Master of Cognitive Science at Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University

United States of America, Baltimore

University Rank:#24

The Cognitive Science is a Master degree offered by Johns Hopkins University at its main campus in Baltimore, United States of America. The program is delivered on campus as a Full Time course in English and requires approximately 2 years to complete. Students study at the university's main campus while gaining the knowledge and practical experience expected for this area of study. The next intake is available from May 22, 2027.

About Master of Cognitive Science

Department of Cognitive Science

The Department of Cognitive Science's one-year Master of Arts program is designed to flexibly provide graduate-level training to a wide range of students with diverse backgrounds and interests. This program is intended to appeal to students who have undergraduate degrees in linguistics, psychology, computer science, neuroscience, and other subdisciplines of cognitive science. It may be of particular interest to students who wish to strengthen their qualifications for a PhD program or a career in which an MA in cognitive science would make them more competitive.

A student in the MA program chooses to pursue either the research track or the course track. For both tracks, the student works closely with a faculty mentor throughout the program.

The MA in cognitive science allows students to develop research-oriented expertise needed to pursue a PhD at another institution or research-centered employment, and provides interdisciplinary education beyond the undergraduate level that will be useful for careers related to cognitive science.

There are many career opportunities open to those with advanced degrees in cognitive science and related fields. Outside of academia, these include positions in lab management, grant and technical writing, market research and consulting, computational linguistics, and human-computer interaction (e.g., work on automatic language production and recognition systems).

Please note that the MA program is not a pathway into the department's PhD program. They are separate and distinct programs. Students in most cognitive science PhD programs generally earn an MA/MS degree on the way to a PhD, but most of the cognitive science departments in the U.S. do not offer stand-alone MA degrees. Few programs can provide pre-PhD training beyond the undergraduate level. The cognitive science MA program is a preparation for those wishing to pursue doctoral studies in a related field or to gain a competitive edge in the job market.

Financial Support

No regular funding is provided to students in the MA program, though a one-year (Spring and Fall only) 50% reduction in tuition is offered to students with JHU bachelors degrees. Students may seek funding from other sources.

Expected Learning Outcomes

The MA program aims to develop and extend the knowledge and research skills of individuals interested in pursuing a PhD in a field of cognitive science or gaining research-centered employment.

Students in the MA program will:

Acquire a strong background in the empirical findings and theoretical frameworks of one or more areas of cognitive science
Acquire and apply analytic and technical skills needed to critically evaluate research findings, and to communicate research findings orally and in writing
Develop the ability to conduct original problem-centered and theory-driven research in the chosen areas of study
Gain experience with and fully participate in a collaborative lab-based community of researchers from a wide range of backgrounds and fields.

Disciplines

Krieger School of Arts and Sciences

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Cognitive Science at Johns Hopkins University

Entry Requirements

Hopkins invests in developing global perspectives so students can be engaged citizens wherever they are.

As a global university with students from all over the world, we welcome all kinds of experiences and new ways of thinking. We’re here to connect international students with the resources you need to become leaders and active members in our community and beyond.

Please email [email protected] with any general international admissions questions. You can also email your regional admissions counselor if you have any questions specific to the area where you live or study.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 100

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Cognitive Science at Johns Hopkins University

Application Fee 70

How to Apply for Master of Cognitive Science at Johns Hopkins University

Your completed application

The Hopkins supplement, which includes our supplemental essay

Class of 2027 Supplemental Essay Prompt

Founded on a spirit of exploration and discovery, Johns Hopkins University encourages students to share their perspectives, develop their interests and pursue new experiences. Use this space to share something you’d like the admissions committee to know about you (your interests, your background, your identity, or your community) and how it has shaped what you want to get out of your college experience at Hopkins. (300-400 words)

The $70 application fee or fee waiver

You can request a fee waiver directly through the Common Application or Coalition on Scoir. If you don’t meet the eligibility criteria on the application and need support covering the application fee, have a representative from your current high school submit our fee waiver request form.

Your standardized test scores Optional

If you choose to submit your scores, our admissions committee will consider them as additional context in our review process. You’re welcome to submit SAT, ACT, AP, IB, English language proficiency exams, or any other score you feel reflects your academic ability. Applicants aren’t at a disadvantage if they don’t submit test scores.

Your signed Early Decision Agreement Early Decision I and II only

If you’re applying as an Early Decision applicant, you must submit a binding agreement to attend Hopkins if admitted.

Master of Cognitive Science at Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University

United States of America, Baltimore