Ph.D. in Cognitive Science

RIT’s cognitive science Ph.D. provides an interdisciplinary study of the human mind that combines insights from psychology, computer science, linguistics, neuroscience, augmented reality, and philosophy.

Students in the Ph.D. in cognitive science conduct research on human perception, cognition, action, and language with a focus on the representation and processing of information within biological and computational frameworks. The cognitive science Ph.D. prepares students for careers in academia or industry and develops abilities to analyze data, grasp complex concepts, and interpret and communicate concepts for a wider audience. Faculty advisors come from across the RIT campus to create a thriving, interdisciplinary community that supports students on their path to becoming independent scholars.

RIT’s Cognitive Science Ph.D.

Interdisciplinary Curriculum

The cognitive science program is jointly delivered by faculty experts from five RIT colleges, allowing students to develop valuable, career-enhancing interdisciplinary skills and communication competency as part of the program experience.

The five colleges include the College of Liberal Arts; College of Science; Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences; Kate Gleason College of Engineering; and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf.

Highly ranked by most ranking organizations and with more than 80 graduate programs in high-paying, in-demand fields and scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships available, we invite you to take a closer look at RIT .

Don't be fooled by the word "technology" in our name. At RIT, you will discover a university of artists and designers on the one hand and scientists, engineers, and business leaders on the other – a collision of the right brain and the left brain.

RIT focuses on applied learning - a "hands-on" approach involving the direct application of skills, theories, and models.

We offer a high Return on Investment (ROI) in terms of starting salaries and lifetime earnings as well as job satisfaction and personal growth.

Flexible study options include online programs and the ability to work and study. Many of our graduate programs are collaborative and interdisciplinary, allowing you to benefit from and take advantage of the strengths of several of our colleges. Co-op (cooperative education) is a hallmark of RIT, and graduate students have the optional opportunity to spend one or more semesters employed in a full-time, paid position related to their academic program. Tuition is not charged while on co-op, and many students use co-op earnings to help finance their education.

International Students: With one of the largest lists of OPT-certified graduate programs of any US university, coupled with our strong reputation among US employers, RIT is one of the most successful in placing students into OPT.

We offer graduate programs in the following areas:

• Art, Design, and Architecture
• Business and Management
• Communications and Digital Media
• Computing and Information Sciences
• Engineering and Engineering Technology
• Environmental Studies and Sustainability
• Game Design and Development
• Health Professions and Medical Sciences
• Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education
• Photography, Film, and Animation
• Science and Math
• Undeclared and Individualized Study

More advantages of RIT include:

• Unmatched career preparation and work opportunities including a world-renowned cooperative education program that lets you gain valuable experience from and exposure to potential employers and earn money while not paying tuition. International students - RIT offers 50+ STEM-designated graduate programs to choose from, all of which are eligible for OPT extension.
• Excellent Return on Investment
  • 94.3% of our most recent graduate class are employed and the average starting salary for that class was $93,800.
• Strong reputation and rankings
  • ranked 105th among "National" US universities, 11th among top schools' co-op or internship programs and 48th among "best-value" schools in the latest US News rankings; a Money Magazine top-50 for adding value; Morning Consult places RIT in the top third of most trusted US universities.
• Equal opportunity for generous financial aid
  • last year we awarded $40 million in aid to 2,800 US and International graduate students
• Career-enhancing research opportunities with abundant funding and resources.
• Safe campus in an Ideal location just outside a thriving, accessible but not-too-big city - a community where racial and thought diversity is appreciated and celebrated.
• Flexibility to work and study and 8,000 on-campus student jobs available each year.
• Faculty who love to teach and mentor you and small class sizes that facilitate personalized education.
• State-of-the-art facilities on a campus recognized for innovation and sustainability.
• Diverse student population
  • 2,600 International students from 100 countries with resources and support to match.
• 140,000 well-connected alumni to help you network.

International Students : With one of the largest lists of OPT-certified graduate programs of any US university, coupled with our strong reputation among US employers, RIT is one of the most successful in placing students into OPT.

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