Graduate Program Information
What is the Graduate Certificate in Cognitive Science?
Cognitive Science is a dynamic, interdisciplinary field devoted to understanding the mind and intelligent behavior. It brings together knowledge and methods from a wide range of disciplines, including psychology, artificial intelligence, linguistics, philosophy, and neuroscience. The Graduate Certificate in Cognitive Science provides an introduction to the conceptual foundations and methods of the field, including in-depth exploration of technical skills for analyzing behavior in human and artificial systems. The ability to understand, predict, and augment human behavior is applicable to a broad range of career paths, including data science, healthcare, software and interaction design, government, and education.
Who may apply?
The Graduate Certificate in Cognitive Science can be completed (1) by existing graduate students at UNC Charlotte who wish to add an interdisciplinary perspective to their main program of study, or (2) as a stand-alone program for individuals with an undergraduate degree.
The stand-alone certificate is commonly completed by post-undergraduate students who want to prepare for further graduate study in a related field, either at UNC Charlotte or elsewhere. The certificate may also help prepare for employment in a variety of fields, particularly those which use behavioral research and/or quantitative methods to understand behavior. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the program director (Dr. Doug Markant, dmarkant@uncc.edu) to discuss how the program fits with their goals.
What courses are required?
Details about the program requirements can be found in the graduate catalog: Cognitive Science Certificate Program
The Cognitive Science certificate requires 15 hours of coursework. Students must take the required introductory course (PSYC/ITIS 6216: Introduction to Cognitive Science) and at least two disciplinary courses. The remaining hours may come from any of the other topics courses listed or from the disciplinary courses. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 will be required and at most one course with a grade of C may be allowed toward the certificate. Requests to substitute relevant courses for the listed requirements may be approved at the discretion of the Graduate Program Director.
Courses taken for the Cognitive Science certificate may also count toward other graduate degrees, including the Masters in Psychology (Cognitive track). Completed courses may not be counted toward another graduate certificate.
How do I apply?
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by an accepted accrediting body and either:
– be enrolled and in good standing in a graduate degree program at UNC Charlotte, or
– have a minimum GPA of 3.0 for their undergraduate courses.
Application for the Cognitive Science Certificate Program is made through the Office of Graduate Admissions.
Final application deadlines for:
- Fall 2024 enrollment: August 1, 2024
- Spring 2025 enrollment: December 1, 2024
Please review the FAQ for more details about the application process. If you have other questions about the Graduate Certificate, contact the program director at cog-sci@uncc.edu.