The Department of Cognitive and Linguistic Sciences offers two programs, one in cognitive science and the other in linguistics. Cognitive science is the multidisciplinary study of the mind. It seeks to understand such abilities as perception, recognition, categorization, reasoning and problem-solving, motor control, speech, language, and communication. Linguistics focuses on the nature of human language, its theoretical, descriptive, behavioral, and biological basis. Our graduate program is designed to prepare students for careers as researchers, scholars, and teachers in academic or applied settings. Students gain a broad competence in the scientific issues and experimental, theoretical, and/or computational methods relevant across fields and are expected to 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 and advisors as their interests develop.

Completion requirements: A.M: Eight courses, including at least one course in phonetics, one in phonology, one in syntax, one in semantics, and at least two courses in acquisition, computational linguistics, neurolinguistics, and/or psycholinguistics; reading knowledge of one foreign language (usually French, German, or Russian); and thesis or successful completion of a major paper for the Phd.

Ph.D.: Ten substantive courses, first-year research project, oral examination based on project, four semesters of teaching, dissertation proposal and oral dissertation proposal meeting, doctoral dissertation and oral presentation. In addition, Ph.D. candiates in linguistics must satisfy the same course distribution requirements listed above for the A.M. candidates, they must also demonstrate a reading knowledge of one foreign language (usually French, German, or Russian), complete a major paper, and audit the graduate proseminar.

ADMISSION INFORMATION

Admission requirements: Writing sample recommended.

GRE General: Required

GRE Subject: Not required

Application deadline: January 1

FACULTY