PhD in Applied Cognitive and Brain Sciences

The tuition fee is 36,234 USD per year.

This is a non-clinical, research-intensive PhD program focused on experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience. It emphasizes real-world applications of cognitive science, grounded in rigorous basic research and advanced quantitative methods. Students receive close faculty mentorship to conduct independent, technically sophisticated research.

Focus areas include Neuroscience of creativity, Memory and language, Network neuroscience, Cognitive and affective regulation, Neural bases of motivation and emotion, Computational neuroimaging and neuroimaging statistics.

The program requires 90 quarter credits, with coursework typically completed in the first two years. Students must also complete a master's thesis, pass a qualifying exam, and complete a doctoral dissertation.

Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, data science, software development, human-computer interaction, and research institutions.

Applicants need an undergraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, computer science) and significant empirical research experience. A strong background in college-level mathematics, science, and computer skills is required, along with demonstrated interest in cognitive and brain sciences.

The programme totals about 90 credit hours. This is a full-time, on-campus program with a typical duration of five years, including dedicated faculty mentorship. For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 78% of applicants.

Drexel University, established in 1891 in Philadelphia, is a private research university enrolling more than 23,000 students, including roughly 5,000 international learners. Drexel is widely known for its cooperative education model that alternates classroom study with paid, career-related work placements. The university offers over 200 degree programmes across 17 colleges and schools, with strong offerings in engineering, business, health sciences, arts and entrepreneurship.

The signature co-op programme gives students extended industry experience, enabling them to apply classroom learning to real-world projects and earn a salary while building professional networks. Drexel maintains active partnerships with employers across technology, healthcare, finance and creative industries, and its urban campus places students in the heart of Philadelphia's vibrant cultural and professional scene. Research centres, incubators and experiential labs support innovation and student-led ventures.

International students benefit from dedicated services, career counselling, multicultural clubs and a wide range of on- and off-campus housing options. Drexel's practical curriculum, emphasis on employability and extensive alumni network make it attractive for students seeking hands-on training and fast entry into professional roles. With 117 distinct programmes, Drexel delivers a balance of academic depth and applied learning in a dynamic city setting.