Graduate Studies
Are you interested in how people, animals, or computers think? At the Carleton Department of Cognitive Science, we study thought from a variety of different perspectives. We offer Master’s and PhD degrees in Cognitive Science. Our graduate programs integrate research from artificial intelligence, experimental psychology, theoretical and computational linguistics, philosophy of mind and other related areas, to address questions about learning, knowing and thinking.
Research Opportunities
Our researchers have strengths in areas such as artificial intelligence, neuroscience, consciousness, cognitive development, mathematical cognition, cognitive and computational modelling, human performance, applied cognition, syntax, semantics, phonetics, pragmatics, philosophy of mind and language, symbolic and computational logic, knowledge representation, natural language understanding, swarm and collective intelligence. The program also involves researchers from industry, government agencies and other post-secondary institutions. You can find more on our research page.
Graduate Programs in Cognitive Science
Master of Cognitive Science program (M.Cog.Sc.)
The M.Cog.Sc. is for individuals who already have an undergraduate degree in psychology, computer science, neuroscience, philosophy, linguistics, or cognitive science. The program consists of 5.0 credits. Two options are available, a Thesis option or a Research Project option. The difference between the two options is that the Thesis option weights equally course credits (2.5 credits) and thesis credits (2.5 credits), whereas the Research Project option weights course credits more heavily (4.0 credits) than the project credit (1.0 credits).
M.Cog.Sc. – Specialization in Data Science
Carleton University’s Master’s in Cognitive Science with a specialization in Data Science trains students to study mind and intelligent behavior using the tools of modern computation and analytics.
M.Cog.Sc. – Specialization in Digital Humanities
Carleton University’s Master of Cognitive Science (M.Cog.Sc) program, with a specialization in Digital Humanities, equips students to study mind, meaning, and culture using computational tools alongside humanistic approaches.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Cognitive Science
Carleton’s PhD program in cognitive science is an integrated degree that is unique in Canada, and one of only a few in the world that trains researchers to consider the tools and approaches of related disciplines such as: psychology, artificial intelligence, philosophy, linguistics, and cognitive neuroscience.
The Graduate Student Association
The Cognitive Science Graduate Students Association (CSGSA) is a GSA registered departmental society which aims to bring the Graduate students (closer together both academically and socially. We run several events throughout the year, including pub nights, games nights, research and writing workshops.
The Capital Advantage
Carleton University offers you a capital advantage as we are located in Canada’s capital city. Ottawa is home to major governmental organizations, private industry and agencies that offer many opportunities for cognitive scientists. We also benefit from our close proximity and partnerships with the University of Ottawa. Plus, Ottawa was recently named one of Canada’s best cities to live in by MoneySense magazine, and the top city in terms of quality of life in North America.