please note that the specific sequencing of cognitive and open electives will vary based on course availability and individual student plans. Similarly, the year for each milestones might vary (see departmental guidelines for expected timelines).