Cognitive Aging involves the scientific study of cognitive processes at varying points across the adult life span. Although the program concentrates on cognitive changes and differences accompanying normal, healthy aging, there is also interest in cognitive deficits associated with the pathologies related to aging. More specifically, this area investigates age-related differences and changes in basic cognitive mechanisms (such as working memory, episodic memory, attention, speed of processing, and language), higher-order cognition (including adult intellectual development), and practical and contextual aspects of cognition (such as knowledge acquisition, skill development, everyday problem solving, and metacognition). Georgia Tech has a distinguished program in this field, with full-time faculty members focusing primarily on adult development and aging as it relates to cognition, and several other faculty with active research interests on related topics, including aging and human factors. Please visit the Cognitive Aging Research page for more information regarding the research conducted in this area.
The Cognitive Aging specialty area in the Psychology Ph.D. program emphasizes training students about cognition in adulthood. Students gain an understanding of the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging as they relate to cognitive development over the adult life span.
The Cognitive Aging group coordinates the Cognitive Aging Conference held in Atlanta every two years. Over 400 researchers from around the world participate in this Georgia Tech sponsored conference.
Please explore the Graduate Student Handbook to get detailed information regarding the graduate program, as well information specific to each of the five program areas, such as degree requirements, minor requirements, and information about the doctoral preliminary examinations.
