Doctor of Philosophy - Psychological and Brain Sciences | Academics

About

The UNLV Psychological and Brain Sciences Doctoral Program trains students to become psychological and brain scientists capable of conducting independent research that meets international standards of scientific excellence. Upon completing the degree, students will be qualified to seek careers conducting research in academia and in other institutional and applied settings. Areas of research in which faculty supervise students are: cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, neuroscience, and quantitative/social/community psychology. The program operates on a mentor model in which students work under the supervision of an identified faculty mentor. We welcome students from diverse backgrounds and encourage research in topics related to multiculturalism and diversity.

Available Options

Post-Bachelor’s – Quantitative, Social and Community Track
Post-Bachelor’s – Cognitive Emphasis Track
Post-Bachelor’s – Neuroscience Emphasis Track
Post-Bachelor’s – Developmental Emphasis Track
Post-Master’s – Quantitative, Social and Community Track
Post-Master’s – Cognitive Emphasis Track
Post-Master’s – Neuroscience Emphasis Track
Post-Master’s – Developmental Emphasis Track

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.

Learning Outcomes

Students should possess a broad knowledge of psychological science.
Student should have an advanced understanding of research methods and data analysis.
Student should be able to present their knowledge to relevant parties through clear written and verbal communication.
Students should have the knowledge and skills necessary to advance the science of psychology through scholarly publication.
Students should have teaching skills and pedagogical expertise.
Students should possess the skills and knowledge necessary to enter applied and academic research positions.

Career Possibilities

Psychological and brain scientists are employed in both academic and nonacademic settings. In academic settings, they most often pursue a professorial career that emphasizes research and teaching. In nonacademic settings, they are employed by a wide variety of business, government and nonprofit organizations. For example, business organizations hire psychological and brain scientists as computer/web interface designers, marketing researchers, jury consultants, political strategists, social media consultants, and pharmaceutical researchers. Government and nonprofit organizations hire psychological and brain scientists as program evaluators, educational consultants, and homeland security specialists. The exact positions held in these organizations depend upon the student’s emphasis area (cognitive, developmental, neuroscience, or quantitative/social/ community). However, most of these positions stress the ability to apply research skills to specific behavioral and cognitive issues.

Requirements

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