Program Requirements
General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 42
Required Courses:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| BA 9813 | Problem Solving using Quantitative Research Methods | 3 |
| MKTG 9090 | Sem-Sel Topics in Mktg 1 | 3 |
| PSY 8310 | Topical Seminar in Cognitive Psychology (2 courses) 2 | 6 |
| Course in decision neuroscience | 3 | |
| Proseminar in decision neuroscience | 3 | |
| Methods Electives | ||
| Select two from the following: | 6 | |
BA 9806 | Integrative Perspectives on Business Knowledge | |
BA 9814 | Advanced Quantitative Research Methods | |
BA 9815 | Problem Solving using Qualitative Research Methods | |
PSY 8033 | Hierarchical Linear Modeling | |
| Other Electives | ||
| Select four from the following: | 12 | |
MKTG 9001 | Behavioral Science Seminar | |
MKTG 9002 | Seminar on Behavioral Research in Marketing | |
MKTG 9003 | Sem-Quant Research-Mktg | |
PSY 8310 | Topical Seminar in Cognitive Psychology | |
PSY 8312 | Core Course in Cognitive Psychology | |
PSY 8712 | Core Course in Behavioral Neuroscience | |
| Research Courses | ||
| BA 9994 | Preliminary Examination Preparation | 1 |
| BA 9998 | Pre-Dissertation Research | 2 |
| BA 9999 | Dissertation Research | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 42 | |
- 1
The select topic for this course is an introduction to research in judgment and decision-making and their applications.
- 2
PSY 8310 Topical Seminar in Cognitive Psychology is taken twice for credit. One course topic provides an introduction to the biological bases of higher brain function, including attention, consciousness, emotion, executive functions, language, memory and perception. The other provides an overview of the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) in the investigation of human sensory, motor and cognitive function.
Additional Requirements:
Research Rotations:
In addition to undertaking specially designed interdisciplinary coursework, students complete research rotations during the first year of study that prepare them for independent research in the field of decision neuroscience. Students are required to complete two laboratory rotations in their first year (Fall and Spring) that would ideally be in different subfields with different mentors. Students also have the option to complete a third rotation during the Summer if they require additional exposure.
Research rotations are designed to give students a wide range of knowledge in the area of decision neuroscience by being engaged in the research of an assigned lab. When rotating through a lab (or with a research mentor), students are often paired with a senior lab member (e.g., a postdoctoral fellow or senior graduate student) to work on an ongoing research project. In some cases, they may be given a new project based on their knowledge and skill levels. Students are not, however, expected to complete a full project within an academic term.
Research Meetings:
Students are expected to attend research meetings and to be fully engaged in the research culture.
Publications:
It is expected that students will write, submit and publish articles.
Grant Proposals:
Students are expected to prepare a grant proposal for submission to a government funding agency. Eligible students are also required to write and submit a National Research Service Award (NRSA) proposal at the end of their third year. International students who are not eligible for federal grants are encouraged to work on submissions with faculty members.
Culminating Events:
Comprehensive Examination:
The comprehensive examination is taken at the end of the second year of study. Each student must propose and defend a major area paper in their proposed field of research. Upon passing the exam, students choose a faculty member from either Fox School or the College of Liberal Arts as their primary mentor.
Dissertation:
The doctoral dissertation is an original empirical study that makes a significant contribution to the field. It should expand the existing knowledge and demonstrate the student's knowledge of research methods and a mastery of their primary area of interest. Dissertations should be rigorously investigated; uphold the ethics and standards of the field; demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the primary area of interest and the broader field of business; and be prepared for publication in an academic journal.
The Doctoral Advisory Committee is formed to oversee the student's doctoral research and is comprised of at least three Graduate Faculty members. Two members, including the Chair, must be from the student's department. The Chair is responsible for overseeing and guiding the student's progress, coordinating the responses of the committee members, and informing the student of their academic progress.
The Dissertation Examining Committee evaluates the student's dissertation and oral defense, including the student's ability to express verbally their research question, methodological approach, primary findings and implications. The Dissertation Examining Committee votes to pass or fail the dissertation and the defense at the conclusion of the public presentation. This committee is comprised of the Doctoral Advisory Committee and at least one additional faculty member from outside the department.
If any member decides to withdraw from the committee, the student shall notify the Chair of the Dissertation Examining Committee and the PhD Program Director. The student, in consultation with the Chair, is responsible for finding a replacement. Inability to find a replacement shall constitute evidence that the student is unable to complete the dissertation. In such a case, the student may petition the PhD Program Director for a review. Once review of the facts and circumstances is completed, the Director rules on the student's progress. If the Director rules that the student is not capable of completing the dissertation, the student is dismissed from the program. This decision may be appealed to the Senior Associate Dean. If dismissed, the student may appeal to the Graduate School.
Students who are preparing to defend their dissertation should confirm a time and date with their Dissertation Examining Committee and register with the Graduate Secretary at least 15 days before the defense is to be scheduled. The Graduate Secretary arranges the time, date and room within two working days, and forwards to the student the appropriate forms. After the Graduate Secretary has scheduled the defense, the student must send to the Graduate School a completed "Announcement of Dissertation Defense" form, found in TUportal under the Tools tab within "University Forms," at least 10 days before the defense. The department posts flyers announcing the defense, and the Graduate School announces the defense on its website.