| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-08-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
The PhD in Cognitive Psychology at the University at Albany is a research-intensive program that prepares students for careers in academia, research, teaching, and industry. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in research design, methodology, and statistics, along with individual mentorship and development opportunities. Students conduct original research, demonstrate ability to conduct comprehensive literature reviews, and utilize existing software and databases for conducting experiments, collecting data, and performing statistical analyses.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The PhD in Cognitive Psychology at the University of Albany is a research-intensive program designed to prepare students for careers in academia, research, teaching, and industry. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in research design, methodology, and statistics, along with individual mentorship and development opportunities.
Objectives:
- Conduct original research and effectively communicate results in written and oral formats.
- Demonstrate ability to conduct comprehensive literature reviews and critically synthesize findings.
- Utilize existing software and databases for conducting experiments, collecting data, and performing statistical analyses.
Program Description:
The program provides a comprehensive curriculum covering a wide range of topics in cognitive psychology, including:
- Memory
- Language Processing
- Attention
- Decision Making
- Visual Cognition
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cognitive Modeling
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Advanced Seminar Classes: Students choose from a variety of areas within cognitive psychology, such as bilingualism, online communication, and cognitive neuroscience.
- Statistics/Method Courses: Statistical and Experimental Methods I & II.
- Initial Research Project: Conducted during the first two years, often serving as a Master's thesis.
- Dissertation: An independent research project culminating in a significant contribution to the field.
Course Schedule:
Students typically take 2-3 courses per semester during their first two years and focus on research during subsequent years.
Assessment:
- Coursework: Assignments, exams, and presentations.
- Initial Research Project: Evaluation by faculty advisor.
- Qualifying Examination: Critical review paper on a chosen topic.
- Dissertation: Defense and evaluation by a dissertation committee.
Teaching:
- Opportunities for teaching assistantships and leading courses to gain experience.
- Informal reading groups, workshops, and colloquia to develop research and teaching skills.
Careers:
- Academia: Tenure-track faculty positions at universities worldwide.
- Research: Industry research positions in related fields.
- Other: Legal consultant, data analyst, experiment designer, marketing researcher, human factors consultant, human-computer interaction designer.
Other:
- Program Length: Typically 5-7 years.
- Financial Aid: Assistantships and internal grants available.
- International Students: Eligible for STEM OPT work authorization extension.
- Faculty: Active researchers with expertise in various areas of cognitive psychology.
- Facilities: Access to advanced equipment and software for conducting research.
Overview:
University at Albany, also known as the University at Albany - State University of New York, is a public research university located in Albany, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and has a long history, having been established in 1844. The university is known for its diverse academic programs, strong research focus, and commitment to public engagement.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support to students in choosing courses, planning their academic careers, and navigating university resources.Libraries:
Offers access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.Career Services:
Assists students in exploring career options, developing job search skills, and connecting with potential employers.Student Life:
Provides opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events.Residential Life:
Offers on-campus housing options for students, fostering a sense of community and providing support services.Dining:
Provides a variety of dining options on campus, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.Athletics:
Offers a variety of intercollegiate sports programs for students to participate in or cheer for.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University at Albany can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events. The campus is located in a city setting, providing easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and dining options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty experts.Commitment to Public Engagement:
The university is deeply committed to serving the community and addressing societal challenges through research, outreach, and public service initiatives.Faculty Access:
The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to interact with and learn from their professors.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Over 50 undergraduate majors across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, education, and engineering.Graduate Programs:
A wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in fields such as business, education, public health, criminal justice, and the sciences.Online Learning:
Offers a variety of online courses and programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.Other:
The university has a strong alumni network, with over 195,000 alumni who support the university and its students. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as nanotechnology, public health, and environmental science.
