California Institute of Technology

PhD in Social and Decision Neuroscience

Pasadena, United States 4 years Taught in English Open to international students

Why students choose this program

  • Taught in English
  • Applications currently open

About PhD in Social and Decision Neuroscience

For PhD in Social and Decision Neuroscience, tuition comes to 60,816 USD per year, while the application deadline for the Sep 2027 intake is Dec 15, 2026.

The PhD in Social and Decision Neuroscience at California Institute of Technology is a 4-year degree for students with a Master's degree. It helps students understand the neural basis of social and decision-making behavior.

The curriculum covers subjects like neuroimaging, behavioral economics, and cognitive psychology. Students develop skills in experimental design, data analysis, and statistical modeling through hands-on research projects.

Graduates can pursue careers as Neuroscience Researchers, Behavioral Economists, Data Scientists, Policy Analysts, or Science Consultants in industries like healthcare, finance, or government.

About California Institute of Technology

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena is internationally renowned for its focus on science and engineering and for a research environment that emphasizes discovery and innovation. Founded in 1891, Caltech combines small class sizes with world-class faculty and a culture that encourages independent inquiry. The institute’s achievements in fundamental research and technology transfer make it a top choice for students seeking an intensive STEM education and close mentorship from leading scholars.

Caltech offers a compact, high-impact academic setting where undergraduates and graduate students participate directly in cutting-edge projects across physics, biology, engineering and computation. Research opportunities are abundant and accessible, with students contributing to labs, observatories and centers that address global challenges. The collaborative, interdisciplinary approach cultivates both deep technical expertise and the ability to work across fields.

As a relatively small campus community, Caltech provides strong academic support, mentorship and networking in the greater Los Angeles research ecosystem. For international students drawn to rigorous STEM training, Caltech delivers concentrated resources, hands-on research experiences and pathways to meaningful scientific contribution in industry, academia and public service.

English Test Requirement

This program asks for IELTS 5.5-6.0. Here's what that's worth on the other tests universities accept, based on the official concordance tables:

Duolingo

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85–95

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TOEFL iBT
46–59
PTE Academic
42–49
CEFR level
B1/B2
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Equivalences are approximate — confirm the exact test and score the program accepts.

PhD in Social and Decision Neuroscience: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the fees for PhD in Social and Decision Neuroscience?
Tuition: USD 60,816 per year. Application fee: USD 105. Service fee: USD 100.
What are the entry requirements for PhD in Social and Decision Neuroscience?
Entry requirements include: Education: Master's Degree; Academic performance: Grade A (70%+, GPA 3+); English: IELTS 5.5-6.0; Minimum age: 18.
How long is the PhD in Social and Decision Neuroscience program?
The program duration is 4 year.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 2026-12-15.
Is PhD in Social and Decision Neuroscience available online?
This is an on-campus program at California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.

Similar Programs You Can Apply To

Direct application via Global Admissions is not available for this program. Browse similar partner programs below or visit the university's site to apply directly.

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