The results of the survey demonstrated a high degree of demand exists in the state. Staff concludes that there is bona fide need for the proposed program. Since the proposed program builds upon the foundation established by the existing Institute of Cognitive Science and draws upon the existing faculty of the University that have been associated with the Institute of Cognitive Science, the proposed program can be offered and administered efficiently. The proposal argues that because there has been a presence of cognitive science on the campus for several years, the mechanisms are already in place to deliver the degree in a low cost and efficient manner. General fund support amounts to only a few thousand dollars.
Staff concludes that the institution has the capacity to offer proposed program efficiently.
No other Ph.D. program in Cognitive Science exists in Colorado or the Rocky Mountain region. Only one similar program exists west of the Mississippi River at the University of California at San Diego. Similar programs do exist in institutions east of the Mississippi, several being private institutions which are not seen as being duplicative of the student population that is expected to enroll in the proposed program. Staff concludes there is no unnecessary duplication or proliferation of programs. No economic impact is claimed by the proposed program.