MA Requirements

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

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 18 credit-hours across each term.
  • AS.360.625 Responsible Conduct of Research

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.
    • 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