Behavioral neuroscience and comparative psychology
Psychology PhD specialization
Uncover the "why" in human and animal behavior in ASU's doctoral program in psychology with a focus on behavioral neuroscience and comparative psychology.
Specialization description
Degree awarded: Psychology, PhD
Behavioral neuroscience and comparative psychology (BNCP) is one of six degree specializations offered through ASU's PhD program in psychology. Students are trained in interdisciplinary research on cognitive, affective and social processes, as well as underlying neurobiological mechanisms. They work closely with faculty mentors and engage in preclinical models investigating topics like:
- Addiction and drug abuse
- Aging across the lifespan in health and cognition
- Behavior of dogs and their wild relatives
- Health, cognitive and neurobiological consequences of chronic stress
- Negative emotional states
- Hormonal influences on behavior
- Menopause variants' impact on neurobiology and cognition
- Neural circuits and mechanisms that predict complex behaviors
- Sex differences in behavior
The Department of Psychology fosters a collaborative learning environment. Students specializing in BNCP complete core curriculum unique to this area of study while interacting with faculty and students across all areas of psychology.
Important dates
- September 1: Fall 2025 application opens.
- December 1: Fall 2025 application deadline.
Students must submit ASU’s graduate application and the Department of Psychology’s Slideroom application to be considered for admission.
Faculty and research labs
Experience world-class academics taught by renowned professors who are leaders in the field of behavioral neuroscience and comparative psychology.
Dr. Heather Bimonte-Nelson
Neuroscience of Memory and Aging Lab
The Neuroscience of Memory and Aging Lab characterizes hormone- and age- related cognitive, behavioral, and brain changes. Research addresses the impacts of transitional and surgical menopause variations, endogenous and exogenous sex hormone exposures across the lifetime, and how these factors intersect to impact lifetime trajectories in females.
Dr. Cheryl Conrad
Behavioral Neuroscience Research in Stress Lab
How does stress influence brain plasticity and resilience? The Behavioral Neuroscience Research in Stress Lab use a chronic stress model to reveal physiological and behavioral symptoms akin to depression. Their breakthroughs are instrumental in promoting overall well-being and survival.
Dr. Jonathan Gewirtz
Laboratory in Affective Neuroscience and Epigenetics
The Laboratory in Affective Neuroscience and Epigenetics uses rodent behavioral models, molecular and pharmacological tools, and multi-omic epigenomic sequencing to study mechanisms underlying vulnerability to drug addiction and other forms of mental illness, and their persistence over time.
Dr. Foster Olive
Addiction Neuroscience Lab
Exploring the enduring impact of drug abuse on the brain, the Addiction Neuroscience Lab employs preclinical methods to identify, mitigate, or reverse related alterations. They investigate the roles of neurochemical and neuroinflammatory processes in understanding dependence, addiction, and associated changes.
Dr. Federico Sanabria
Basic Behavioral Processes Lab
Investigates the fundamental building blocks of behavior and cognition common to many species, including learning, interval timing, choice, and regulation. They develop quantitative models of these processes through novel behavioral paradigms implemented in animal models.
Dr. Jessica Verpeut
The SOCIAL Neurobiology Lab: Study of Circuits in Adolescent Life
Exploring neural activity, molecular mechanisms, and complex cognitive and social behavior in preclinical animal models, the SOCIAL Neurobiology Lab aims to identify novel therapeutic targets. Their research focuses on sensitive development periods, gene-environment interactions, and neuromodulators in cerebellar pathways.
Dr. Clive Wynne
Canine Science Collaboratory
The Canine Science Collaboratory helps people and dogs live their best lives together. Current research focuses on identifying best practices in dog training, understanding human interpretation of dogs' emotional expressions, and investigating the impact of temporary fostering in animal shelters.
Courses and electives
Core courses. Students choose three 500-level courses in behavioral neuroscience and comparative psychology, along with various topical seminars available during their program. These courses align with the interests of current faculty and students.
Skill courses. Two required courses that integrate quantitative methodologies into students' work.
Elective breadth courses. At least one course selected from another area of study that will provide students with a broader perspective. These courses are discussed and deemed appropriate with a faculty mentor, and can include topics like:
- Cognitive psychology
- Sensation and perception
- Biochemistry
- Clinical neuroscience
- Mathematical psychology
- Cell biology
- ... and more!
Research activities. Milestone courses, involving independent study and regular meetings with a faculty member to discuss assignments and conduct research.
Dissertation. Supervised research including literature review, research, data collection and analysis, and writing.
Graduate students in behavioral neuroscience and comparative psychology must complete 84 credit hours. Coursework is customized based on each student’s background, goals and mentor and committee input. This research-focused program includes weekly seminars and offers the option to earn a master’s degree en route to a PhD. Students actively participate in professional research activities such as conference presentations, publishing papers and grant preparation.
The behavioral neuroscience and comparative psychology specialization is committed to training the future trailblazers of scientific discovery and academic leadership.
Faculty members serve not only as educators but also as mentors, guiding students towards impactful research and fulfilling careers, including tenured positions at universities and leadership roles within related industries and non-profit organizations.
Get in touch
- For questions about the specialization, email the BNCP area head, Dr. Federico Sanabria, directly at [email protected].