A cognate consists of 12 hours of coursework in a disciplinary or interdisciplinary area, selected by the student in concert with the program advisor. It may be completed in any one or a combination of graduate academic units, departments, or schools. The scope and sequence of the cognate must be approved by the program advisor. Only 3 hours of practicum, independent study or directed readings type courses may be applied to the cognate with 9 hours being classroom instruction.
Cognates are highly dependent upon the interests and needs of individual students.
A student may choose a cognate similar to that of other students, or create a new cognate area. Because some BGSU courses are only offered in certain semesters, students are encouraged to begin working with their advisors to plan out a cognate as soon as possible.