Cognitive science
Psychology PhD specialization
Explore the scientific study of the mind through collaborative, interdisciplinary training in psychology with a focus on cognitive science.
Specialization description
Degree awarded: Psychology, PhD
Cognitive science is one of six degree specializations offered through ASU's PhD program in psychology. With award-winning faculty, students explore fundamental cognitive processes using various theoretical perspectives. The specialization emphasizes both basic and translational research, investigating topics like:
- Decision making
- Dynamics
- Language
- Memory
- Multilingual experiences and word learning
- Natural language processing
- Neuroscience
- Perception and action
The Department of Psychology cultivates a collaborative learning environment. Students specializing in cognitive science complete unique core curriculum while engaging with faculty and peers across all psychology disciplines.
Important dates
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September 1: Fall 2025 application opens.
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December 5: Fall 2025 application deadline.
Students must submit ASU’s graduate application and the Department of Psychology’s Slideroom application to be considered for admission.
Faculty and research labs
Engage in quality academics and groundbreaking research, led by renowned cognitive science experts.
DPAC: Dynamics of Perception, Action and Cognition Lab
The DPAC Lab adopts a dynamical approach to understanding perception, action and cognition. Using principles of complex systems and ecological psychology, the lab studies team and motor coordination, physiological processes, postural control, learning, exploration, weight perception and tool use.
Visual Cognition Neuroscience Lab
The Visual Cognitive Neuroscience Lab explores how we maintain stable visual perception amid noisy sensory input. Their research spans visual attention, working memory and decision-making, using psychophysics, EEG and computational modeling.
Learning and Development Lab
The Learning and Development lab focuses on understanding how cognition and experience shape word learning across development. Using behavioral experiments and observational methods, they work with infants, children and adults from monolingual and bilingual backgrounds. They aim to identify the factors that promote learning for children growing up in diverse language environments.
PEARL: Perception, Ecological-Action, Robotics and Learning Lab
The PEARL Lab explores perception-action and biases in natural environments including sports, music, scene processing and language-emotion.
Decision Neuroscience Lab
The Decision Neuroscience Lab studies how the brain makes decisions about rewards. Using fMRI and EEG, the lab relate findings to computational models of brain function and investigates how brain systems interact during decision involving self-control and competitive social interactions.
SOLET: Science of Learning and Educational Technology Lab
The SoLET Lab improves education by studying factors in comprehension and learning for K-12 students, adults, and second language learners. They integrate psychology, linguistics, and computer science to develop game-based tutoring systems and natural language processing tools.
Courses and electives
Core courses. Students choose three 500-level courses in cognitive science, along with the area's topical seminar offered each semester.
Skill courses. Two required courses that integrate quantitative methodologies into students' work.
Elective breadth courses. Students are required to take a course on cognitive processes and encouraged to take a class related to current issues in cognitive science.
Research activities. Milestone courses, involving independent study and regular meetings with a faculty member to discuss assignments and conduct research.
Dissertation. Supervised research including literature review, research, data collection and analysis, and writing.
Graduate students in the cognitive science training area must complete 84 credit hours. Following an apprenticeship model, they work closely with a faculty mentor and publish in major peer-reviewed outlets by graduation. Students may also participate in multiple research labs and have the opportunity to earn a master's degree en route to their PhD.
The cognitive science specialization prepares students for careers in cognition and technology.
Faculty members serve not only as educators but also as mentors, guiding students towards impactful research and fulfilling careers in computer science, informatics, intelligence, marketing, speech synthesis, telecommunications, medicine and data analysis.
Get in touch
- For questions about the specialization, email the cognitive science area head, Dr. Samuel McClure, directly at samuel.mcclure@asu.edu.