The department offers the Ph.D. degree in psychology in two programs: clinical psychology and experimental psychology, the latter subdivided into cognitive neuroscience, and developmental, social, and health psychology. The major goal of the doctoral programs in psychology is to prepare the student for a career in research in both academic and non-academic settings and in teaching.
The Cognitive Neuroscience program is intended for students who wish to study the underlying neural systems of cognitive processes. It provides a strong background in both systems-level neuroscience and cognitive psychology and allows students to develop integrative research interests that cross domains. Research includes a range of topics and methodologies aimed at understanding mechanisms of behavior in laboratory animals and human subjects. Drug use and addictive behaviors are a key focus. Levels of analysis include cellular function, animal behavior, and human substance users. Methodologies include electrochemical measurements, chemogenetics, neuronal cell culture, psychopharmacology, analytical chemistry, quantitative modeling of cognitive functions and decision-making, and fMRI.
In the Developmental, Social, Health program, students typically receive primary conceptual and methodological training in Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, OR Health Psychology (each are “tracks” within our program). This training will reflect the expertise of your advisor (and lab) in their respective subfield (e.g., Social Psychology) and will prepare you for the academic job market in this subfield. As some faculty in the Developmental, Social, and Health program are truly “hybrid” psychologists (equivalent expertise in Social and Developmental Psychology, for example), students may also gear training across subfields by pursuing relevant coursework, research collaborations, teaching experiences, etc.
Traditions of both experimental laboratory research and naturalistic study are utilized; emphases include theoretical and applied significance of research. Each student’s course of study is individually designed to fit that student’s particular needs and interests. Research experience in related behavioral sciences (for example, communication, marketing, behavioral sciences) is encouraged. During the first year of the doctoral program, students in all areas gain experience in the major content areas of psychology and in psychological statistics. Thereafter, the student and the 2 advisor construct a program of study consistent with the academic interests and professional goals of the student. M.A. and M.S. degrees are awarded under Plan A only, as one component of doctoral training.
Options and specialties
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Cognitive Neuroscience Area
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Developmental, Social, & Health Area
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Health Psychology Concentration
Admission Requirements
The minimum departmental standards for admission to graduate work in psychology include an undergraduate overall average of B or better and three letters of recommendation. All admissions are on a competitive basis. For additional information concerning the program in psychology and such matters as financial support, contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Psychology or see https://psychology.as.uky.edu/
Degree Requirements
Total credit hours: 36 hours of pre-qualifying residency required
Core requirements
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Cognitive Neuroscience:
- Statistics sequence: PSY 610 - Experimental design PSY 611 - Correlational design
- PSY 780 - Problems in Psychology: Directed Readings in Cognitive Neuroscience (section to be determined each semester)
- Any three proseminars selected from the following areas: * note that another course (typically a 700-level course) may be substituted for one or more of these proseminars, pending approval of the student’s supervisory committee:
- Learning
- Cognitive processes
- Developmental Psychology
- Sensation & Perception
- Physiological Psychology
- Four electives (a minimum of one of these must be outside of the Psychology Department)
- Additional course work as recommended by the advisory committee
- Residency/Dissertation Credits (PSY 767 )
General information on electives
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