Cognitive Science

Brown University's Department of Cognitive, Linguistic and Psychological Sciences (CLPS) is dedicated to the multidisciplinary study of mind, brain, behavior and language. It offers three Ph.D. programs: in Cognitive Science, Linguistics and Psychology. Ph.D. students are accepted by the department and formally choose one of the three programs. The department does not accept students interested in obtaining terminal master's degrees.

Brown University's graduate program in Cognitive Science is designed to prepare students for careers as scientists and teachers who will make contributions to society in academic or applied settings. Students will gain broad competence in the scientific issues and experimental, theoretical, and/or computational methods relevant across fields of cognitive science and will develop expertise in one or more research specializations. Programs of study are highly individualized; decisions about research and coursework are made in close collaboration with a research advisor and graduate committee chosen by each student. Students may change areas, programs, and/or advisors as their interests develop. Students are also encouraged to collaborate with faculty members who are not their primary advisors.

Students accepted into the Cognitive Science Ph.D. program are guaranteed five years of financial support contingent on satisfactory progress toward the degree. In addition to the Graduate School's doctoral support, the department also typically provides a summer stipend for a fourth summer if the student continues to work on research over that period. Support normally comes in the form of teaching or research assistantships, and students are encouraged to apply for their own fellowships (e.g., NSF) before or after being admitted to the program.

• Writing Sample: Recommended
• In their statement of purpose, applicants should describe their background and interests as they relate to the preferred Ph.D. program (e.g., Cognitive Science) and to the research conducted by specific faculty who might serve as research advisors. To this end, we strongly recommend that applicants read the departmental website before applying, giving particular attention to the faculty research descriptions.
• GRE General: Required (no minimum score)
• GRE Subject: Not required

Application Deadline: December 1