Overview
Why is the School changing its name?
The new name, School of Psychological and Brain Sciences, better reflects the full scope of the School’s teaching, research, and impact. The School’s work extends across psychological science, neuroscience, cognition, behavior, computation, data science, biological to artificial intelligence, and human-centered technology.
The updated name more accurately represents the interdisciplinary nature of the field and the breadth of work already taking place within the School. It also strengthens the School’s visibility and helps external audiences better understand its role within Georgia Tech and the College of Sciences.
Why is this change being implemented now?
This change follows a period of sustained growth in the School’s interdisciplinary research and academic programs and student interests. Feedback from members of the School community indicated that the previous name did not fully capture the School’s current scope or future direction. The renaming initiative was guided by the School community and the Future of Psychology Task Force with participation from stakeholder representatives across the Institute. Faculty, students, staff, and alumni contributed through a multi-year process grounded in transparency and collaboration. The new name was approved by President Ángel Cabrera in Spring 2026 and will debut at the start of the Fall 2026 semester. A committee composed of faculty, students, and staff is overseeing the adoption of the new name.
What does “Psychological and Brain Sciences” represent?
The name reflects a comprehensive and modern scientific approach to the study of the mind, brain, and behavior. It emphasizes integration across psychological science, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and computational and data-driven methodologies.
Changes and Continuity
What changes should be expected?
- Adoption of the new name: School of Psychological and Brain Sciences
- Increased visibility of the School’s interdisciplinary research and academic programs
- Stronger alignment with peer institutions and contemporary academic fields
- Expanded internal and external opportunities for collaboration and engagement
What will not change?
- The School’s mission and commitment to research and instructional excellence
- Current degree titles:
- Majors:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Master of Science in Psychology
- Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
- Minors:
- Psychology
- Science of Mental Health and Well-being
- Computation and Cognition
- Learning
- People Analytics
- Majors:
- Curriculum requirements and academic expectations
- Core research focus and areas of expertise
- Continued collaborations with our academic partners for interdisciplinary degree programs (e.g., B.S. in Neuroscience, M.S. in Human Computer Interaction) as well as research partners across the institute and beyond
I am a student, faculty, staff, alum, or partner of the School. What should I do?
- Students and Alumni of the School: Your degree and diploma haven’t changed; no updates needed.
- Anyone affiliated with the School: Please ensure references to the School reflect the new name (e.g., resume/CV, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, email signature, website, etc.)
Academic and Strategic Impact
Does the name change indicate a shift in research or academic focus?
No. The name change does not signal a departure from the School’s existing research or academic focus. Instead, the new name more accurately reflects the School’s current strengths and activities. The School will continue to focus on the scientific study of mind, brain, and behavior while advancing interdisciplinary work across psychology, neuroscience, cognition, computation, AI, and technology.
How does this change benefit stakeholders?
The updated name strengthens the visibility, competitiveness, and recognition of the School and its programs across campus and beyond. It more clearly communicates the School’s interdisciplinary training and research expertise, enhancing its value for students, faculty, collaborators, and external partners. Specifically, it reflects the full scope and real-world impact of the School’s work across the basic and applied sciences.
The new name also helps external audiences better understand the School’s contributions across basic science, applied research, technology, health, education, industry, and human-centered innovation.
How does this change support collaboration?
The new name more clearly communicates the School’s interdisciplinary scope, making it easier to identify shared interests with collaborators across Georgia Tech and beyond. It highlights connections with fields such as neuroscience, data science, biology, computing, engineering, design, education, health, decision science, and applied behavioral research.
Programs and Future Growth
How does the name change support academic programs?
The updated name improves visibility for both existing and emerging programs, particularly those in interdisciplinary areas such as mental health, cognition and computation, analytics, and decision science. It provides a more accurate framework for continued program growth and development.
Are new programs being introduced?
The School has recently launched and continues to develop new academic programs, including minors and majors in interdisciplinary areas. The new name better reflects and supports expansion in the School’s academic offering. Current program offerings include:
- Majors:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Master of Science in Psychology
- Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
- Minors:
- Psychology
- Science of Mental Health and Well-being
- Computation and Cognition
- Learning
- People Analytics
We also partner with other academic units in offering a B.S. in Neuroscience and M.S. in Human Computer Interaction.
Additional Information
Where can I learn more?
For additional information about the School of Psychological and Brain Sciences, including academic programs, research initiatives, and partnership opportunities, please visit the School’s official website.
