Graduate Programs in Psychology

Professor Don Katz's lab studies the neural ensemble dynamics of sensori-motor processes in rodents.
Overview
Brandeis University's Department of Psychology offers the master's degree in general psychology and the PhD in Brain, Body, and Behavior Across the Lifespan. Our active and collegial department emphasizes a rigorous, scientific approach to the understanding of human behavior. Read more about our programs on the department's website. Application instructions can be found below.
Apply Financial Aid Program Site
How to Apply
Application Deadlines
PhD: December 1; The Department of Psychology requires all application materials to be submitted by December 1 including letters of recommendation, test scores, and transcripts in order for your application to be given consideration. Please plan to submit your application far enough in advance to ensure that all your supporting materials will be attached to your application prior to the deadline.
MA: Rolling through May 15; application review begins February 1.
Application Requirements
To apply for the program, you need to submit:
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Transcripts from all universities and colleges attended must be uploaded to your application; do not mail official transcripts to our office. For more information, visit Frequently Asked Questions.
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Three letters of recommendation, submitted online
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A curriculum vitae (CV) or resumé, which should include your educational history, employment experience, and other relevant information.
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A statement of purpose indicating your reasons for undertaking graduate study. In addition, please describe your qualifications for the psychology program and your objectives in undertaking this program. Applicants to the doctoral program should outline their research interests and how they would complement those of the faculty. Applicants to the master's program should discuss their academic and professional career plans and how the degree can help them attain these goals.
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Graduate Record Exam (GRE): Please note that if you are applying for the 2023-2024 academic year, your application will receive full consideration even if you are unable to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Our GRE institution code is 3092 (please note: this institution code only applies to GRE scores). MyBest™ scores from ETS will not be accepted.
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Additional Requirements for International Applicants: Score report from one of the following English language proficiency exams: TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Revised Paper-delivered Test, TOEFL ITP Plus for China Solution, IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or Duolingo English Test. You can arrange for the delivery of your TOEFL iBT or Revised Paper-delivered Test score report by providing ETS with our institution code, 3261 (no department code is necessary); please note that we do not accept TOEFL Essentials score reports or MyBest™ scores from ETS. Delivery of your TOEFL ITP Plus scores can be arranged via your Vericant account, delivery of your Duolingo scores can be arranged via your Duolingo account, and delivery of your PTE Academic scores can be arranged via your Pearson account. Further information about this requirement can be found on the International Students page.
For a more comprehensive description of application requirements, please visit Frequently Asked Questions.
Alumni Spotlight

Veronica Flores, PhD'19, discusses her work across the disciplines of psychology and neuroscience in the Katz lab. Flores studies the effect of incidental experience on taste using a rodent model. Recently, she was selected for a faculty vacancy by Furman University in South Carolina. She will begin working in this role in August.