best phd programs neuropsychology

Neuropsychology PhD Programs

Exploring the Field of Neuropsychology: Education, Careers, and Opportunities

Neuropsychology is a fascinating field that examines the relationship between the brain and behavior. It is a discipline that is concerned with understanding how the nervous system affects human behavior, emotions, and cognition.

• Neuropsychologists work in clinical and research settings to diagnose and treat neurological disorders, conduct research on the brain and behavior, and develop new treatments and therapies.

For those interested in pursuing a career in neuropsychology, this guide provides an overview of the educational and training requirements needed to become a neuropsychologist.

It covers topics such as degrees in neuropsychology, online psychology master’s programs, frequently asked questions about neuropsychology, and what a neuropsychologist does.

Whether you are just starting out or looking to advance your career, this guide will help you understand what it takes to become a neuropsychologist.

Key Takeaways

• Neuropsychology is a field that examines the relationship between the brain and behavior.
• Pursuing a career in neuropsychology requires a degree in neuropsychology, completing an online psychology master’s program, and understanding what a neuropsychologist does.

Degrees in Neuropsychology

Neuropsychology is a specialized field that requires a doctorate to practice. However, before pursuing a doctorate, students must complete their undergraduate degree.

Some students may opt to pursue a master’s degree before entering a doctoral program. Here are the three main degrees in Neuropsychology.

Bachelor’s Degree in Neuropsychology

To pursue a career in Neuropsychology, students typically begin by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in psychology, biology, or neuroscience.

Undergraduate programs that focus solely on Neuropsychology are rare. However, students can obtain a strong foundation in Neuropsychology by taking neuroscience, neuroanatomy, and psychological research courses.

Completing an internship can also prepare students for graduate programs.

If students are looking for a more flexible alternative to a campus-based undergraduate program, they can pursue an online bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field.

Master’s Degree in Neuropsychology

Most aspiring Neuropsychologists go straight from their bachelor’s degree to a doctoral program in Neuropsychology. However, some students earn a master’s degree in Neuropsychology, clinical psychology, or a related field as a next step.

A master’s degree can help students decide if Neuropsychology is the right career for them. This degree can also help students boost their competitive edge when applying to selective doctoral programs.

Students take courses in areas such as learning and cognition, memory and the brain, and neuroscience, along with required clinical hours, internships, and research experiences, which can help prepare them for the demands of rigorous doctoral study.

If students decide to pursue a master’s degree in psychology but need to maintain work or personal commitments, they can find several programs available in convenient online or hybrid formats.

Doctorate in Neuropsychology

To practice Neuropsychology, individuals must hold a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) or a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.). The Psy.D. focuses on clinical training, while the Ph.D. emphasizes scientific research.

During doctoral studies, students complete advanced coursework in neuroanatomy, biopsychology, neuropsychological assessment, and research methods.

They also have to complete an internship and a dissertation based on independent research.

In addition to clinical hours and internships completed during their Neuropsychological degree, students should expect to spend 1-2 years in a postdoctoral fellowship to qualify for licensure and certification.

To qualify for a state license, they need to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).

Neuropsychologists often earn board certification through the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) or the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology (ABPN).

Online Psychology Master’s Programs

Several accredited schools offer online psychology master’s programs. Consider one of these top programs to discover their value today.

• Programs focus on various areas such as clinical psychology, neuropsychology, and mental health counseling.
• Coursework includes topics like assessment, research methods, and evidence-based psychotherapy.
• Tuition ranges from $10,000 to $60,000 per academic year depending on the program and the university.
• Public universities in the U.S. typically charge in-state residents $5,000 to $25,000 per academic year and out-of-state residents $10,000 to $50,000.
• Private universities generally charge higher tuition fees.

Frequently Asked Questions About Neuropsychology

What is the difference between a psychologist and a neuropsychologist.

Psychologists and neuropsychologists both study human behavior and mental processes. However, neuropsychologists specialize in how the brain and nervous system influence cognitive processes, emotions, and behavior.

They use a combination of psychological and neurological assessments to diagnose and treat neurological conditions that affect behavior, cognition, and emotion.

Do Neuropsychologists Deal with Mental Disorders?

Neuropsychologists have the training to diagnose and treat behavioral and mental disorders associated with cognitive impairment, including conditions such as dementia, memory loss, and attention disorders.

They work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists and neurologists, to develop comprehensive treatment plans that address the patient’s specific needs.

Do Neuropsychologists Go to Med School?

Licensed neuropsychologists have either a Ph.D. or Psy.D. degree. They do not hold medical degrees and cannot administer medications.

However, they receive extensive training in neuroanatomy, neuropathology, and neurophysiology as part of their education and clinical internship.

How Much Do Neuropsychologists Earn?

According to Payscale, neuropsychologists earn an average base salary of $105,240 as of March 2024.

Several factors impact salaries, including work experience, specializations, and employment setting.

Neuropsychologists who work in research or public policy may earn less than those who work in private practice or clinical settings. However, with experience and advanced training, neuropsychologists may earn higher salaries.

What Does a Neuropsychologist Do?

Neuropsychologists assess and treat a variety of disorders related to changes in cognitive functioning, such as traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, stroke, ADHD, or Alzheimer’s disease. They work with people of all ages, from infancy to adulthood, and collaborate with other healthcare providers, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, and psychiatrists, to administer language assessments, personality tests, mental exams, and other diagnostic tools.

Based on these evaluations, they prepare a detailed report for patients and their healthcare team to guide treatment decisions.

Clinical Work

Clinical neuropsychologists work with patients in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practice.

They conduct neuropsychological assessments to evaluate cognitive functions, such as memory, language, attention, concentration, reasoning, and thinking.

They also assess brain-behavior relationships and neurological functioning to diagnose and treat disorders affecting the central nervous system.

Neuropsychologists use a variety of techniques to assess cognitive functions, including standardized tests, interviews, observations, and medical records.

Cognitive neuropsychologists mainly work as researchers with no direct patient interaction.

They typically work in academic and research institutions, conducting studies and developing new evaluation tools to advance the field.

Neuropsychologists with research interests may study a wide range of topics, including autism, epilepsy, stroke, cognitive aging, genetics, and brain and behavior.

What Else Can I Do With a Neuropsychology Degree?

A doctorate in neuropsychology can expand professional career options beyond clinical practice into other areas, including teaching, research, and consulting. A doctorate is generally required for teaching positions at the postsecondary level.

Neuropsychologists may find research positions at universities, academic medical centers, or government agencies.

They may also move into private practice or start their own consulting and research firms.

Neuropsychologists with clinical experiences often advance into supervisory positions as directors or department heads in hospitals and clinics.

Voluntary certifications like those offered through the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) can advance career opportunities.

Neuropsychologists who want to specialize in the care of children may pursue board certification in pediatric neuropsychology, available through the ABCN or the American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology (AAPdN).

Frequently Asked Questions

Admission requirements for neuropsychology phd programs.

To be admitted to a neuropsychology PhD program, applicants typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. Some programs may also require a master’s degree.

Additionally, applicants are usually required to have a minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement outlining their research interests and career goals.

Duration of Neuropsychology PhD Programs

The typical duration of a neuropsychology PhD program is 5-7 years. This can vary depending on the program and the student’s research interests and progress.

Some programs may offer accelerated tracks or part-time options, but these are less common.

Career Paths After Completing a PhD in Neuropsychology

Graduates of neuropsychology PhD programs can pursue a variety of career paths.

Many become academic researchers or professors, while others work in clinical settings as neuropsychologists or in related fields such as neurology, psychiatry, or rehabilitation.

Some graduates may also work in industry or government positions.

Difference Between Clinical Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuropsychology PhD Programs

Clinical neuropsychology PhD programs focus on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of neurological disorders and injuries.

Cognitive neuropsychology PhD programs, on the other hand, focus on the cognitive and neural processes underlying behavior, with an emphasis on understanding how brain damage affects these processes.

While there is some overlap between these two fields, they have distinct research and clinical focuses.

Funding Opportunities for Students in Neuropsychology PhD Programs

Many neuropsychology PhD programs offer funding opportunities for students, such as research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships.

These opportunities may provide a stipend, tuition remission, and health insurance.

Additionally, students may be eligible for external funding opportunities, such as grants from the National Institutes of Health or private foundations.

Difference Between a PhD in Neuroscience and a PhD in Neuropsychology in Terms of Career Prospects

Both neuroscience and neuropsychology PhD programs focus on the brain and behavior. However, they have different research and career focuses.

Neuropsychology PhD programs typically focus on the assessment and treatment of neurological disorders and injuries. Meanwhile, neuroscience PhD programs focus on understanding the basic mechanisms underlying brain function.

Graduates of both programs can pursue careers in academia, industry, or government. But, the specific career paths may differ.

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Department of Psychology

College of social & behavioral science, main navigation, clinical neuropsychology program.

Clinical Training

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Clinical neuropsychology is a formally recognized specialty area under the umbrella of clinical psychology. Clinical neuropsychologists are individuals who, in addition to being trained in general clinical psychology, are also trained in theoretical, empirical, and practical aspects of brain-behavior relationships. Most clinical neuropsychologists work in medical centers, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private practice, as well as medical schools or universities. Typical neuropsychologists spend at least some portion of their work week evaluating cognitive and emotional functioning of patients suffering from various types of brain dysfunction. Additionally, many clinical neuropsychologist also devote some portion of their time to patient treatment, such as conducting psychotherapy with brain-injured patients and their families, or developing cognitive rehabilitation programs. Finally, the majority of clinical neuropsychologists, whether employed primarily in clinical or academic settings, engage in research activities aimed at the advancement of our understanding of brain-behavior relationships, as well as the advancement of neuropsychological assessment techniques.

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PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience

For contact information, please visit the Graduate Medical Sciences website .

The mission of the Behavioral Neuroscience PhD Program is to provide students with a firm foundation in basic principles and methods of Experimental Neuropsychology in preparation for embarking on a career as an experimental neuropsychologist and behavioral neuroscientist in academia or industry.

The Behavioral Neuroscience PhD Program is unique in that the focus is on human neurobehavioral disorders in relation to brain structure and function. The Behavioral Neuroscience Program provides a true translational link between cutting-edge research and its emphasis on medical patient care. Our students and alumnae represent strong, talented, and highly productive professionals. The strength and uniqueness of the Behavioral Neuroscience Program is exemplified in the quality and constitution of our course offerings, faculty, and research opportunities.

The Behavioral Neuroscience PhD Program is an interdisciplinary program administered through Graduate Medical Sciences , Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, and consists of faculty members mainly in the Departments of Neurology ,  Psychiatry , and  Anatomy & Neurobiology . Many hold joint research and/or clinical appointments with the VA Boston Healthcare System.

The key features of the program are:

• The delineation and analysis of perceptual, cognitive, linguistic, affective, and behavioral disorders observed in neurologic disease, as these disorders contribute to an understanding of normal brain function and its modification by pathology .
• The subject matter derives primarily  from clinical populations with neurological disorders   affecting higher processes, particularly from the study of syndromes involving selective impairment of functional systems such as memory, language, attention, executive functioning, and/ or purposeful movement.
• Current  methods of clinical assessment, neuropsychology, experimental design, and the neurosciences are integrated into a broad program focused on clinical research. There is also limited opportunity for basic science research.

Students in the program are required to participate in a research apprenticeship with a faculty member with course credits being offered as Research in Behavioral Neuroscience. This arrangement is intended as preparation for independent research careers. Students also have the opportunity to participate in grand rounds, and to attend didactic seminars and hospital lectures at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and the VA Boston Healthcare System.

The doctoral program curriculum consists of core and elective courses and research in neuropsychology within Graduate Medical Sciences. Candidates may also enroll in directed studies or graduate courses offered in other Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine departments, including but not limited to, the Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology ,  Psychology , and course offerings of the Graduate Program for Neuroscience .  For some students with specialized interests and backgrounds, additional courses available throughout Boston University may be credited toward the PhD degree with special permission.

Learning Outcomes

The goals of the Behavioral Neuroscience PhD program are to provide students with a firm foundation in basic principles and methods of Experimental Neuropsychology to prepare students for embarking on a career as an experimental neuropsychologist and behavioral neuroscientist in academia or industry.

At the conclusion of the program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the relationship between neuroanatomy and neurobehavior and cognition.
• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the relationship between neuropathology and neurobehavior and cognition.
• Demonstrate proficiency in assessing behavioral and cognitive skills and deficiencies based on neuropathology and/or neurodegenerative disorders.
• Design and perform assessments and data acquisition, and data analyses for scientifically sound research studies.
• Read, interpret, and present scientific findings.

Program Requirements

The Behavioral Neuroscience PhD program is a full-time program only. Most students complete the program in 5–7 years. Matriculation is in September only.

A total of 64 credits is required to fulfill the program requirements. This includes the core courses as well as elective courses and credit for performing research activities in one of the program’s research labs. If a student enters the program with a related master’s degree, they may be required to complete 32 credits rather than 64 credits.

Course Descriptions

The curriculum for the doctoral program consists mainly of existing courses within Graduate Medical Sciences.

Core Courses

Required of all PhD students in the p rogram (MD/PhD students are exempt from taking Basic Neurosciences). A brief description of each course being offered appears below. A graduate-level course in statistics is also required.

• Human Neuropsychology Seminar I (GMS BN 775)
• Human Neuropsychology Seminar II (GMS BN 776)
• Basic Neurosciences Survey (GMS BN 778)
• Neuropsychological Assessment I (GMS BN 796)
• Functional Neuroanatomy in Neuropsychology (GMS BN 798)

Elective Courses

• Research in Behavioral Neuroscience (GMS BN 991 or 992)
• Behavioral and Biological Aspects of Stress and Trauma (GMS BN 780)
• Directed Studies in Behavioral Neuroscience (GMS BN 791, 792)
• Brain Asymmetry: Functional and Structural Differences Between Hemispheres (GMS BN 794)
• Cognitive Neuroscience of Memory and Perception (GMS BN 795)
• Neuropsychological Assessment II (GMS BN 797)
• Seminar in Neuroimaging (GMS BN 821)
• Case Studies in Neuropsychology (Sections A, B, & C) (GMS BN 891, 892)
• Child Clinical Neuropsychology (GMS BN 893)
• Beginning Basic Neurosciences (GMS BN 779)

GMS BN 775 & 776, Human Neuropsychology I and II, 4 credits each

Course focuses on the relationship of the field of neuropsychology to other medical and scientific disciplines. Includes the study of attention, cerebral dominance, pathologies of language, traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, and Parkinson’s.

Course focuses on the relationship of the field of neuropsychology to other medical and scientific disciplines. Includes neuropsychological aspects of neurological disease of dementing diseases, memory, epilepsy, child development, neurotoxicant exposures, and brain stimulation treatments.

GMS BN 778, Basic Neurosciences, 4 credits across two semesters (also offered as GMS BN 779 for 2 credits each semester)

Gms bn 778 & 779.

Overview includes neurophysiology, neurochemistry, neuroanatomy, neurobehavior, and neuropsychopharmacology. Processes occurring at the cellular and physiological levels are related to known central nervous system dysfunction.

GMS BN 780, Behavioral and Biological Aspects of Stress and Trauma, 2 credits

This course reviews the psychobiological aspects of responses to trauma and stressful conditions, including the importance of individual differences and social factors.

GMS BN 791, 792, Directed Studies in Behavioral Neuroscience, variable credits

In a one-on-one format, students work closely with a faculty member to study a topic of special interest to both of them.

GMS BN 794, Brain Asymmetries: Functional and Structural Differences Between Hemispheres, 4 credits

The distinctive roles of the left and right hemispheres are reviewed, first by examining alterations in language and nonverbal behavior under conditions of brain damage and second by examining techniques used to investigate functional asymmetry in the normally intact brain.

GMS BN 795, Cognitive Neuroscience of Memory and Perception, 4 credits

The study of normal and abnormal memory and perception is related to brain structure and function, theoretical and clinical issues about how abilities change with increasing age.

GMS BN 796, Neuropsychological Assessment I, 4 credits

Overview of neuropsychological tests used for cognitive assessment in clinical and research settings. Focus is on determining appropriate outcome measures to quantify brain behavior relationships. This course prepares students to design neuropsychological assessment batteries for research studies.

GMS BN 798, Functional Neuroanatomy in Neuropsychology, 4 credits

This course has been designed to provide students with a foundational and comprehensive review of the structures and functions of the human nervous system, as well as an introduction to neuropathology and the sequelae associated with congenital and acquired disorders of the central nervous system.

GMS BN 821, Neuroimaging Seminar, 2 credits

This course is intended for students with limited background in the application of neuroimaging techniques for the study of psychiatric and neurological illnesses. Techniques, including MRI, fMRI, DTI, MRS, PET, and SPECT, will be discussed with relevance to selected neurobehavioral disorders.

GMS BN 891 & 892, Case Studies (three different clinical rounds, Sections A1, B1, and C1), 2 credits per Section

Individual patients with perceptual/cognitive/affective symptomatology concomitant with brain damage are examined intensively through the use of a variety of behavioral assessment procedures. Patients’ symptoms and test results are reviewed for the differential diagnosis and etiology of neurological syndromes. Emphasis on qualitative and quantitative analyses of standardized and experimental tests. There are three distinct sections of this course each semester. These sections specialize in different neurobehavioral disorders.

GMS BN 893, Child Clinical Neuropsychology, 4 credits

Covers general theoretical issues (e.g., intrauterine and postnatal development of the brain, handedness and lateralization of function, and recovery of function and neurobehavioral plasticity); diagnostic entities (e.g., attention deficit disorder, early brain damage, developmental language disorders, dyslexia, and effects of malnutrition); and assessment and treatment.

GMS BN 991 & 992, Research in Behavioral Neuroscience, variable credits

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Clinical Neuropsychology Degree and Career Guide

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The American Psychological Association (APA) defines neuropsychology as a branch of psychology “that studies the physiological processes of the nervous system and relates them to behavior and cognition.” 1 In other words, neuropsychologists study how biological processes in the brain and other parts of the nervous system are reflected in people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Clinical neuropsychology, which has been recognized as an APA specialty since 1996, involves the application of neuropsychological knowledge to clinical practice. 1 Individuals who practice clinical neuropsychology can also become Board-certified through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) to show that they have developed expertise in this area.

One of the most common services provided by clinical neuropsychologists is the assessment of cognitive and psychological functioning in the context of medical, neurological, or psychiatric disorders. For this, clinical neuropsychologists administer batteries of tests and interpret the results, make diagnoses, and provide feedback to patients and their families. Clinical neuropsychologists may also consult with other providers or provide direct intervention services to help patients improve their cognitive functioning, mood, or behaviors. Some clinical neuropsychologists conduct research to inform and improve clinical practice.

Clinical neuropsychologists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals and other medical settings, psychology clinics, and universities. To become a clinical neuropsychologist, you must earn a doctoral degree in psychology from a program that provides broad training in the professional practice of psychology as well as specialized coursework and practica (work-based experience) in neuropsychology. These programs offer either Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degrees. Regardless of which doctoral degree type you choose, in order to earn a license to practice in most states, you will need to earn it degree from a program that is APA-accredited.

Table of Contents

Degree Requirements and Coursework

The Society for Clinical Neuropsychology (SCN) provides a database of doctoral programs that include training in clinical neuropsychology ; as of April 2019, all APA-accredited programs on this list offer degrees in clinical psychology. Most programs that include clinical neuropsychology training require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, but you will likely need a higher GPA to be offered admission. Some people opt to earn a stand-alone master’s degree before entering a doctoral program, but this is not required; most students in doctoral psychology programs earn a master’s degree after completing a thesis project about two years into the program. Because clinical neuropsychology is a highly-specialized area of psychology, there are typically no further specializations (concentrations, emphases, specialties) offered for clinical neuropsychology degrees.

Students usually take between four and seven years to complete doctoral programs in clinical psychology. This includes the required year-long internship that is generally completed during the final year of the program. Students complete coursework in psychological theory and the foundations of clinical practice, conduct research (including their own thesis and dissertation projects), and gain experience in clinical settings. In programs that include specialized training in clinical neuropsychology, students can also expect to complete coursework in neuroanatomy and biopsychology, become proficient in a variety of neuropsychological tests, and accumulate hands-on experience practicing clinical neuropsychology with patients. Below are examples of courses that may be required of students studying clinical neuropsychology:

• Biopsychology
• Clinical Practicum
• Cognitive Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Ethics in Psychology
• Introduction to Clinical Practice
• Neuroanatomy
• Neuropsychological Assessment
• Personality Assessment
• Predoctoral Internship
• Psychopathology
• Research Methods
• Theories of Psychotherapy

By the time they reach graduation, students can expect to have developed proficiency in the general practice of psychology as well as the more specialized assessment and intervention services provided by clinical neuropsychologists. They should also have developed skills that allow them to interpret research findings and incorporate them into clinical practice or pursue their own research studies in clinical neuropsychology.

Some aspiring clinical neuropsychologists will also need to complete a postdoctoral training program after earning a doctoral degree, as many states require a certain number of supervised postdoctoral hours to become licensed. Additionally, a two-year postdoctoral program is required for Board certification in clinical neuropsychology through ABPP. The SCN provides a helpful database of postdoctoral clinical neuropsychology programs for individuals seeking this training.

Best Value Schools with On-Campus Clinical Neuropsychology Programs

Below is a table of the best value schools offering doctoral programs that include training in clinical neuropsychology. All of the colleges and universities on the list have undergraduate net prices of $20,000 or lower, an undergraduate graduation rate of at least 50%, and are listed in the SCN database of doctoral programs as of April 2019. Higher graduation rates at the undergraduate level tend to be an indicator of a school’s success, and a low net price is important to prospective students as they consider the return on their investment. We’ve also included additional information you may be interested in, such as the applicable degree(s) offered at each school, the percentage of tenured faculty, and US News & World Report national and graduate clinical rankings.

Select Clinical Neuropsychology Programs

Traditional master’s programs, university of illinois.

The Master of Science in Psychological Science (MSPS) program at the University of Illinois is well-suited for aspiring clinical neuropsychologists. The program provides broad training in psychological science that can also be tailored to fit a student’s specific interests. The MSPS program offers a number of courses that are relevant to future study in clinical neuropsychology, including Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychopharmacology, Neuroscience of Eating and Drinking, and Cognitive Psychophysiology. Students also conduct research under faculty mentors, providing additional opportunities for training in neuropsychology that will be relevant to later doctoral-level work. The University of Illinois is well-known for its graduate training in psychology and has been ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Psychology Schools category.

University of Pittsburgh

The Neuroscience master’s degree program at the University of Pittsburgh is not technically a psychology program (it is offered through the Department of Neuroscience rather than the Department of Psychology), but it does provide excellent training for students planning to enter a doctoral program in clinical neuropsychology. Students in this program take multiple courses covering brain structures, functions, and processes, and are required to conduct research in a faculty member’s lab. Much of the research is conducted through the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Neuroscience , where multiple faculty members conduct research on neuroscientific factors relevant to psychological disorders.

Georgia State University

Georgia State University (GSU) offers a Clinical-Neuropsychology (CLN) concentration that is provided through joint training from their Clinical Psychology PhD and Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience PhD programs. Faculty advisors for students in this concentration hold appointments in both programs, so students are able to conduct clinical research in the area of neuropsychology. Students pursuing GSU’s Clinical-Neuropsychology concentration are required to complete all of the core coursework for the Clinical Psychology program as well as multiple courses specific to neuropsychology. The track is designed to prepare graduates for psychology licensure and eventual ABPP certification after additional postdoctoral training. GSU’s Clinical Psychology PhD program has been APA-accredited since 1973 and students are involved in multiple national clinical neuropsychology organizations. The program has been ranked in the US News & World Report Doctoral Clinical Psychology Programs category.

Kent State University

At Kent State University, a PhD is offered in Clinical Neuropsychology that trains the next generation of clinical scientists through research projects and hands-on clinical experiences in a variety of settings. Clinical experiences include hospital work with neuropsychology evaluations and memory screenings at community centers, where students may encounter patients dealing with Alzheimer’s, stroke, ADHD, or head injuries. Research is focused on a variety of medical conditions including obesity and recent graduates have worked to understand and treat heart disease, sleep problems, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurological conditions. Coursework is based on the guidelines for clinical neuropsychology set forth by the Houston Conference and APA Division 40 and includes courses such as Neuropsychological Assessment, Neuroanatomy, Psychopharmacology, Psychophysiological Psychology, Clinical Aspects of Health Psychology, and Psychobiological Aspects of Health.

University of Connecticut

The Clinical Psychology PhD program at the University of Connecticut has been APA-accredited since 1951 and has been ranked in US News & World Report’s Doctoral Clinical Psychology Programs category. Students in this program are able to complete an elective Neuropsychology concentration by taking additional courses and undergoing clinical training in neuroscience, neuroanatomy, neuropsychological testing, and other relevant topics. Some of the courses may be completed at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, and there are also multiple opportunities for neuropsychological research and clinical placements in the community. The program aims to prepare students in the Neuropsychology concentration for internships and postdoctoral fellowships in clinical neuropsychology as well as future ABPP certification.

University of Utah

The Clinical Psychology PhD program at the University of Utah offers a Clinical Neuropsychology training program for students who are interested in specializing in this area. Students pursuing this concentration will take courses and seminars in neuropsychology, conduct relevant research, and participate in the program’s Neuropsychology Vertical Team meetings. They are also expected to complete multiple clinical neuropsychology practica placements, such as those offered through the department’s Cognitive Concerns Clinic . Students in the Clinical Neuropsychology program are required to pursue neuropsychology internships and postdoctoral fellowships. The Clinical Psychology PhD program at the University of Utah has been ranked in US News & World Report’s Doctoral Clinical Psychology Programs category and the program has been APA-accredited since 1954.

Clinical Neuropsychologist Career Information

How to become a clinical neuropsychologist.

To become a clinical neuropsychologist, you must have a doctoral-level degree in the field: a PsyD or a PhD in Psychology. All states require that applicants for licensure receive supervised postdoctoral training in their field, as well as pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). The basic steps for becoming a neuropsychologist include:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree and (optionally) a master’s degree in psychology or a related field.
• Earn an accredited PsyD or PhD in Psychology with a specialization in neuropsychology.
• Complete the required supervised clinical experience in your state.
• Pass the required exam(s), including the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
• Apply for and receive a psychology license from your state psychology board.
• Begin practicing as a neuropsychologist.
• Complete the required continuing educational requirements in order to keep your license current.

Job Description

Many clinical neuropsychologists work in medical hospitals, psychology clinics, rehabilitation centers, private practices, and other similar settings. Patients who are referred to clinical neuropsychologists may present with a variety of medical and psychological concerns, such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, neurological disorders, academic difficulties, abnormal development, acute personality changes, or general memory problems. Clinical neuropsychologists will administer and interpret neuropsychological test batteries to make diagnoses and offer recommendations to these patients. They may also provide some psychotherapy services, such as those designed to help improve memory or compensate for cognitive difficulties.

Some clinical neuropsychologists dedicate part or all of their time to research, usually at universities or academic medical centers. These psychologists conduct studies that help psychologists better understand how to diagnose and treat neuropsychological disorders. These studies may involve administering neuropsychological test batteries or using brain imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans.

Because clinical neuropsychology is a specialized area within the broader field of psychology, there is relatively little variability in the job titles for these types of psychologists. However, there are ample employment opportunities for clinical neuropsychologists, as they are in demand in many different medical and psychological settings. Possible job titles for clinical neuropsychologists include:

• Clinical neuropsychologist
• Clinical child neuropsychologist
• Clinical psychologist
• Research psychologist

Salary and Job Outlook

Clinical neuropsychologists fall under the broader Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) category of counseling, clinical, and school psychologists. BLS data from May 2019 showed that the average annual salary for this category of psychologists was $87,450. 6 Of the 113,270 counseling, clinical, and school psychologists, those working in child daycare services earned the highest average salary ($120,130), followed by those working in home health care services ($105,440). 6

It is expected that there will be a continued need for counseling, clinical, and school psychologists. The number of positions for these professionals is expected to increase by 14.7% between 2018 and 2028, which is equivalent to approximately 1,460 new jobs each year during this time period. 7 In addition, despite the increasing use of technology across many fields, counseling, clinical, and school psychology positions are considered to be particularly stable; they are estimated to have less than a 1% chance of becoming computerized. 8

Additional Resources

• American Psychological Association (APA) : National organization for psychology students and professionals. Oversees accreditation for doctoral programs and offers a variety of resources including an annual conference.
• Society for Clinical Neuropsychology (SCN) : Division of APA with resources for clinical neuropsychologists and trainees, such as scholarships, job listings, listservs, and a database of training programs providing clinical neuropsychology training.
• American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), Clinical Neuropsychology : Provides Board certification for practicing clinical neuropsychologists who have accrued a certain amount of work experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do clinical neuropsychologists work.

Clinical neuropsychologists can work in almost any setting where patients are seen for psychological concerns, including outpatient and inpatient clinics as well as private practices. However, clinical neuropsychologists are particularly well-suited to work in medical settings such as neurology clinics or rehabilitation centers, as much of their work is focused on medical and biological issues that underlie cognitive and psychological problems. Clinical neuropsychologists may also work at universities if they conduct research.

What degree do I need to become a clinical neuropsychologist?

Clinical neuropsychologists must have earned a doctoral degree ( PhD or PsyD ) from a program that provides training in the professional practice of psychology as well as specialized training in neuropsychology. This degree should be earned from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), as this is required by most states for licensure as a psychologist.

How long does it take to become a clinical neuropsychologist?

A doctoral program that meets the criteria for training in clinical neuropsychology generally takes between four and seven years to complete. After this, you will likely need to complete a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology to be eligible for clinical neuropsychology positions. If you choose to earn a stand-alone master’s degree before entering a doctoral program, this will usually take an additional two years; however, this is an optional step. Therefore, the entire process of becoming a clinical neuropsychologist can take around 10 years.

Can I practice clinical neuropsychology with a master’s degree?

To practice as a clinical neuropsychologist, you must hold a doctoral degree from a program that offers training in clinical neuropsychology. Most states require that you earn this degree from an APA-accredited program to become licensed. Earning a stand-alone master’s degree in neuropsychology will not allow you to practice as a clinical neuropsychologist, but may be a good step for those seeking additional experience prior to doctoral programs.

Can I get a degree in clinical neuropsychology online?

Because the doctoral programs providing clinical neuropsychology training require you to complete multiple years of clinical experience as well as research projects, there are not currently any online programs that will fulfill the requirements necessary for a career as a clinical neuropsychologist.

Can I get a stand-alone master’s degree in clinical neuropsychology?

If you are interested in earning a stand-alone master’s degree prior to a doctoral degree in clinical neuropsychology, programs that provide foundational training in neuroscience will be particularly relevant. Some schools offer master’s programs in general psychology that include courses in neuroscience, while others offer specialized training in neuropsychology and related fields.

References: 1. APA Dictionary of Psychology, Neuropsychology: https://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/neuropsychology 2. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ 3. US News & World Report National University Rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities 4. US News & World Report Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program Rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/clinical-psychology-rankings 5. College Factual: https://www.collegefactual.com/ 6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2019 Occupational Employment and Wages, Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes193033.htm 7. Projections Central, Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm 8. Frey, Carl Benedikt, and Michael A. Osborne. “The future of employment: How susceptible are jobs to computerisation?” Technological Forecasting and Social Change , vol. 114, January 2017, pp. 254-280: https://www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk/downloads/academic/The_Future_of_Employment.pdf

Graduate School

Neuropsychology (ph.d.), neuropsychology (ph.d.) | graduate.

We prepare students for careers as clinical neuropsychologists, practitioners, research scientists, and university and college faculty. Our graduates advance clinical and applied neuroscience research to improve the care of patients with neurocognitive disorders, particularly in historically underserved communities.

The APA-accredited Ph.D. program in Psychology (specialization in Neuropsychology) at Howard’s Graduate School provides didactic and research training in the study of brain-behavior interactions and human behavior as it relates to normal and abnormal functioning of the central nervous system. Our Ph.D. program exposes students to a wide range of procedures and techniques used in studying the neural bases of cognitive, affective, and behavioral processes. Our program has unique strengths in research on the dynamic interplay between the brain and physical health as it relates to racial and ethnic health disparities. As a doctoral student in the Neuropsychology graduate program, you'll be part of an active research culture at Howard. Students are required to initiate a research project in collaboration with a faculty member in their first year of graduate study. Students interested in Clinical Neuropsychology, a service-delivery specialty in neuropsychology, should apply to our Clinical Psychology Program. In past years, students have engaged in research collaborations with faculty in the Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, Genetics, Biology, Neurosurgery, Pharmacology, Surgery (Bariatric and Transplant), and Communication Science and Disorders, and with research mentors at the National Institutes of Health. You'll have numerous opportunities to present your research findings at key meetings in Washington, D.C., and benefit from the close mentorship of faculty with wide-ranging research interests, including behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, psychoneuroimmunological correlates of disease, and cardiovascular disease risk factors related to neurocognitive aging.

Program Snapshot

      ❱  72 credit hours        ❱  Full-time       ❱  On-campus format       ❱  Degree: Ph.D. 

Spring 2024 entry:         ❱  No spring entry

Fall 2024 entry:         ❱  Dec. 1, 2023  (priority deadline)       ❱  Jan. 15, 2024  (final deadline)

Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible for earlier consideration of departmental funding opportunities. Applicants have until the final deadline to apply. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle.

Transfer credits accepted  (reviewed by committee)

Dr. Alfonso Campbell Jr.

Dr. debra roberts, oluwadamilola adeboyeku, program details.

• Degree Classification: Graduate
• Related Degrees: Ph.D.

Admission Requirements

Application for admission .

• Online PSYCAS application
• Statement of purpose/ Statement of academic interest ( 500-1,000 words )
• GRE scores not required
• Official transcripts sent to PSYCAS
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Autobiographical statement ( 500-750 words )

GRE Required?

Gre preferred minimums.

• GRE Verbal Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Quantitative Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Analytical Writing: N/A

GPA Required Minimums

• Overall GPA minimum: 3.0
• Undergrad GPA minimum: 3.0

Reference Requirements

Evaluator type accepted:

• Professor (Required)
• Supervisor/Manager

Evaluator type not accepted:

• Family Member

Personal Statement Guidance

Statement of purpose/statement of academic interest should highlight why you wish to pursue a degree in neuropsychology and address the following:

• Describe your academic and research interests, identifying specific faculty member(s) with whom you want to work.
• Describe your personal, professional, and educational goals related to the Ph.D. in Neuropsychology.
• How will obtaining your Ph.D. in Neuropsychology enhance you in your current position and/or future career?

Letter of Recommendation Guidance

Provide three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your ability and/or potential for rigorous graduate study, clinical work, and/or research. Whenever possible, Howard University recommends seeking recommendations from faculty members in psychology or practicing professionals in psychology or other mental health disciplines. Letters of recommendation should be submitted through the PSYCAS system.

Additional Guidance 

To be considered for admission to the program, applicants should demonstrate substantial undergraduate training in the biological and physical sciences. Successful applicants normally have their undergraduate degree in a biological/life science discipline or in experimental psychology. Students with degrees in other fields (physical sciences, mathematics, engineering) and a strong interest in the foundations of neuroscience and behavior are also encouraged to apply and will be considered for admission. 

Ph.D. in Psychology and Neuroscience

General info.

• Faculty working with students: 40
• Students: 80
• Students receiving Financial Aid: 100%
• Part time study available: No
• Application terms: Fall
• Application deadline: November 30

Nancy Zucker Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Duke University Box 90086 Durham, NC 27708-0086

Email:  [email protected]

Website:  http://psychandneuro.duke.edu

Program Description

Graduate training leading to a Ph.D. in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience is offered through a unique program that merges social sciences and natural sciences in the study of brain, behavior, and cognition in humans and animals. Program tracts are offered in Clinical Psychology, Cognition & the Brain, Developmental (DEV), Social Psychology, and Systems and Integrative Neuroscience (SINS).

• Psychology and Neuroscience: PhD Admissions and Enrollment Statistics
• Psychology and Neuroscience : PhD Completion Rate Statistics
• Psychology and Neuroscience : PhD Time to Degree Statistics
• Psychology and Neuroscience: PhD Career Outcomes Statistics

Application Information

Application Terms Available:  Fall

Application Deadline:  November 30

Graduate School Application Requirements See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement.

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Résumé: Required
• GRE General (Optional)
• For clinical applicants ONLY:  If you were not a psychology undergraduate major, it is recommended that you take the GRE subject test. For psychology majors, it is not necessary to take the subject test.  No other area within Psychology and Neuroscience requires the subject test.
• English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required* for applicants whose first language is not English *test waiver may apply for some applicants
• GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required

Department-Specific Application Requirements (submitted through online application)

Writing Sample None required

Additional Components Applicants to the joint Ph.D. program in Public Policy and Allied Disciplines must submit an additional essay for admission to the program. Regardless of your selection of primary department, please respond to the following prompt:

In 500 words or less, please explain your interest in the joint Ph.D. program offered between Public Policy and an Allied Discipline. Highlight how your research interests and past experiences lie at the intersection between Public Policy and the Allied Discipline and how participation in the joint program will facilitate your professional goals after receiving your degree.

We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying: Departmental Application Guidance

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Neuropsychology Emphasis

Science-focused diagnosis & treatment.

Memory. Concentration. Reasoning. Logic. Language. Perception. Personality. The impact of brain function on human behavior is endlessly fascinating – and it’s a great career path for science-minded psychology students.

You will work with medical specialists, clinicians, and researchers to assess and analyze brain structures and symptoms to pinpoint potential causes and treatments.

In addition to clients with psychiatric disorders, you will treat patients diagnosed with autism, epilepsy, and dementia, as well as concussions and other traumatic brain injuries.

Neuropsychology Emphasis Objectives

According to guidelines adopted by the Division of Clinical Neuropsychology (Division 40) of the American Psychological Association (APA), the basic education and training of a clinical neuropsychologist includes:

• Successful completion of a doctoral level degree in psychology from a regionally accredited program
• Successful completion of systematic didactic education (course work in neuropsychology and neuroscience)
• Supervised experiential training (practica, internships) in clinical neuropsychology, including two or more years of supervised training (usually post-doctoral) applying neuropsychological services in a clinical setting >Please  click here  for a link to the Society for Clinical Neuropsychology's doctoral student worksheet, which provides students a framework for planning their doctoral training goals in preparation for internship and postdoctoral training in neuropsychology. >Students may also find it helpful to review this  recent survey  of the expectations of internships offering neuropsychology training, conducted by PAU's own Dr. Rayna Hirst and her graduate students, in preparation for their own internship applications.

The courses required as prerequisites and offered in the Area of Emphasis fulfill the didactic education criteria listed above as approved by Division 40.  Learn more about APA Division 40 guidelines. The required graduate-level courses in this area include prerequisites and specialized courses in neuropsychology.

Curriculum and Requirements

The courses required as prerequisites and offered in the Area of Emphasis fulfill the didactic education criteria listed above as approved by Division 40.  Successful completion of the Neuropsychology Area of Emphasis at PAU is only one component in the education and clinical training necessary to become a clinical neuropsychologist. Further specialty preparation is expected at the pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral level. Learn more about APA Division 40 guidelines .

Planning Your Schedule

Applications to the Neuropsychology Area of Emphasis open each fall, with the curriculum beginning the following spring. You will need to plan your schedules carefully in order to take the complete sequence during your time on campus – including the two summers of study.

Prerequisites

You must complete the prerequisite course work at PAU (or equivalent course work from another institution) with no grade in any prerequisite course below an “A-”.

Required courses include:

• ASMT800 Psychopathology and Psychodiagnosis I
• ASMT818/819 Psychopathology and Psychodiagnosis II
• PSYS805 Psychological Science II: Biological Bases of Behavior I: Biological Psychology
• ASMT810 Psychometric Theory
• ASMT809 Intellectual Assessment
• ASMT826 Assessment of Psychopathology
• ASMT815 Assessment of Personality

You can take these courses after applying to the Area of Emphasis; however, low grades in these courses may be grounds for probation status and/or dismissal from the Area of Emphasis.

Course Requirements

The following courses must be taken in the order listed. You cannot register for these classes until you have been accepted into the Neuropsychology track (typically winter of your second year). All neuropsychology track classes are held on Tuesdays.

• ASMT 860 Neuropsychological Assessment I (3 units - Spring 2nd Year) - Required
• ASMT 861 Neuropsychological Assessment II (3 units - Summer 2nd Year) - Required
• ASMT 862 Clinical Neuropsychology I (3 units - Fall 3rd Year) - Required
• ASMT 863 Clinical Neuropsychology II (3 units - Winter 3rd Year) - Required
• ASMT 864 Neuroanatomy and Neuroimaging (3 units - Spring 3rd Year) - Required
• ASMT 865 Cognitive Rehabilitation (3 units - Summer 3rd Year) - Optional w/substitution

The first five classes of the Neuropsychology sequence are required. The sixth class is optional, and may be substituted with a neuropsychology-related elective (e.g., a class in Forensic Psychology, Health Psychology, Child and Family Assessment, Trauma, etc.). The Director, Dr. Hirst, must approve the substituted elective class.

Please note: Given the heavy workload of the first class in the track, I strongly recommend that you schedule as few classes as possible during Spring quarter of your second year. Ideally, your only classes should be the required course ASMT 815 Assessment of Personality and ASMT 860 Neuropsychological Assessment I.

Progress Assessment

Once admitted to the program, you must complete the full sequence of courses to complete the Area of Emphasis. Progress is evaluated on an ongoing basis and any grade below a A- in a class within the Neuropsychology or Assessment curriculum will result in a placement on probation status.

A grade below a A- in a Neuropsychology or Assessment course while on probation status may be grounds for dismissal from the Area of Emphasis.

Neuropsychological Testing Class

You will be required to administer neuropsychological test batteries to one or two subjects per quarter for each of the Assessment “ASMT” courses.

It is often difficult for students to locate subjects on short notice if they attempt to do so on a quarter-by-quarter basis. This means you will need to plan ahead to secure volunteers or set up a placement site (or more than one site) where you can test subjects.

• If the subjects are volunteers, no clinical supervisor is needed since no report will be issued to a clinical agency or patient.
• If the subjects are actual clinical cases at an agency, you must arrange for supervision/co-signing of clinical assessment reports by a licensed psychologist other than the course instructor.

For more information, contact the Director of the Neuropsychology Area of Emphasis.

Dr. Rayna Hirst's BRAIN lab (Behavioral Research and Assessment In Neuropsychology) conducts research in brain-behavior relationships and neuropsychological assessment.

Outside the Classroom

Students must complete an official practicum placement (one year of full or supplemental) in a setting that provides clinical neuropsychological experience in their 3rd or 4th year.  

PhD students who plan to take the Neuropsychology Area of Emphasis need to plan their schedules carefully in order to be positioned to take the complete sequence during their time on campus; two summers of study are required.  A complete offering of this sequence begins every spring.

Dissertation

Neuropsychology Practicum Requirement

Students in the Neuropsychology Area of Emphasis must complete a dissertation that makes a scientific contribution to the field of neuropsychology.

Completion of the Area of Emphasis

Completion of the Neuropsychology Area of Emphasis will be granted following the completion of all coursework requirements, completion or securement of a neuropsychology practicum, and approval of the dissertation proposal by the dissertation committee.

Professional Development

In addition to these courses, students in the Neuropsychology Area of Emphasis are expected to engage in other professional activities to advance their knowledge in the field.

This includes membership in the Association for Neuropsychology Students in Training as well as other professional organizations (e.g., APA Division 40) and attendance at PAU Neuropsychology Grand Rounds.

Application

Students can apply to the Neuropsychology Area of Emphasis each fall to begin the curriculum the following spring. Applications are available here and are due on the last day of fall quarter. No late applications will be accepted. Grades (both overall and in the prerequisite courses), instructor evaluations, references, curriculum vitae, and overall fit with the program will be considerations in decisions to accept students.

If you are a graduate student at PAU, in at least your second year of the program, please complete your application to the Neuropsychology Area of Emphasis. Applications should be submitted to Dr. Hirst and are accepted starting in the middle of the Fall Quarter of your Second Year, with a Due Date of the Last Day of Fall Quarter.

Complete your Application

Mylea Charvat, PhD, became interested in the brain as a teenager, when her grandmother showed signs of memory loss. Her work recently became even more personal when she was involved in a bicycle accident that left her with a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

“The neuropsych program trained me to be comprehensive, precise, and to evaluate people in ways that others cannot. The rigors of training and highly competent and outstanding mentors also contributed to my current level of knowledge,” said Heitzmann.

Neuropsychology Degree Programs Online

View more featured 100% online psychology programs accepting applications for 2024.

Your Guide to a Career in Neuropsychology

Neuropsychology is a field that studies the human brain and how it relates to the formation of cognition, behavior, and emotion. As psychology has grown as a profession, it has made apparent the need for more advanced studies into the complex chemical make-up and functioning of the human brain. Since the rise in imaging technology, new fields have grown to use advanced technology to study human mental abilities, such as neuropsychology.

Earning a Degree in Neuropsychology

Becoming a neuropsychologist can be a great experience that gives you an in-depth look into the brain and its functions. If you are interested in a career in neuropsychology, review the steps required below. To work within a field as complex as neuropsychology, you will likely need a Masters in Psychology degree at a minimum. As with nearly every psychology career, to practice clinically, you will need your Doctor of Psychology .

The most common methods for learning about the relationship between the brain, behavior, and emotion is through direct monitoring of the brain's activity. Imaging of the brain through the use of CAT scans, MRIs, fMRIs, or PET scans allows neuropsychologists to monitor brain activity during certain tasks. They do this in an effort to better explain the functions of each part of the brain. For example, an experimenter could have a patient watch a sad movie and recording brain activity throughout. Using the data, the neuropsychologist could determine if the individual was experiencing normal emotional response.

Another example could be monitoring the brain's response to a person engaging in simple mathematics activities. Experiments of this nature allow professionals in this field to create theories on the typical functioning of the brain based on the findings of their studies. In people that suffer from mental illness or brain malfunctions, neuropsychologists can monitor brain activity and compare results to findings from a normal functioning brain.

What is Neuropsychology?

There has been a multitude of theories regarding emotion and behavior set forth by philosophy and psychology alike. All of these theories seek to explain why people behave according to certain patterns and what exactly causes different emotions.

Differences between the two can help neuropsychologists determine where the malfunction is located, the results of the malformation or injury, and how this can affect others. Through studies with the brain and imagery, this field can help determine how damage or malformation of certain parts of the brain can lead to maladaptive behaviors, difficulty with normal functioning, or an over expression/lack of expression of emotion. In addition to identifying these changes, neuropsychologists can also work towards finding corrective mediums for these issues, such as surgeries, medication, or various therapies.

Bachelor’s Degree in Neuropsychology

Master’s in neuropsychology degree, neuropsychology doctoral degree, testing, experience, and licensure.

Once you have completed your final degree program, you are ready to take the Examination of Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) , gain experience, and apply for licensure. The EPPP is an exam that tests your knowledge of psychology. It is required to obtain a license in all states. Most states also require that you engage in 1-2 years of supervised experience in the field prior to becoming fully licensed. Once you have finished these two steps, you may submit your application for licensure through your state’s board and await your credentials.

Board Certification for Clinical Neuropsychology

Common neuropsychology courses.

During neuropsychology degree programs, you may be expected to take part in studies that focus on varying aspects of behavior and emotion from different perspectives. As a professional in the field, you will come in contact with a wide range of patients of different age ranges, different cultures, and various cognitive levels of ability. The course work for this degree program is designed to give you a broad understanding of neuropsychology that is applicable to all people.

Understanding the foundations of behavior and emotion can provide you with the skills to make a difference in the lives of others. Our experts have pulled some of the common courses so that you can get an idea of what to expect from a degree program. These courses represent some of the topics you may find while engaged in a PhD or Doctoral program in Neuropsychology.

Cognitive Neuroscience of Memory and Perception

This course takes a look into the brain’s role in memory and perception. Students may learn how to identify normal and abnormal responses. They also learn as how these abilities change throughout the lifespan.

Neuropsychological Assessment

Students taking this course will be provided with an overview of the functions of the central nervous system. Students will also gain insight into how to use quantitative and qualitative analysis during experiments.

Child Clinical Neuropsychology

This course teaches students about the various theoretical issues that are specific to children. Brain development, diagnostics, assessment, and treatment are discussed in detail. Child Clinical Nueropsychologists also study the differences between adult and child formation of mental illness.

Behavioral and Biological Aspects of Stress and Trauma

Students may learn to identify the psychological and biological responses to trauma and stress. Learning how to differentiate between individuals and social influences is also discussed. This provides students with the diagnostic skills required to treat trauma.

Estimated Neuropsychology Salary

Having a profound interest in the brain and how it affects people can evolve into a passion for neuropsychology. Neuropsychologists provide individuals with a service that goes beyond what regular medicine can provide. This is a relatively new field in comparison to other sciences. Therefore, it is normal to consider its future employment opportunities prior to enrolling. The human brain continues to be mostly undiscovered and largely a mystery to doctors and psychologists.

As a professional in this field, you could find yourself working at educational institutions, medical facilities, or government agencies. In some areas, neuropsychologists may work with patients to determine whether or not brain functioning is normal in comparison to typical readings. There are a multitude of possibilities in this field – each with its own unique contribution to society. Professionals in the field can earn around $75,230 per year, depending on their specialty and area of employment ( BLS ; 2015).

Estimated Job Growth

The need for better understanding of the brain is apparent and neuropsychologists are key to that. This field is expected to grow by 19% over the next decade, making it a great place to start a career ( BLS ; 2015). The estimated growth for this profession is faster than average ( BLS ; 2015). Your salary can vary significantly depending on whether you work in research, clinical applications, or in more populated areas.

If you are seeking a career field that is innovative, neuropsychology is a great option. Neuropsychology can provide more insight into the brain’s influence on personal behavior. As a result, there may be more options for treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention in the future. Getting into a degree program is your first step to being a part of this innovative and exciting field.

List of Programs

Drexel university.

• PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology

Top Psychology Degrees

Explore the 10 Best Graduate Clinical Psychology Programs

Graduates with Ph.D. degrees in clinical psychology often work in academia.

(Getty Images) |

Clinical psychologists help treat mental illness.

With the rise in mental health awareness, clinical psychology has become an attractive career path for those who care about mental health issues. Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental health problems and often work in private practice or health care facilities. These are the Best Graduate Clinical Psychology Doctorate Programs , based on the results of peer assessment surveys sent by U.S. News to academics in the field in fall 2019.

Scott Goldsmith | Aurora for USN&WR

• 10 (tie). Harvard University

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Peer reputation score (scale of 1-5) : 4.3

Key facts about the program: "The main emphasis of the program is research, especially on severe psychopathology," Harvard's website explains. "The program includes research, course work, and clinical practica, and usually takes five years to complete." Required courses for the program include classes in psychological testing, diagnostic interviewing and psychometric theory.

Learn more about Harvard University .

Indiana University |

• 10 (tie). Indiana University—Bloomington

Location: Bloomington, Indiana

Key facts about the program: This graduate program is very small and highly selective; it usually admits between three and five students per year. The curriculum of each student is tailored to the needs of that student, which means that students can define their own majors. "We have minimal course requirements, which enables our students to learn by doing," the program website states.

Learn more about Indiana University—Bloomington .

Andy Colwell |

• 10 (tie). Pennsylvania State University—University Park

Location: University Park, Pennsylvania

Key facts about the program: This clinical psychology Ph.D. program offers two tracks, one that focuses on adults and another that focuses on children. Doctoral students generally spend three to four years on coursework, and then spend a year apiece on producing a dissertation and completing a predoctoral internship. "The program includes courses in clinical psychology, neuroscience, personality, research design, psychopathology, psychotherapy, clinical assessment, and statistics," the Penn State website explains.

Learn more about Pennsylvania State University—University Park .

Temple University photography |

• 10 (tie). Temple University

Location: Philadelphia

Key facts about the program: "The overarching mission of the program is to train creative and accomplished clinical scientists who produce, consume, and disseminate psychological science and who function successfully in academic, research, and applied settings," the program website states. From the start of their Ph.D. program, Temple University clinical psychology graduate students gain research and clinical experience, and they receive education on mental, behavioral and emotional disorders, according to the university.

Learn more about Temple University .

Photo by Glenn Asakawa | University of Colorado

• 10 (tie). University of Colorado—Boulder

Location: Boulder, Colorado

Key facts about the program: The university's clinical psychology Ph.D. students are encouraged to work on interdisciplinary projects, according to the university website, which notes that the school has several interdisciplinary academic institutes that relate to clinical psychology. These include the Institute for Behavioral Genetics, the Institute of Behavioral Science and the Institute of Cognitive Science. The clinical psychology graduate program also operates several clinics, such as The Raimy Psychology Clinic, Sutherland Center for Bipolar Disorder, The Attention Behavior and Learning Clinic, and Brain Behavior Clinic.

Learn more about the University of Colorado—Boulder .

Daryl Marshke | MichiganPhotography

• 10 (tie). University of Michigan—Ann Arbor

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Key facts about the program: Alumni of this program often find jobs at top-flight academic institutions. "Our recent graduates have obtained post-doctoral appointments at some of the most prestigious programs such as the University of Minnesota, UCLA, and the University of Pittsburgh Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic," the program website states. "Our graduates also hold tenure track positions at leading universities such as the University of Michigan, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Emory University, and NYU."

Learn more about the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor .

The University of Texas at Austin |

• 10 (tie). University of Texas—Austin

Location: Austin, Texas

Peer reputation score (scale of 1-5): 4.3

Key facts about the program: Doctoral students must complete four years of graduate-level coursework, a second-year research project and a clinical practicum sequence to gain hands-on experience interacting with patients. They also need to finish a one-year predoctoral internship at a specific treatment site and successfully defend a dissertation in order to qualify for a doctorate. It typically takes six years, particularly for students who want to compete for academic positions, to complete the program, according to university faculty.

Learn more about the University of Texas—Austin .

Joe Angeles | WUSTL Photo

• 10 (tie). Washington University in St. Louis

Location: St. Louis

Key facts about the program: This clinical science training program is accredited by the American Psychological Association and the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System, according to the program website. Students sometimes specialize in neuropsychology, clinical aging or health psychology. "Our students do not need to choose whether they will be scientists or practitioners; they must see these activities as being inherently intertwined, and they must be able to function in both roles," the program website states.

Learn more about Washington University in St. Louis .

University of Pennsylvania | University Communications

• 8 (tie). University of Pennsylvania

Peer reputation score (scale of 1-5) : 4.4

Key facts about the program: This program is tailored to the needs of aspiring clinical researchers, according to the program website. "Clinical training (in assessment, diagnosis and psychotherapy) is seen as an integral part of the education of highly qualified, creative clinical scientists," the website states, adding that "the principal goal of Penn clinical students is to become expert psychological scientists, not simply expert clinicians, and the program is designed to support that goal."

Learn more about the University of Pennsylvania .

University of Pittsburgh |

• 8 (tie). University of Pittsburgh

Location: Pittsburgh

Key facts about the program: The mission of this program is to prepare future research scientists to conduct groundbreaking research on mental health issues and to advance understanding of those issues, according to the university. "Program faculty members include presidents of national organizations, journal editors, and members of federal grant review committees," the program website states. "Faculty research funding was several million dollars for the past year, which supports extensive laboratory facilities."

Learn more about the University of Pittsburgh .

University Relations Department, University of Minnesota Crookston |

• 5 (tie). University of Minnesota—Twin Cities

Location: Minneapolis

Peer reputation score (scale of 1-5) : 4.5

Key facts about the program: According to the university, the Clinical Science and Psychopathology Research program's faculty particularly excel in personality and behavioral genetic research, as well as research into psychological disorders. The program's faculty conduct psychological experiments and epidemiological studies. "Our program is designed to train students who wish to become academic clinical psychologists or research scientists, although of course graduates will also find themselves well-prepared for various careers as clinicians or more applied researchers," the university website states.

Learn more about the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities .

Dennis Wise | University of Washington

• 5 (tie). University of Washington

Location: Seattle

Key facts about the program: A goal of the Ph.D. program in clinical psychology is to prepare students to become excellent researchers who can discover new information about mental health conditions and potential treatments, according to the university website. "Our training program is primarily an apprenticeship for a career that will encompass making significant contributions to scientific clinical psychology," the university website states. "The program is not appropriate for those interested solely in clinical practice and not in research."

Learn more about the University of Washington .

Bryce Richter | UW-Madison

• 5 (tie). University of Wisconsin—Madison

Location: Madison, Wisconsin

Key facts about the program: Because this program involves mentorships between faculty and students, one of its admissions criteria is the alignment of student and faculty research interests, according to the university website. Most students selected for the program majored in psychology, but some have majors in other related academic disciplines. The university encourages prospective clinical psychology students to conduct research on the school's faculty in this field.

Learn more about the University of Wisconsin—Madison .

Stony Brook University |

• 3 (tie). Stony Brook University—SUNY

Location: Stony Brook, New York

Peer reputation score (scale of 1-5) : 4.6

Key facts about the program: This Ph.D. program in clinical psychology is most appropriate for students interested in either a research or academic career, according to the Stony Brook University website. The program historically placed a heavy emphasis on behavioral psychology, but it has evolved to embrace a broader array of psychological perspectives while still providing a strong foundation in behavioral psychology. The program is designed to teach students how to take an empirical approach to the practice of psychology, according to the university.

Learn more about Stony Brook University .

Steve McConnell | UC Berkeley Public Affairs

• 3 (tie). University of California—Berkeley

Location: Berkeley, California

Key facts about the program: Doctoral students are matched with a faculty mentor at the beginning of their first year, and that person oversees the student's research, according to the university. The psychology clinical science program involves a combination of research and "hands-on clinical experience," according to the program website. It includes a one-year clinical internship. Berkeley's program is a member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science, a coalition of doctoral programs that is focused on advancing clinical science.

Learn more about the University of California—Berkeley .

Dan Sears UNC-Chapel Hill |

• 2. University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill

Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Peer reputation score (scale of 1-5) : 4.7

Key facts about the program: Students in this program have a choice between two tracks, one focused on adult mental health and the other on the mental well-being of children and families. "We emphasize training in clinically-informed research and evidence-based clinical work and recognize that students have varying career aspirations that may evolve over the course of graduate training," the program website states.

Learn more about the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill .

• 1. University of California—Los Angeles

Location: Los Angeles

Peer reputation score (scale of 1-5) : 4.8

Key facts about the program: This is a six-year, full-time-only Ph.D. program. UCLA's psychology department does not offer separate M.A. or Psy.D. programs. The Ph.D. course of study includes a full-time, one-year internship. The Ph.D. program's mission is to train influential experts in the field of clinical psychology.

Learn more about the University of California—Los Angeles .

Learn more about top graduate schools.

Find out what you can do with a psychology degree , and check out all of the 2021 Best Graduate Schools rankings to find the right program for you. Stay up to date on education news by following U.S. News Education on Facebook ,  Twitter  and LinkedIn . 

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Explore the highest-ranked clinical psychology doctoral programs.

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30 Best universities for Psychology in Moscow, Russia

Updated: February 29, 2024

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• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
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Below is a list of best universities in Moscow ranked based on their research performance in Psychology. A graph of 406K citations received by 66.7K academic papers made by 30 universities in Moscow was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. Moscow State University

For Psychology

2. National Research University Higher School of Economics

3. Moscow Medical Academy

4. Russian National Research Medical University

5. RUDN University

6. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology

7. National Research Nuclear University MEPI

8. Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration

9. Moscow State Pedagogical University

10. Finance Academy under the Government of the Russian Federation

11. Bauman Moscow State Technical University

12. Moscow State Institute of International Relations

13. N.R.U. Moscow Power Engineering Institute

14. Moscow Aviation Institute

15. Plekhanov Russian University of Economics

16. Russian State University for the Humanities

17. State University of Management

18. Russian State Social University

19. National University of Science and Technology "MISIS"

20. Moscow State Linguistic University

21. New Economic School

22. Russian State University of Oil and Gas

23. mendeleev university of chemical technology of russia.

24. Moscow Polytech

25. Moscow State University of Railway Engineering

26. National Research University of Electronic Technology

27. Moscow State Technological University "Stankin"

28. Pushkin State Russian Language Institute

29. Russian State Agricultural University

30. Moscow International University

Universities for Psychology near Moscow

Psychology subfields in moscow.