PhD Cognitive Sciences at University of California, Irvine

Programme overview

The Ph.D. program in Cognitive Sciences prepares students for research and teaching careers in academia, industry, and government. The department is regarded as one of the world's leading centers for mathematically oriented research in cognitive sciences. The Ph.D. program places particular emphasis on modern and leading-edge techniques of experimental and theoretical research into the function of the human mind and brain.

Faculty: School of Social Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Irvine, CA, United States

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission, applicants should have acquired a background in mathematics equivalent to at least one year of calculus, and preferably courses such as linear algebra and a programming language. Suitable undergraduate degrees for our program include degrees in psychology, cognitive science, biology, computer science, mathematics, statistics, engineering, physical sciences, linguistics, philosophy, or related fields. Standard requirements for admission include a statement of purpose, personal statement, official transcripts of all college course work, and at least three letters of recommendation. Applicants whose primary language is not English are required to demonstrate proficiency in English for admission consideration. Information about this requirement is available at https://grad.uci.edu/admissions/applying-to-uci/ .

Domestic applicants: USD 13,722 a year (2026-27). Graduate tuition (resident rate) from the standard Graduate/Credential Student Fees schedule for state-supported graduate degree programmes; the page does not list programmes by name, so this is the standard graduate band. Tuition line only; excludes Stud Source

Graduate applications are submitted online through the UCI graduate application portal; the non-refundable application fee is $135 for U.S. citizens and lawful U.S. permanent residents and $155 for all other applicants. Deadlines are set by each programme. GRE is required by some programmes only; TOEFL or IELTS English proficiency is required of graduate applicants unless waived.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.uci.edu/admissions/

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