Program Overview
The PhD in Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences (CaBS) is a pioneering, interdisciplinary program—the first of its kind in Texas—designed to train the next generation of behavioral neuroscience researchers. This 80-credit hour program integrates psychology, psychiatry, neuroscience, computational science, biochemistry, and genetics to explore how the brain regulates behavior across the lifespan.
Priority deadline is February 1, 2026.
UTHealth Houston School of Behavioral Health Sciences welcomes international students to apply to our program. Please note that students admitted to the program must personally reside in the state of Texas before the first day of class. In addition, we are unable to sponsor students requiring F-1 visas at this time. Please be advised that applications and fees are not transferable among programs, and fees are nonrefundable.
Program Highlights
- Interdisciplinary curriculum combining behavioral science and biomedical research
- 80 semester credit hours completed over approximately five years
- Hands-on research training with expert faculty mentors
- Focus on translational science—from lab discoveries to clinical applications
- Dissertation and comprehensive exam to demonstrate research mastery
What You’ll Learn
Students will gain a deep understanding of the biological and psychological mechanisms that shape human behavior. Core areas of study include:
- Neural and physiological foundations of learning, memory, emotion, and decision-making
- Experimental design, data analysis, and advanced research methods
- Behavioral health across development, disease, and treatment
- Integration of neuroscience and behavioral science to inform mental health interventions
Research Training
From the outset, students collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge research projects. Areas of investigation include:
- Brain-behavior relationships in typical and atypical development
- Mechanisms of motivation, emotion, and treatment response
- Translational research aimed at improving mental health outcomes
Students will contribute to peer-reviewed publications and develop a dissertation that advances the field of cognitive and behavioral science.
With a growing demand for mental health professionals and researchers, especially in Texas, CaBS graduates are uniquely equipped to address critical gaps in behavioral health care and innovation.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the CaBS PhD program are prepared for impactful careers in:
Academic Research and Teaching
Advancing psychological science through university-level research, instruction, and mentorship.
Biomedical and Behavioral Health Industries
Developing products, services, and strategies to improve physical and mental health outcomes.
Clinical Research and Translational Science
Bridging lab-based discoveries with real-world clinical applications to enhance healthcare practices.
AI and Data Science Applications in Mental Health
Leveraging artificial intelligence and data analytics to innovate mental health assessment and care.
Program Demand & Labor Market Outlook
- Texas faces a significant shortage of mental health professionals and researchers. With 98% of counties designated as mental health shortage areas, the need for innovative research and treatment is urgent. The CaBS program responds to this demand by preparing scientists to:
- Develop new treatments for mental health disorders
- Translate research into clinical practice
- Lead educational and research initiatives in academia and industry
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, biomedical scientist employment is projected to grow 17% from 2021 to 2031, with 10,000 job openings annually. The rise in demand is fueled by increased mental health awareness, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the integration of AI in behavioral research.
Faculty Mentorship
Our faculty are nationally and internationally recognized leaders in neuroscience, psychiatry, and behavioral health. They bring diverse expertise in psychiatric genetics, translational neuroscience, and immunopsychiatry. Students benefit from:
- Personalized mentorship and career development
- Collaborative research and publication opportunities
- Expert guidance in experimental design and data analysis
