The Department of Cognitive Science PhD program’s primary goal is 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. Because many of the most exciting research developments recognized within the related traditional disciplines arise through interdisciplinary research, the training in cognitive science offered by our department can promote a graduate’s attractiveness as a candidate for positions in a variety of departments.

For example, a student who is studying language processing in normal and brain-damaged subjects, and is trained in the methods of both cognitive neuropsychology and neuroimaging, with a solid foundation in theoretical linguistics and additional coursework in psychology or neuroscience, is potentially employable in a number of departments. A student with in-depth training in theoretical phonology, a solid background in computational and psychological approaches to phonological research, and ancillary training in other branches of linguistics is well positioned to conduct state-of-the-art research and teaching valuable for both a linguistics department and a cognitive science program.

The training we offer in cognitive science is highly interdisciplinary, strongly theoretically oriented, and integrated to an extent only possible within a department of cognitive science.

Our Training

The interdisciplinary training provided to all PhD students includes:

• Coursework providing literacy in all the following cognitive sub-literatures:
  • Cognitive psychology and neuropsychology
  • Computational approaches to cognition
  • Generative linguistics
  • Philosophy of mind
• Cognitive neuroscience
• Teaching experience in a range of areas within cognitive science
• Coursework introducing the full range of formal methods used throughout cognitive science
• Research experience in at least two of the following methodologies of cognitive science:
  • Computational analysis
  • Computer modeling
  • Empirical psychology
  • Empirical neuroscience
  • Linguistic analysis
  • Brain imaging
• Philosophical analysis
• In-depth interdisciplinary training in an area of expertise, with ancillary preparation for a faculty position in a traditional discipline.

Research Experience

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.

Our program can offer such a breadth and depth of training because, unlike departments in the allied disciplines, in a department of cognitive science, 100% of graduate training can be focused on cognition. Integrated training across the spectrum of cognitive methods allows students to emerge from graduate school as professional cognitive scientists.

Please see the navigation menu for additional information on the PhD program in cognitive science, such as PhD requirements.