The Department offers three pathways
to a PhD in Cognitive Sciences. The three pathways are distinguished
by a Master's degree that is obtained on the way.
You can find more details on coursework via the
Graduate Students' Corner (under the Coursework tab).
The goal of the Ph.D. program in cognitive sciences is to prepare
students for research and teaching careers in academia, industry, and
government. The emphasis is on modern techniques of experimentation and
theory construction. Special attention is given to providing hands-on
research experience and equipping students with sophisticated mathematical
and computing skills.
Students can also pursue a Ph.D. in cognitive sciences with a
concentration in cognitive neuroscience. This is an interdisciplinary
field which studies the relation between mind and brain. With the
development of non-invasive functional brain imaging techniques during
the last two decades, the integration of cognitive and neural models of
information processing has become a major focus in the field, and a
major growth area within the department’s academic plan.
Commensurate with the multidisciplinary nature of cognitive
neuroscience, the department expects to admit students with a variety of
undergraduate educational backgrounds. These include, but are not
necessarily limited to, undergraduate degrees in psychology/cognitive
science, neuroscience, biology, computer science, mathematics and
engineering.
Since Fall 2016, students who are admitted into the Ph.D. Program in
Cognitive Sciences or in Cognitive Sciences with a Concentration in
Cognitive Neuroscience are eligible for the joint M.S. in Statistics /
Ph.D. in Cognitive Sciences program. (Note: Students who are admitted
into the joint program are not eligible to receive either the M.S. in
Cognitive Sciences or the M.S. in Cognitive Neuroscience.)
You cannot apply directly to this joint program. To enter this program,
students should apply for the M.S. Cognitive Sciences and upon
admittance can apply for the joint program.