UT Dallas > School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences > Departments > Department of Neuroscience > Graduate Programs > How to Apply

How to Apply

Applications to the Cognition and Neuroscience PhD program are due by December 1. The Systems and Cellular Neuroscience (SCN) and Cognitive Neuroscience (CN) tracks use the same application, which is submitted through the UT Dallas Graduate Admissions portal. In that portal, you will indicate your preference for the two tracks. The following information is relevant to both tracks.

Our Review Philosophy

The Cognition and Neuroscience PhD graduate application review process is holistic in nature. What that means is that we see graduate admissions as being about inclusion rather than exclusion. We evaluate applicants full life experience including your research experience and education but, importantly, other factors that reveal who you are as a person and your potential for success in graduate education. We evaluate the below factors from your personal statement, your curriculum vitae, and your recommendation letters.

  • Leadership experience (e.g. long-term service, leadership potential in academics or personal situations)
  • Perseverance (e.g. overcoming challenges, ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, etc)
  • Collegiality (e.g. ability to work in a team, cross cultural experiences, etc)
  • Problem-solving ability (e.g. planning and organizing experience, flexibility in problem solving)
  • Community engagement (e.g. active member of your community including volunteering, service, mentoring, etc)
  • Diversity of experience (e.g. contributions to creating opportunities for others, non-traditional background prior to science, variety of life experiences, interest in health disparities)

To Apply, You Will Need:

  • Statement of Purpose
    • Please provide a brief narrative outlining your academic and professional interests, including any relevant experience(s) that have shaped those interests, as well as future goals. As applicable, discussion of any prior research experience, publications or other evidence of scholarly endeavor is also encouraged. Finally, please indicate one to three faculty you would be interested in working with.
  • Curriculum Vitae (no page limit)
    • We encourage you to include details on your academic and research background including any presentations (oral or poster) and publications. You may also want to include information on your community engagement, leadership experience, awards, former employment, skills (e.g. computing, technical biological/neuroscience, etc), and languages (including computing languages).
  • 3 letters of recommendation (you will request these within the application system)
  • Official Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
  • A list of up to 3 Faculty with whom you would be interested in working
  • Application fee ($50)
    • Details on fees can be found here.
    • If you are a current UTD student or alum of UTD there is no fee.
    • If you are a veteran or active service member there is no fee.
    • If you are a member of certain groups and societies there is no fee.
    • If none of the above apply to you and you are having trouble with the fee please contact cogneurophd@utdallas.edu for other fee waiver options.
  • GRE scores waived for Fall 2020-2024 applicants as a result of continuing issues in students accessing the exam due to COVID-19 and limited value of the GRE for predicting graduate success.

International Applicants Will Additionally Need:

  • English proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or ELS 112) 
  • Diplomas and/or degree certificates
  • Certified translation of non-English documents
  • International credential evaluation fee ($50)

Step-by-Step Application Instructions:

Apply Now
  • Applications are through the UT Dallas Graduate Admissions portal.
  • Click on “Apply.” If it is your first time on the site, you will set up your account.
  • Start a new application. On the new application page:
    • Select “Doctoral”; “Behavioral and Brain Sciences”; “Cognition and Neuroscience PhD” and “Fall”
  • Follow the prompts to upload documents and insert information. You will also indicate your preferred track (i.e. SCN or CN). The system autosaves your information as you go. So, you can always sign out and come back to finish.
  • Have questions? Email us!

The University of Texas at Dallas does not allow the usage of ChatGPT and/or similar tools to complete admission applications. Please refrain from the usage of such tools or your application will be disqualified.