The Computational Cognitive Science (CCS) Track is a specialized track within the PhD program in Cognitive Science. Students in this track 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.

Depth

Students become expert in the area of CCS and are prepared so that they will be competitive in the job market. Students take several advanced courses or participate in seminars/lab meetings that the student, in conjunction with their advisory committee, determines to be important for achieving expertise in CCS research and marketplace competitiveness.

Breadth

Students develop and understanding of theoretical and experimental approaches to cognitive science that complement and inform computational approaches. Students may place out of breadth courses based on prior equivalent coursework or examination.

Integration

Students learn to integrate theory and methods 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.

Teaching Training

Students TA three to five semesters (depending upon external funding). Students are not typically expected to TA in their first semester or in the last two semesters of residency (5th year).

Research Papers and Dissertation

Students produce two research papers before completing a dissertation. These papers, which are due November 1^st of the second year and May 1^st of the third year, draw on two different research methodologies. These two research papers are typically presented at conferences and often lead to separate journal publications.