The program emphasizes intensive research training within an individual laboratory in addition to the required coursework. Research on spatial orientation is performed in the Graybiel Laboratory, research on memory resides in the Volen Center, and visual perception laboratories reside in both the psychology department and the Volen Center. Students interested in Cognitive Science may emphasize one of these areas of study within psychology. The program Cognitive Neuroscience in the Volen Center for Complex Systems integrates traditional experimental psychology with the interdisciplinary orientation of the Center.
Seminars typically draw graduate students from computer science, neuroscience and psychology.
Students are encouraged to do rotations with other faculty members in the Center. The goal of the program is to develop competent researchers in Cognitive Science who will become contributors to the state of knowledge in this interdisciplinary field. An emphasis is placed on research activity starting in the first term of graduate study. The program of study reflects a belief that the student should develop an area of research specialization and also be exposed to the range of topics represented by the broad interests of the faculty in the Center. The general requirements for admission to the Graduate School apply to candidates for admission to this area of study.