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
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...
2022-23 Freedman Faculty Fellows announced
The Freedman Center for Digital Scholarship at Kelvin Smith Library has announced the selection of the 2022-23 Freedman Faculty Fellows. The annual fellowship program supports tenured or tenure-track faculty as well as clinical research faculty and aids these researchers in integrating digital tools and technology into their work across...
American Sign Language Club focuses on advocacy during Deaf Awareness Month
The American Sign Language Club aims to increase advocacy on campus and push for more accessible courses during September for Deaf Awareness Month. Members of the Case Western Reserve University community can follow the organization’s efforts and learn more about the topic on Instagram. Throughout the month, the organization will...
Is your child 6-9 years old? Are they typically developing? It’s Play Time! (remotely!)
The Neurodevelopment Research Lab at Case Western Reserve University is recruiting typically developing, school-aged children (ages 6-9) for a remote pretend play study. Eligibility: Child between the ages of 6-9 at the time of enrollment No diagnosis of any developmental disorder Access to a computer/laptop with video capability for remote...
Is your child 6-9 years old? Do they have a diagnosis of autism? It’s play time! (remotely!)
The Neurodevelopment Research Lab at Case Western Reserve University is recruiting school-aged children (ages 6-9) with Autism Spectrum Disorder for a remote pretend play intervention study. Eligibility: Child with a confirmed diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder via ADOS or ADI-R Child between the ages of 6-9 at the time of...
Case Western Reserve University named best college in Ohio in new study
WalletHub named Case Western Reserve as the top college or university in Ohio for the third year in a row. Kenyon College was No. 2, followed by Oberlin College. For the third straight year, Cleveland's Case Western Reserve University has topped the list of the best colleges and universities in...
Grover C. Gilmore retires after 20 years as Mandel School dean and 46 years at CWRU
When Grover “Cleve” Gilmore agreed to lead the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences in 2002, his appointment was intended to last only a year. Now, after a 20-year tenure as dean of the highly ranked social work school, he will retire June 30. Gilmore’s leadership...