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Cognitive Science, PhD

The Department of Cognitive Science's five-year PhD program has a primary goal to train a new generation of cognitive scientists who can meld multiple existing disciplines into a new, genuinely integrated science of the mind/brain. A secondary goal is to train graduates who are competitive for positions in traditional disciplinary departments at research universities.

Overview

The training offered in cognitive science is highly interdisciplinary, strongly theoretically oriented, and integrated to an extent only possible within a department of cognitive science. In addition, PhD students are provided extensive experience integrating the theory and methods of diverse cognitive sub-disciplines through specially designed integrative courses and regular seminars involving the entire department.

Financial Support/ Funding

Please see the Cognitive Science Graduate Handbook for more information on departmental funding and benefits for PhD students.

Teaching Assistantships

Teaching experience is regarded as an integral component to the graduate program. Cognitive Science PhD students are expected to teach during their time in the program. More information on teaching experience is available in the Cognitive Science Graduate Handbook.

Program Requirements

The Department of Cognitive Sciences PhD requirements are designed to meet the following goals:

• Depth: Students become expert in their primary area of research interest and are prepared so that they will be competitive for academic positions in one of the traditional disciplines.
• Breadth: Students develop the ability to understand and critically evaluate work in the various sub-disciplines of cognitive science.
• Integration: Students learn to integrate theory and method across sub-disciplines through a specially designed integrative course.
• Research Ethics: Students complete a research ethics course, which they are encouraged to take in their first year.
• Professional Development: Students attend a spring seminar devoted to professional development.
• Training in Teaching: Students TA three to five semesters (depending upon external funding).
• Research Papers and Dissertation: Students produce two research papers prior to completing a dissertation.

General PhD Track Requirements

Courses may not be double-counted to fulfill more than one degree requirement. Students are expected to attend the Cognitive Science Colloquium Series and Brown Bag Series in addition to completing course requirements.

• Breadth:
  • One breadth course may be audited in consultation with the student's adviser.
  • Cognitive Neuroscience: One course
  • Philosophy: One course in philosophy of mind, language, or science
  • Cognitive Psychology/Neuropsychology: Two courses in cognitive psychology or neuropsychology
  • Computation:
    • AS.050.672: Foundations of Neural Network Theory
    • Select the following course or another approved course on Programming (C++, Java, etc.), or equivalent (e.g., computational linguistics): AS.050.671: Bayesian Inference
  • Linguistics:
    • AS.050.617: Semantics I
    • AS.050.620: Syntax I
    • AS.050.625: Phonology I
• Integration: AS.050.626: Foundations of Cognitive Science
• Depth: Area of Focus: The number and scope of courses will be selected in conjunction with adviser(s) to achieve depth in a chosen research area. Lab meetings may be used to fulfill this requirement.
• Research Ethics: AS.360.625: Responsible Conduct of Research (encouraged to complete in the first year. In-person RCR required.)
• Professional Development: AS.050.860: Professional Seminar in Cognitive Science (two mini sessions or one semester-long course)
• Teaching Assistantships: AS.050.849: Teaching Practicum (x3-5 semesters, depending upon external funding.)
• Two Research Papers
• Dissertation Proposal
• Graduate Board Oral Exam (Dissertation Defense)

Computational Cognitive Science Track Requirements

Students in this track will obtain a depth of focus in computational coursework, not achieved in the PhD in Cognitive Science general requirements. Accordingly, some of the breadth coursework has been replaced with computational courses, while aiming to retain the spirit of the breadth requirement.

• Breadth: 3-4 courses in the Department of Cognitive Science that collectively develop sophistication in theoretical and (human) experimental approaches to cognitive science.
• Basic Computation: Three courses.
  • AS.050.671: Bayesian Inference
  • AS.050.672: Foundations of Neural Network Theory
  • EN.601.675: Machine Learning
• Integration: AS.050.626: Foundations of Cognitive Science
• Research Ethics: AS.360.625: Responsible Conduct of Research (encouraged to complete in first year)
• Depth: Area of Focus in Computation CogSci: 6-8 courses will be selected in conjunction with adviser(s) to achieve depth and expertise in CCS. Lab meetings may be used to fulfill this requirement.
• Professional Development: AS.050.860: Professional Seminar in Cognitive Science (two mini sessions or one semester-long course)
• Teaching Assignments: AS.050.849: Teaching Practicum (x3-5 semesters depending on external funding.)
• Two Research Papers
• Dissertation Proposal
• Graduate Board Oral Exam (Dissertation Defense)