Graduate Program in Cognitive Science

Cognitive Science is broadly concerned with integrating contemporary approaches to the study of mind/brain, and with the systems and processes underlying the acquisition and use of knowledge. Given the inherently interdisciplinary nature of cognitive science, our Ph.D. program is structured to allow students the flexibility to pursue a wide variety of research topics and to integrate methodologies and perspectives from different disciplines.

The coherence of the program lies in its intellectual focus on cognition. This program spans cellular, behavioral and psychological levels of scientific analysis in the study of cognition in a single unified graduate program. The program integrates the diverse content, methods, and perspectives of a number of different disciplines (e.g. anthropology, biology, artificial intelligence, linguistics, neuroscience, philosophy, and psychology) which are concerned with or in some sense inform our understanding of cognition, but all of which as individual disciplines involve concerns that are not specifically cognitive.

Program Overview: Ph.D., M.S. & Minor degree

Ph.D. in Cognitive Science

Cognitive Science is broadly concerned with integrating contemporary approaches to the study of mind/brain, and with the systems and processes underlying the acquisition and use of knowledge. Given the inherently interdisciplinary nature of cognitive science, our Ph.D. program is structured to allow students the flexibility to pursue a wide variety of research topics and to integrate methodologies and perspectives from different disciplines.

Master of Science Degree in Cognitive Science

We now offer an MS in Cognitive Science. Three options for the MS are available:

Plan A: 10 thesis credits and 20 credits of coursework.

Plan B: 24 credits of coursework and a Plan B project worth 6 credits.

Plan C: Courses only, requiring 30 credits of coursework.

Minor Degree in Cognitive Science

An interdisciplinary minor in cognitive science was established by the Graduate School at the University of Minnesota in 1989. The impetus for this minor program was the recognition of the need for a formal organizational structure to facilitate graduate academic activities in this rapidly advancing domain. The formal minor is administered through the Graduate School and is available at both the Master's and Doctoral levels. It provides integrated courses that emphasize theory and methods in cognitive science. This program works to enhance the interactions among graduate students and faculty involved in cognitive science.

Program Advisers

In order to ensure an interdisciplinary approach, each student will have two co-advisers, each representing a different discipline from within the cognitive sciences. Both advisers must be on the Cognitive Science graduate faculty, and at least one must be a Senior Member.  One will be assigned at the time of admission, based on both the applicant's area of research interest (and expressed preference for working with a particular faculty member) and expression of interest on behalf of faculty members in the program to work with the student. The other will be selected by the student by the end of his/her second year. 

Program Structure

Students are required to take two core courses, as well as 3 credits of independent study related to research.  Other course requirements are distributed among component disciplines and fields (see PhD requirements for details).  Courses are intended to provide a foundation for the student's research program.