MA Requirements

There are two tracks: Research and Course Track. For both tracks, the student works closely with a faculty mentor.

Please note that the MA program is not a pathway into the department’s PhD program. They are separate and distinct programs.

Courses may not be double-counted. Each course may only be used to satisfy a single degree requirement, even if it may qualify for more than one requirement.

MA Program Tracks

Research Track Requirements

Students in the Research Track must work on full-time research overseen by their faculty mentor and maintain a B- or better in all coursework. At the end of the program, a student in the Research Track must produce a research paper and pass an oral defense.

View the Research Track Requirements checklist.

Required courses include:

  • One course in either formal methods or statistics
  • Two lab or research seminars, 800-level
  • Three additional courses, 600-level or above
  • Four courses of AS.050.839 Research in Cognitive Science with the mentor, once in each term: fall, intersession, spring and summer. The mentor determines the distribution of credit-hours across each term.
  • AS.360.625 Responsible Conduct of Research

Students in the Research Track are expected to make as much progress on their research as is possible within the time frame of the program. The research is expected to be of a qualify that can lead to conference and journal publications.

Course Track Requirements

Students in the Course Track must complete 12 courses with a grade of B- or better. At the end of the program, a student in the Course Track must produce a portfolio and pass an oral exam.

View the Course Track Requirements checklist.

Course requirements include:

  • Seven courses, 600-level or above
    Up to three courses may be substituted by 300/400-level courses with a mentor’s written permission.
  • Two lab or research seminars, 800-level
  • Three courses of directed readings and/or research spread throughout the program, including one in intersession. The mentor determines the distribution of credit-hours across each term.
    • AS.050.690 Directed Readings in Cognitive Science, and/or
    • AS.050.839 Research in Cognitive Science with the mentor
  • 360.625 Responsible Conduct of Research