Who Should Apply

Our Ph.D. program provides training in various areas of Cognitive Science and in the formal methods that pertain to them. It seeks primarily to attract students with either of the following two profiles.

A typical candidate may hold a bachelor's or master's degree in Cognitive Science or one of the traditional sub-disciplines (Psychology, Computer Science, Linguistics, and Philosophy). Such candidates have typically engaged in previous research in one of

the sub-disciplines. They are strongly theoretically oriented and their interests in Cognitive Science are broad. In addition to perfecting their training in one of the sub-disciplines under a close mentorship, they also wish to be trained in methodologies of other sub-disciplines and to produce an integrated body of interdisciplinary research.

Another possible but much less common candidate may hold no degree in cognitive science or one of the traditional sub-disciplines but one in a formal discipline, such as Mathematics, Physics, Applied Mathematics, etc. Such candidates have some knowledge of what Cognitive Science is about and wish to apply their formal training to an interdisciplinary study of the mind. Upon admission, they are encouraged to do some background readings before the Fall of their admission year. Their first year in the Ph.D. Program usually takes on a 'probationary' character as they need to demonstrate early on that they are suited for advanced studies in Cognitive Science. Such students may need an extra year to complete the 5-year program described under Ph.D. Requirements.

We strongly encourage minority students and women to apply.

Candidates interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Cognitive Science along with one in a related discipline, such as Philosophy, are encouraged to contact possible mentors in both departments, prior to applying.

Although we have no set cut-offs for grades and scores, successful candidates have typically had the following profile:

GRE scores in the 680-800 range.
Previous research experience.
Detailed letters of recommendation providing evidence of research potential in the sub-disciplines of Cognitive Science and/or Mathematical Sciences.
A focused and detailed statement of interest.
TOEFL scores: 600/paper or 250/computer or 100/IBT.

For further details on the application process, go to Admission Procedures.

Candidates interested in Neuroscience should consider applying to the Neuroscience Ph.D. Program offered by the Neuroscience department at the JHU School of Medicine.