A computer monitor diplays a scan of the human brain.The School of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the Georgia Institute of Technology offers programs of study leading to Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, with five areas of specialization: Cognition and Brain Science, Adult Development and Aging, Engineering Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and Quantitative Psychology.

All five programs of study provide intensive exposure to the theoretical and methodological foundations of psychology with strong emphasis on quantitative skills. Students are expected to demonstrate initiative in both research activities and academic study, supported by close faculty-student contact.

The School of Psychological and Brain Sciences also participates in interdisciplinary Ph.D. degree programs in Neuroscience and Neurotechnology and Quantitative Biosciences, as well as an interdisciplinary M.S. degree program in Human Computer Interaction. (Please note that the School does not offer a terminal master’s degree in psychology.)

Our graduates pursue careers in academia, industry, the military, government, and nonprofit organizations. According to a survey of graduates, over the last 10 years, 56% accepted positions in academia, 11% joined government or non-profit organizations, 30% entered industry, and 4% became entrepreneurs. 

The student-to-faculty ratio is 3-to-1, reflecting our emphasis on an apprenticeship model of mentoring. In an anonymous survey, graduates stated that they appreciated "the opportunity for interdisciplinary studies and research,” described their time in the program as “extremely valuable,” said that Georgia Tech “prepared [them] extremely well for [their] career," and said “the quality of education [they] received was due to the dedication of the very accomplished faculty.”

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Doctoral Degree Programs

  • Cognition and Brain Science: This specialty area of the psychology Ph.D. program trains students to develop a thorough understanding of diverse aspects of cognition and neural mechanisms of behavior. 
  • Adult Development and Aging: Students gain an understanding of the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging as they relate to cognitive development over the adult lifespan. 
  • Engineering: Engineering psychology is the science of making technology accessible for all users. It operates at the intersection of experimental psychology and human factors engineering. 
  • Industrial/Organizational: Industrial/Organizational psychology develops, extends, and applies psychological principles, data, and methodology in manufacturing, commercial, industrial, governmental, and other work-oriented organizations. 
  • Quantitative: Quantitative psychology emphasizes the interface between quantitative methods and psychological issues. Graduates are trained as quantitative specialists with a substantial background in psychology.

Centers of Excellence

The School hosts three internationally recognized centers of excellence: the Center for Research and Education in Navigation; the Center for Human-AI-Robot Teaming; and the Center of Excellence in Computational Cognition. Housed in the School of Psychological and Brain Sciences, these centers promote interdisciplinary and collaborative research within Georgia Tech and link students and faculty with national and international leaders in their fields. 

Three students are sitting at desks in a classroom. One of the students is speaking.Application Requirements 

  • A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in psychology, neuroscience, or a related field (e.g., computer science, biology, linguistics, mathematics) 
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores (optional) 
  • Three letters of recommendation 
  • For international students, proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL scores)  

The School admits graduate students once a year in the fall. The application deadline is Dec. 1 of each year. The School does not admit graduate students in the spring. 

Ph.D. applications must be submitted online through the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Education. Please visit the Graduate Admissions FAQ at grad.gatech.edu for assistance with the application process.

Funding Information

Ph.D. students obtain stipends either through GRAs, GTAs, or fellowships such as the NSF GRFP, NIH NRSA, and other competitive fellowships. Yearly stipends for Ph.D. students start at $37,000 (plus waiver of tuition) and include health insurance coverage. Additional sources of financial aid may be available to in-state, out-of-state, and international graduate students.

For More Information

For more information, please visit psychology.gatech.edu or contact the school’s academic program manager at psychgradsupport@gatech.edu