Psychological and Brain Sciences program

The Graduate Program in Psychological and Brain Sciences is divided into three programmatic groups: Social and Affective Neuroscience; Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience; and Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience. Although most requirements are similar for the three groups, each group can set independent requirements beyond the minimum standards set by the Psychological and Brain Sciences Graduate Program. Regardless of the group in which the student completes his/her training, the student will receive his/her PhD in Psychology. Students who complete additional requirements can opt to receive their PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience. The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences maintains close ties and affiliations with a number of other departments and programs, including the Dartmouth Medical School and the Neuroscience Center at Dartmouth. Coursework and research is often conducted in conjunction with these other programs. 

During the first year students take Proseminar, which is taught by the entire faculty. This seminar explores the diverse areas of psychological and brain sciences represented in the department. First-year students also begin to take a series of Core Courses and conduct supervised research.

Second-year students receive training in statistics, enroll in focused seminars, carry out independent research and complete a Specialist Examination in their area before proceeding to their dissertation research in subsequent years of the program. Students serve as teaching assistants for four terms during their time in the program.

An applicant must have completed the baccalaureate degree or its equivalent prior to matriculation. The strength of an applicant's academic background and evidence of promise in graduate study is more important than the area of undergraduate study. If an individual has not been exposed to some background material, the student will be encouraged to correct these deficiencies during his or her first year in the program. Applicants must submit the following materials for completion of the application:

A completed application form, including a concise statement of previous research experience and of research interests.
An official copy of college transcripts from previous academic institutions.
Results from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The GRE should be taken no later than November, and the results should be sent to the Graduate Office. The Subject Test in Psychology is encouraged but not required.
Three letters of recommendation from persons having knowledge of the training and experience of the applicant. These letters should be uploaded via the link above.  Instructions are available on the page after you sign in.
A nonrefundable application fee of $50.

Dartmouth offers full financial support to all students in doctoral programs. Financial support includes a paid yearly stipend or fellowship at a minimum of $24,000. Students generally do not need to pay any tuition from their stipend as doctoral tuition is typically paid, or scholarship arrangements are made. Financial support is usually supplied for the entire duration of a student’s enrollment in their doctoral program, although support terms may differ slightly by program.