The Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences attempts to provide financial assistance for all doctoral candidates during their period of full-time study. Types of assistance available to doctoral candidates typically include Teaching Fellowships and/or Research Assistantships. Financial support usually covers tuition remission and a living stipend.
The Kavita Jain Dissertation Award
The Kavita Jain Dissertation Award was established in memory of Kavita Jain, a graduate student in the Clinical Doctoral Program. The award is presented to the student who is judged to have the best dissertation of the year by a committee of faculty in the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences.
The Clara Mayo Award
Clara Mayo was a professor at Boston University from 1964-1981. She dedicated her career to the study of nonverbal communication, racism and sexism, and women’s work lives. Upon her death, a memorial fellowship was established in her honor by her family. The intent of the Claro Mayo Award is to help support female psychology doctoral students.
The Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI) Award
American Psychological Association (APA) Awards
American Psychological Association (APA) Dissertation Research Award ($1000-$5000)
Applications are available at: http://www.apa.org/about/awards/scidir-dissertre.aspx
Deadline: March 1, 2026
American Psychological Foundation (APF) Graduate Student Scholarship Award ($1000-$5000)
Applications are available at: http://www.apa.org/apf/funding/cogdop.aspx
Deadline: 2026 deadline TBA
All applications must be submitted to Dr. Joanne Hebden Palfai, Director of Academic Affairs, in the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences at least three weeks prior to the application deadline.