Cognitive, Developmental and Brain Sciences Program Requirements
M.Sc.
Coursework:
For CDBS students, part of fulfilling the department-wide requirements of 2.0 courses includes taking 1.0 credit in relevant substantive half courses, to be approved by the supervisor and supervisory committee. Note that "relevance" will be determined by the student's specific research focus.
No additional M.Sc. courses are required by the area.
M.Sc. students who started their degree prior to September 2025 also must obtain 2.0 credits. This includes a 0.5 credit for CDBS proseminar (PSYCHOL 9260), a course that ceased to exist after the 2024-2025 academic year.
CDBS Brownbag Seminar (MSc Milestone):
This seminar involves weekly meetings among students and faculty members in the area. Students participate during both years of their M.Sc. training (i.e., during their fundable M.Sc. period) and are expected to present their research (or a proposal) once per year. They are also expected to contribute to discussion and to submit feedback on other students' presentations. Students will obtain feedback on their presentation and a pass/fail grade for this milestone each year.
PhD[1]
Coursework:
In addition to the department-wide requirements, students must enroll in the CDBS proseminar (Psych 9260). This pro-seminar counts toward the 1.5 credits of coursework required by the department. Students who already completed Psych 9260 as part of their M.Sc. degree are exempt from this requirement.
No additional courses are required by the area. PhD students are, however, encouraged to take additional coursework above and beyond the minimum requirements based on their personal interests and guidance from the student's supervisory committee. For example, the committee may suggest courses that will help prepare for the comprehensive examination.
CDBS Brownbag Seminar (PhD Milestone):
This seminar involves weekly meetings among students and faculty members in the area. Every student during their fundable period must complete the seminar milestone on an annual basis. Students are expected to present their research (or a proposal) once per year. They are also expected to contribute to discussion and to submit feedback on other students’ presentations. Students will obtain feedback on their presentation and a pass/fail grade for this milestone each year.
[1] Students who enrolled in the Ph.D. program prior to 2020 have slightly different coursework requirements. These students should confer with the CDBS Area Chair to ensure that they have completed these requirements at least one year prior to when they anticipate graduating.
