The Cognitive and Information Sciences (CIS) Ph.D. program emphasizes collaborative and interdisciplinary research training. Cognitive science is a growing interdisciplinary field that combines knowledge and techniques from the social, natural, and computational sciences and philosophy to address problems related to mind, brain, and behavior. Typically, CIS graduate students work closely with one or more faculty in pursuing scientific research, while taking a series of courses that can be tailored to the specific needs and specialization of the student. Specific program requirements can be found on this page, in addition to a suggested timeline, and specific requirements for each program milestone. (Substitutions may be made in special cases by permission of the CIS Graduate Program Chair).
Course Requirements
The following courses are required for the completion of the Ph.D. degree:
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COGS 201 & 202: Foundations in Cognitive Science. These two courses cover the main theoretical frameworks (201) and methodologies (202) of contemporary cognitive science, with the historical context needed to appreciate progress and directions in the field.
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COGS 210: Statistics for Cognitive Science
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ONE graduate-level course in CIS-related computational science. Options include:
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COGS 203: Neural Networks in Cognitive Science
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COGS 204: Complex Adaptive Systems
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COGS 212: Methods of Data Science
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COGS 222: Modeling Social Behavior
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COGS 223: Computational Cognitive Neuroscience
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TWO other graduate-level courses in COGS or other related programs. Special topics are regularly offered as COGS 269 or COGS 285.
Typical Timeline and Sequence of Events
The below table is only provided as an example: timeline may vary between individuals. However, COGS201/202: Foundations 1 & 2 should be taken in the fall and spring semester respectively. PhD students must also register for COGS 250: MTS every semester in residence.
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Special Requirements
Residency
Students must complete at least six semesters of full-time academic residence at UC Merced. In addition, before advancing to candidacy, Ph.D. students must be registered in University courses as a full-time student for at least four semesters.
Teaching
CIS requires all graduate students pursuing the Ph.D. to acquire teaching experience at the post-secondary level under faculty supervision, for at least two semesters at UC Merced. This requirement is typically satisfied by appointment as a Teaching Assistant or Teaching Fellow in undergraduate courses.
Presentation
Students must deliver a full-length (usually 45-60 minutes) technical seminar (an oral presentation on the student’s original research) at least once while in residence at UCM. This can be fulfilled by offering a presentation at the weekly CIS Brownbag meeting; however, the seminar may be given in any scholarly public venue that is approved by the student’s advisory committee (prior to the time the talk is given). At least one CIS faculty member must be present at the seminar.
