Doctor of Philosophy in Developmental Brain Sciences

The PhD program in Developmental and Brain Sciences (DBS) at the University of Massachusetts Boston is a research-intensive program focused on understanding cognition, perception, and behavior when underlying neural and hormonal mechanisms are developing. Core faculty engage in lab work ranging from cognitive development and psychophysics to neuroendocrinology and behavioral genetics. Students may follow a cognitive specialization, investigating functional changes in perceptual and cognitive abilities, or a behavioral specialization, investigating neural and hormonal correlates of behavior.

In this program, you will:

Gain advanced knowledge of developmental theories, cognitive processes, and brain development, exploring the intricate relationship between brain structure, function, and human behavior across different stages of development
Acquire expertise in research methodologies and data analysis techniques, allowing you to design and conduct cutting-edge studies that advance our understanding of developmental and brain sciences, and contribute to the field through scientific inquiry
Develop critical thinking, communication, and collaborative skills, enabling you to effectively communicate complex concepts, engage in interdisciplinary research, and foster collaborations that bridge developmental and brain sciences with other fields

Career Possibilities
Conduct research in academic or research institutions, investigating various aspects of developmental and brain sciences. Teach and mentor students at the university level while conducting research and contributing to the academic community. Or, investigate the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive processes, such as attention, memory, and decision-making as a neuroscientist. These are just a few of the possibilities.

Become a(n):

Research Scientist
University Professor
Neuropsychologist
Developmental Psychologist
Cognitive Neuroscientist

Successful applicants typically have a BS degree in psychology biology or cognitive science Students with degrees in other fields eg physical sciences mathematics engineering computer science and a strong interest in the foundations of neuroscience and behavior may also be considered for admission We require a minimum of a BABS with a B 3.0 average or above in undergraduate and or graduate level coursework With respect to the required Statement of Intent and Interest in addition to a general statement of your research interests and aptitudes and how they constitute a good match to the DBS program please be sure to list up to three faculty members you would like to work with and why indicate which specialization you would like to pursue developmental behavioral neuroscience or developmental cognitive neuroscience list any special honors or awards you have received for academic achievement detail your relevant research experience especially your role in the research and any specific contribution toward any resulting publications touch on your career objectives Evaluation of applications is the responsibility of an Admissions Committee composed of DBS program core faculty members All graduate admissions are handled according to University Office of Graduate Admissions and DBS Program guidelines and procedures From our applicant pool we undertake an extensive review of applications and will select approximately 10-20 people for interviews Unfortunately it is not feasible to interview more than this number and faculty may not conduct interviews with applicants who have not undergone our review process and been officially selected for an interview PBT - 550, TOEFL IBT - 79, IELTS - 6.0, DuoLingo - 100