Behavioral and Social Neuroscience

Behavioral and Social Neuroscience at the California Institute of Technology offers an interdisciplinary and cutting-edge approach to understanding the biological underpinnings of behavior, cognition, and social interactions. This program is designed for students who are interested in exploring the complex relationships between neural mechanisms and behavior within social contexts, combining principles from neuroscience, psychology, biology, and social sciences. Our curriculum provides students with a strong foundation in neurobiology, experimental methods, and data analysis, as well as exposure to topics such as neural circuits involved in learning and memory, emotional regulation, social decision-making, and the neural basis of mental health disorders.

Students in this program have opportunities to engage in innovative research projects utilizing advanced techniques such as neuroimaging, electrophysiology, behavioral assays, and computational modeling. The program emphasizes the importance of an integrative perspective, encouraging students to consider not only the biological factors influencing behavior but also the social and environmental factors that shape neural functions and outcomes. Collaboration with faculty members who are leaders in the field provides a rich learning environment and mentorship that fosters scientific discovery and critical thinking.

The Behavioral and Social Neuroscience program prepares students for diverse career paths, including academic research, clinical applications, industry roles in biotech and pharma, and public policy related to mental health and social well-being. With access to Caltech’s state-of-the-art facilities and a community of passionate scholars, students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to contribute to advances in understanding human behavior from a multidisciplinary perspective. Graduates are equipped to pursue doctoral studies, work in neuroscience research labs, or apply their expertise in healthcare, education, and policy-making sectors. If you are passionate about unraveling the biological roots of behavior and understanding how the brain influences social processes, the Behavioral and Social Neuroscience program at Caltech provides an exceptional platform to launch your scientific career.

Courses:

• Introduction to Computation and Neural Systems
• Learning Systems
• Introduction to Computer Graphics Laboratory
• Research in Computation and Neural Systems
• Neural Computation
• Research in Computation and Neural Systems
• Central Mechanisms in Perception

Applicants for Graduate Admissions to the option should have an undergraduate major in economics, pscyhology, biology, physics, mathematics, or computer science, and a general background that will permit enrolling in advanced courses in the other relevant disciplines. All applicants for admission, including those from foreign countries, are strongly urged to submit Graduate Record Examination test scores for verbal and quantitative aptitude tests and for an advanced test in physics, biology, engineering, mathematics, or computer science. Students are urged to apply for external fellowships.

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Behavioral and Social Neuroscience program at the California Institute of Technology offers a comprehensive financing and support structure for its students. As part of Caltech's commitment to attracting top-tier students from around the world, the institution provides various funding options to ensure that financial barriers do not impede access to its graduate programs. Funding packages typically include full or partial tuition coverage, stipends for living expenses, and opportunities for additional support through fellowships and research assistantships. Most students admitted to the program receive financial aid packages that cover tuition fees, which are standard across Caltech’s graduate programs, supplemented by stipends that support living costs during the course of their studies.

The institute actively encourages applicants to explore external funding sources such as government grants, private foundations, and professional organizations that support graduate education in neuroscience and related fields. Many students participate in research projects funded by federal agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the National Science Foundation (NSF), which not only provide research funding but also often include stipends for students involved in these projects. Caltech also offers a range of fellowships and scholarships that are awarded competitively each year based on academic achievement, research potential, and leadership qualities. These financial aids are designed to reduce the financial burden on students, allowing them to focus fully on their research and coursework.

Additionally, students in the program are encouraged to apply for teaching assistantships, which provide a stipend and tuition remission in exchange for teaching responsibilities within the department. The institute’s financial aid policies aim to ensure that all admitted students can pursue their academic and research interests without undue financial stress. To support diversity and inclusion, Caltech is committed to offering financial aid packages that make its programs accessible to students from various economic backgrounds. The university’s financial aid office provides personalized counseling to help students navigate funding options, complete necessary paperwork, and understand the terms of their financial support. Overall, the financing studies in the Behavioral and Social Neuroscience program exemplify Caltech's dedication to fostering an inclusive academic environment through comprehensive and equitable financial support systems.

The Behavioral and Social Neuroscience program at the California Institute of Technology offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the neural mechanisms underlying behavior and social interactions. This program is designed for students interested in exploring how brain processes influence social behaviors, decision-making, cognition, emotion, and mental health through a combination of neuroscience, psychology, and social sciences. The curriculum typically includes coursework in neurobiology, cognitive science, social psychology, and experimental methods, allowing students to develop a comprehensive understanding of the biological substrates of behavior. Research opportunities are integral to the program, providing hands-on experience with cutting-edge techniques such as neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and behavioral assays. Students often collaborate with faculty renowned for their work in neural circuits, social cognition, and behavioral neuroscience. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in academic research, healthcare, pharmacology, or related fields where understanding the neural basis of social and behavioral phenomena is crucial. The close-knit academic environment at Caltech, with its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, ensures that students gain both depth and breadth in their understanding of behavioral neuroscience. Given the university’s focus on scientific inquiry and innovation, students are encouraged to pursue independent research projects that contribute new insights into how the brain supports social behaviors. The program also emphasizes critical thinking, experimental design, and data analysis skills necessary for rigorous scientific investigation. Overall, the Behavioral and Social Neuroscience program at Caltech is tailored for individuals passionate about uncovering the neural foundations of human and animal behavior, with a robust curriculum and research infrastructure to support their academic and professional aspirations.