APPLIED COGNITION AND NEUROSCIENCE MS

The Master of Science in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience degree (ACN) provides students with advanced training that incorporates methodologies and approaches from such diverse fields as neuroscience, experimental psychology, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interactions. In addition to preparing students for doctoral study in these areas, the scope and multidisciplinary nature of the degree make it relevant to students seeking careers in software development, engineering, education, psychology, and medical professions.

Degree Program

Students earning a master’s degree in applied cognition and neuroscience specialize in one of six areas: neuroscience, cognition, cognition and neuroscience, human-computer interactions, computational modeling/intelligent systems, and neurological diagnosis and monitoring.

The degree requires 36 graduate credit hours: six hours of core courses in the student’s area of specialization, six hours of research methods courses in the area of specialization, six hours of advanced elective courses in the area of specialization, 12 hours in one of the other specialization areas, and six credit hours of an industry internship, a research internship, or supervised research in behavioral and brain sciences.

Many courses in the applied cognition and neuroscience program are offered periodically as evening courses to meet the needs of busy professionals’ schedules, and part-time students are welcome.

The UT Dallas graduate catalog provides more information on the Master of Science in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience degree program. The university’s course look-up site, CourseBook, describes specific courses in the ACN program.

Career Paths

The Master of Science in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience degree provides students with coursework and training that span the fields of neuroscience, experimental psychology, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interactions. As such, a wide variety of career options are available to students on graduations, including doctoral study in these and related areas as well as professional careers in engineering, medical, educational and other settings. Additional information about career opportunities in the six specialization areas of the master’s degree is available on the websites of related ACN Organizations.

Admissions

Admission to the Applied Cognition and Neuroscience Master’s degree program is based on a review of the applicant’s grade point average (GPA), scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), three letters of recommendation and a “statement of purpose” essay describing the applicant’s specific interests and career goals. See the UT Dallas graduate admissions page for details on the application process.

To be accepted for the fall semester, completed applications are due by May 1. To be accepted for the spring semester, completed applications are due by October 1 and to be accepted for the summer semester, completed applications are due by March 1.

Specific questions about applying to the applied cognition and neuroscience master’s degree program should be directed by email to Melanie Davis.

Graduate Application Fee Waiver Program

The Office of Graduate Education and the Office of Admission and Enrollment at The University of Texas at Dallas are pleased to offer a Graduate Application Fee Waiver Program to qualified participants (past or present). To qualify, students must be applying for a PhD or Master’s degree at UT Dallas. Non-degree applicants are not eligible for fee waivers. Only U.S. citizens, or permanent residents, are eligible to request a fee waiver.

Academic Excellence Scholarships

It is expected that a small number of Applied Cognition and Neuroscience Academic Excellence Scholarships will be awarded in Fall 2023 and subsequent fall semesters. The scholarship consists of a one-time award of $1,000. In addition, out-of-state residents who receive this award in the Fall 2023 will be eligible for in-state tuition rates for that Fall semester and the subsequent Spring 2024 and Summer 2024 semesters. It is not necessary to apply for the scholarship. All students who have submitted applications to the ACN program in the Fall 2022 or Spring 2023 semesters before the deadline date of May 1, 2023 will be considered for this scholarship. However, since your ACN application packet is the basis for determining award recipients, it is important that your ACN application packet be complete. This includes: (1) a strong statement of purpose, (2) GRE scores (which although may not be required for admission may be important in final award decisions), and (3) letters of reference. Explicitly identifying your ACN specialization area will also greatly increase your chances of receiving a scholarship award.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Program Contacts

Program Mailing Address

Applied Cognition and Neuroscience Master’s Degree Program
ATTN Melanie Davis
School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences
The University of Texas at Dallas
800 W. Campbell Rd, GR41
Richardson, TX 75080

Phone: 972-883-2588
[email protected]

Program Resources

Applied Cognition and Neuroscience MS Fast Facts
This document provides a quick, printable overview of the program.

Introduction to the ACN Program
This video presentation provides students with an overview of the Master of Science in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience degree.

ACN Orientation Presentation (PDF)
This PowerPoint presentation contains valuable links for students in the Master of Science in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience degree.