The master of science degree in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience (ACN) program incorporates methodologies from such diverse fields as psychology, neuroscience and computer science. Students in the ACN program may choose to specialize in one or more of the following areas: Cognition and Neuroscience, Computational Modeling/Intelligent Systems, Human Computer Interaction, and Neurological Diagnosis and Monitoring.
| Degree Program | Organizations |
| Career Paths | Program Faculty |
| Admissions | Program Resources |
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The master of science in applied cognition and neuroscience requires 36 graduate credit hours: 18 hours of required core courses, 12 hours in an area of specialization and six internship hours.
Students may select one of four areas of specialization:
Cognition and neuroscience provides a flexible multidisciplinary curriculum for studying the mind and brain that is adaptable to individual students’ interests. Students will gain the diverse skills needed to collect and interpret behavioral and neurophysiological data.
Computational modeling/intelligent systems provides advanced training related to developing mathematical and computer simulation models of the brain and behavior, as well as the development of artificially intelligent systems.
Human computer interaction provides excellent preparation for careers that either directly or indirectly involve usability engineering and human computer interactions.
Neurological diagnosis and monitoring provides advanced training and preparation for functional brain-imaging methods such as EEG, SPECT, PET and fMRI for both clinical and experimental investigations, as well as preparation for a career in the field of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring.
The graduate catalog provides an overview of course requirements for the ACN program and lists specific requirements for each area of specialization. To compile all your academic, campus and extracurricular interests into a presentation you can print out, follow the steps to Create Your Own Guide to UT Dallas.
Learn more about the program through an introductory slideshow and a video presentation. Visit the IONM website to learn more about the Neurological Diagnosis and Monitoring specialization area.
The master’s degree program in applied cognition and neuroscience (ACN) prepares students for doctoral work in areas such as experimental psychology, neuroscience and multidisciplinary areas of doctoral study such as cognitive neuroscience. The ACN master’s program also provides excellent preparation for students who plan to pursue medical careers.
The specialization areas of computational modeling/intelligent systems, human computer interactions, and neurological diagnosis and monitoring provide excellent career training opportunities for students who will not pursue doctoral study. Find more information about career opportunities in these areas by visiting the websites of ACN Organizations listed below, or through the ACN introductory slideshow and video presentation. Visit the IONM website to learn more about the Neurological Diagnosis and Monitoring specialization area.
The multidisciplinary program is also appropriate for business professionals interested in retraining or continuing their education. Many courses in the ACN program are offered periodically as evening courses to meet the needs of busy professionals’ schedules. Part-time students are welcome in the ACN program.
Admission to the applied cognition and neuroscience program is based on a review of the applicant’s GPA, letters of recommendation and a narrative description of interests and career goals. Both GRE quantitative and verbal scores are required to be considered for admission.
The UT Dallas graduate admissions page will help guide you through the process. You can check your status using the University’s Orion program. If you’ve been accepted into the program, please read the University’s steps after admission page.
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
Questions about the admissions process should be directed to
melanie.davis@utdallas.edu.
Questions about the content of the ACN program should be directed to ACN program head Professor Richard Golden at
golden@utdallas.edu.
Students with strong academic records, who are in the process of completing their undergraduate degree at UT Dallas, may consider the fast-track program, which enables undergraduate students to take up to 15 hours of graduate courses that will count toward both UT Dallas bachelor and graduate degrees.
Office: GR 4.814
Phone: 972-883-2423
Melanie Davis
Office: GR 4.824
Phone: 972-883-2588
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
applied.cognition.neuroscience@utdallas.edu
UT Dallas OrganizationsCallier Center for Communication Disorders
Center for Children and Families
Cognitive-Neuroscience Specialization
American Psychological Association
Society for Mathematical Psychology
Cognitive Neuroscience Society
Computational Modeling/Intelligent Systems Specialization
Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence
IEEE Computational Intelligence Society
Human-Computer Interaction Specialization
Usability Professionals Association
DFW Usability Professionals Association
Special Interest Group on Human Computer Interaction
Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
Neurological Diagnosis and Monitoring Specialization
American Society of Electroneurodiagnostic Technologists
American Society of Neurophysiological Monitoring
International Organization of Societies for Electrophysiological Technology
American Clinical Neurophysiology Society
Frequently Asked Questions About Neurological Diagnosis and Monitoring
The core faculty in the Applied Cognition and Neuroscience MS program specializes in cognitive-neuroscience, cognitive psychology and neuroscience.
ACN Specialization Area Matrix
Introduction to Cognitive Science
Admission and Enrollment Services
Create Your Own Guide to UT Dallas