Welcome to the Developmental, Cognitive, and Affective Sciences Program.
We offer a unique PhD experience. Students in the Developmental, Cognitive, and Affective Sciences (DCAS) PhD program choose one of the following tracks: developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, or affective science. Students concentrate on research while working closely with a faculty mentor. We prepare students for research and teaching careers applicable to academia and beyond.
Learn about the program, including the three research tracks from which to choose and what each year of the program will entail.
Learn about the DCAS program faculty, including their past and current research.
Learn about applying to the program, including a link to the application.
Learn about the tuition and financial aid we typically offer.
Learn about our commitment to diversity.
Learn about our wellness initiatives for graduate students.
DCAS News and Highlights
PTSD depression research study offering therapy
The PTSD Treatment and Research Program at Case Western Reserve University is looking for people ages 18-65 who have experienced a stressful life event and are experiencing symptoms of PTSD or depression. Such stressors might include loss of a job, sexual assault, end of a serious relationship, physical assault, or loss...
Research Study Opportunity: Understanding Parent-Child Connections in Autism
The Neurodevelopment Research Lab at CWRU is inviting caregivers to participate in a research study at CWRU focused on understanding how families of children with autism interact, connect, and support one another. Help us learn what makes families stronger – and how we can better support yours. Participants: Parents &...
WE’RE HIRING! Developmental Psychology Assistant Professor Position
For more information and to apply: https://apply.interfolio.com/153281. Review of applications begins November 1, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.
Elizabeth Short participated in a panel discussion on countering learned helplessness.
PBS: Psychological sciences' Elizabeth Short participated in a panel discussion on countering learned helplessness. She discussed how parents can help their children overcome challenges. She is introduced at the 9:41 mark in the video.
Spring 2024 SchubertCenter@Intersections Winners!
On behalf of our Schubert Center Director, Anastasia Dimitropolous, and the Schubert Center team, we would like to express our appreciation for your help with the SchubertCenter@Intersections competition on April 19, 2024. Your thoughtful assessments allowed us to award prizes to deserving students, supporting individuals whose work will benefit children and adolescents...
A new paradigm for adult ADHD: A focused strategy to monitor treatment
Psychological sciences’ Elizabeth Short wrote an article titled, A new paradigm for adult ADHD: A focused strategy to monitor treatment, which appeared in Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. Short explores the act of task incompletion as the main dysfunction in adults with ADHD.
Psychological sciences’ Elizabeth Short writes about ADHD in adults
Elizabeth Short, professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences, recently co-wrote an article about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. Titled “A new paradigm for adult ADHD: A focused strategy to monitor treatment,” the article appeared in Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. In this article, Short explored the act of task incompletion...
Analysis of ‘growth mindset’ research suggests little to no positive effect on student performance
New research suggests the “growth mindset” strategy favored by some educators to improve student performance hasn’t lived up to its promise—resulting in time and effort dedicated to growth mindsets in the classroom without meaningful gains in grades or test scores. More than 30 years ago, noted psychologist Carol Dweck proposed...
‘Seems like magic’: The healing powers of local superheroes
Fox 8 Cleveland: Elizabeth Short, professor of developmental psychology and the director of the Developmental Master's and Early Intervention Program at the College of Arts and Sciences, explained how healthcare providers can draw inspiration from comic book characters when healing children. “Thinking about something beyond yourself and not focusing...