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)

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

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?

• No

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:

• Clergy
• Friend
• Family Member
• Coworker
• Other

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.