Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program
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The Department of Cognitive Science offers a doctoral (PhD) degree program. This degree is usually required to become a professor or to lead one’s own research in the working world. It is intensive training in how to become a researcher in cognitive science.
Why might I want to get a doctorate in Cognitive Science?
A doctorate (PhD) in cognitive science gives you training in how to conduct research on the subject of minds well enough to run your own research laboratory. Ph.D.s in cognitive science might go on to work as professors or researchers at companies (e.g., Google Research) or government research labs (e.g., StatCan, NRC).
How can I apply for the doctoral program?
View our admissions requirements.
Can I get help with funding?
What is required to complete the PhD program?
- 3.5 credits of coursework, including methodology rotations.
- 6.5 credit thesis/dissertation, which includes a prospectus defense.
- Cognitive Science courses that we offer in general, though not all of these course will be available every year. To see what classes are available in any given term, see the Classes offered by term schedule.
- Students are expected to complete their coursework by the end of the 2nd year, including the Pro-Seminar and Theory and Methods.
- Students are expected to complete their methodology rotations by the end of their 7th term. Methodology rotations are small projects with other professors.
- Students are expected to defend their prospectus by the end of their 9th term.
- Students are expected to complete all program requirements by the end of their 6th year.
- All students are expected to attend weekly colloquia (talks), even if those talks are not related to the student’s research.
- All PhD Students are expected to present 3 times at a conference, two must be at the Cognitive Science Spring Conference every year.
We remind students to check their audits every term by logging in to Carleton360 and selecting “myAudit” from the important links menu.
We also remind students that it is their responsibility to complete the milestones on time as this is an indication that students are moving well through their program.
If you have specific questions about the requirements, please send an email to graduate administrator of the Cognitive Science program for further information.