Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition

The CNBC administers two training programs to which individuals may apply even before arrival in Pittsburgh.

• CNBC Graduate Training Program. This certificate program is open to full-time students pursuing Ph.D.s in CNBC-affiliated departments. Participants take a set of core courses in cellular, systems, computational and cognitive neuroscience and engage in various activities fostering cross-campus interaction among individuals interested in the neural mechanisms of cognition. Students may apply for membership when applying to a CNBC-affiliated doctoral program or at any time after arrival.  Apply Online.
• Program in Neural Computation (PNC). This Ph.D. program is designed specifically for students with a strong computational background (in an area such as computer science, physics, mathematics or engineering) who wish to work in a field in which computational approaches are applied to the understanding of the nervous system. It is administered directly through the CNBC. The training faculty are drawn from both the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. Apply Online.

The CNBC also administers three training programs designed to provide in-depth interdisciplinary training in particular subjects relevant to cognitive neuroscience. Students typically apply to these programs during or after their first year in the CNBC Graduate Training Program.

• Multi-Modal Neuroimaging Training Program (MNTP). This program provides training in new imaging methodologies to students who already have some background in use of a particular methodology.
• Behavioral Brain Research Training Program (B² ). This program provides training in neuroscience to students with a background in the behavioral sciences or vice versa.
• Interdisciplinary Graduate Education Research and Training Program (IGERT). This program allows students with training in one field of research to branch out into a cross-disciplinary research project.