The training goal of the Cognitive Neuroscience & Biopsychology (CNB) graduate concentration in psychology is to ensure that students who achieve the doctoral degree are well-prepared for careers in psychological research. To this end, the curriculum is structured to educate students in quantitative methods/designs and philosophy of science (quantitative requirement), to educate students in domains of study that are specifically related to their areas of research interest (depth requirement), to educate students in domains of study that complement their research interests, and expand students’ general knowledge of the field (breadth requirement).
In addition to regular coursework, the CNB area also meets on a regular basis at colloquia and professional development seminars throughout the Fall and Spring semesters. The schedule for these meetings is announced in advance, and participation in them is expected.
Please note that courses can only be designated as “breadth” or “depth” as they relate to a given individual student’s research concentration, which is determined by the student and their advisory committee in collaboration (in other words, a single course can act as either for two different students). “Depth” is conceptually defined as a course that is specifically related to the student’s primary area of research focus, whereas “breadth” is conceptually defined as a course that introduces the student to literatures, methodologies/analytic strategies, and/or theoretical frameworks that are substantively different from those representing their area of primary research focus.
In order to meet this training goal, each student is expected to formulate a plan of study with consultation from their faculty advisor and their advisory committee that satisfies the core (quantitative), depth, and breadth requirements. A few specific courses are required for all students, while still allowing CNB students to exercise considerable freedom in composing plans of study that satisfy their intellectual and research needs. In exceptional circumstances, students can request modifications to the requirements below from the Area Director.
Core Requirement (quantitative research methods): See https://support.psyc.vt.edu/grads/program/curriculum.
Depth Requirement: Three graduate-level courses within the student’s research concentration (at least one course must be taken within the Department of Psychology). (Also see Note 1 below.)
Breadth Requirement: Three graduate-level courses outside of the student’s research concentration (at least one course must be taken within the Department of Psychology). (Also see Note 1 below.)
Additional Elective(s): In order to meet the minimum number of graded credit hours required to earn a PhD at Virginia Tech, students will need to take one or more additional electives beyond the curriculum detailed above.
Note 1: All students must take at least one graduate-level seminar course. This course should have a small enrollment (preferably fewer than 15 students) and a discussion-based format. Such courses may be designated with a 6944 or 6954 course number but any course with this small, discussion-based format will meet this requirement. Students should consult their advisory committee with questions.
Note 2: Departments that offer other courses that may be included in the plan of study to prepare for a research concentration include Biology, Chemistry, Human Development (including Gerontology), Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Industrial Systems Engineering (Human Factors), Philosophy, Sociology, Statistics, Women's Studies, Computer Science, and Veterinary Medicine. Also, although the Department does not offer a specialty in gerontology, students may additionally obtain a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology through the Center for Gerontology in the College of Human Resources and Education. This certificate is awarded only in conjunction with a masters or doctoral degree in a graduate program at Virginia Tech.