1. Is it necessary to have a degree in psychology to enter the Ph.D. in Behavioral Science?
No. However, some basic knowledge in experimental psychology that is evaluated in the admission process is required.
2. Can I enter the Ph.D. in Behavior Science program only with a bachelor’s degree?
Yes. Our program allows direct access from an undergraduate level, so you only need to have a bachelor’s degree. However, if the applicant has a master’s degree in an area related to Behavioral Science and can demonstrate that he has the skills that are achieved in the Program’s first semesters, he can validate a percentage of his/her master’s course credits by those of the Ph.D. according to the university’s Regulation of Equivalence and Revalidation of Studies. The final decision is made by the Program Admission Committee
3. Do I need to submit a research project to enter the Ph.D?
Only if you hold a master’s degree and decide to skip the first four semesters (see question #2). In this case, the applicant must support that an area of knowledge in Behavioral Science dominates, and that he projects a viable and pertinent line of research. The project would be the document that supports it. If this is your case, contact the Program Coordinator.
4. How is the Ph.D. in Behavioral Science different from a Ph.D. in psychology?
In the Ph.D. in Behavioral Science we train and carry on basic experimental research in psychology, mainly. That is, it is a training program for researchers in an area of psychology: one dedicated to understanding the basic processes of behavior.
5. Is the Ph.D. focused only on the analysis of human behavior?
No, although the emphasis on training and research is human behavior. We develop research projects on the basic processes of behavior in which we use albino rats and other non-human animal organisms. In addition, animal research is intended to be part of the students’ first year training.
6. Do I have to demonstrate any specialized knowledge to enter the Program?
Yes, the applicant is required to master the fundamentals of the main areas of experimental psychology, especially the ones related to a behavior-oriented approach. In each call fundamental texts are suggested for the understanding of basic concepts of experimental psychology. The texts can be found in the «Call» section on this page. Additionally, a list of specialized literature recommended for both students and applicants can be found in the «Tutoring» section.
7. What additional information can I consult to know if the Ph.D. fits my interests?
It is recommended to review the «Research Lines» and the «Academic Productivity». In general, interest must be adjusted at least partially to one of the Lines. Academic productivity by line is the best descriptor of the type of research problems that interest us and the way in which we approach them, therefore it is a very good source of information for the applicant to assess whether what we do is of his/her interest. Additionally, you can go over the «Graduate Thesis» section where you will find the summary of the thesis produced by former PhD students. It is another good reflection of the type of things that students do in their thesis projects and, therefore, of the type of research problems addressed in the Program.
8. I have interests in applied psychology. Would the PhD be a good option for me?
It would be a good option if the explicit purpose is to train as a researcher and understand the fundamental processes of behavior as a prelude to continue other studies, where the objective is the training of competencies of the domains of application of knowledge. Or, if it is assumed that basic science training can offer sufficient foundations to develop applicable knowledge.
9. Does the PhD require full-time dedication?
Yes. The academic load, including the volume of reading, seminars and time spent in the laboratory, cannot be handled responsibly and efficiently if the Program is not spent at least 8 hours a day.
10. Do I have the possibility of financial support to devote full time?
The Ph.D. is part of the Conacyt PNPC which makes it possible for students to apply for a national Conacyt scholarship for the duration of their studies. The criteria for the allocation of scholarships are defined by Conacyt in each of its calls. The main requirements are found on the Conacyt page in the National Scholarships section.
Aditional questions, please contact us
