Program Description

The Master of Science in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience (ACN) program is an applied multidisciplinary program that incorporates and integrates methodologies from such varied fields as psychology, neuroscience, computer science, and philosophy.

The Neuroscience specialization area enables students to focus on the brain from a variety of perspectives including systems, cellular, and molecular-level approaches with the objective of understanding the interactions of these systems and how they underlie the emergence and variety of behavior.

The Cognition and Neuroscience specialization area provides a flexible multidisciplinary curriculum for studying the mind and brain. Students enrolling in the Cognition and Neuroscience specialization area learn to use behavioral research methods in conjunction with neuroscience research methods to investigate the neural foundations of cognitive processes.

The Computational Modeling/Intelligent Systems specialization area provides advanced training applicable to mathematical and computer simulation models of the brain and behavior as well as the design, development, and evaluation of artificially intelligent systems.

The Human-Computer Interaction specialization area provides preparation for work in areas involving human-computer interactions. These areas include usability engineering and user-experience design issues associated with the design, development, and evaluation of user-friendly human-computer interfaces.

The Neurological Diagnosis and Monitoring specialization area provides advanced training for using functional brain imaging methodologies such as: electroencephalogram (EEG), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) for both clinical and experimental investigations. It also provides training for career paths in the field of Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring. Furthermore, all five specialization areas provide excellent preparation for doctoral work in the Cognition and Neuroscience area as well as medical or dental school.  

Benefits

The Applied Cognition and Neuroscience master’s program ensures that students gain a broad understanding of their discipline, apply their knowledge and analytical skills to create effective and novel solutions to practical problems and communicate and work effectively in collaborative environments.

Other benefits include:

World-Class Faculty: The program is led by faculty of the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences who are widely cited experts in their respective fields.

Comprehensive Curriculum: Courses in the Applied Cognition and Neuroscience program will introduce students to new ideas, technologies, and competencies while preparing them to succeed in competitive, ever-changing industries.

Facilities: In addition to numerous individual faculty research labs, the Applied Cognition and Neuroscience Program utilizes several facilities that are shared among faculty and graduate students in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences including both the Center for BrainHealth and the Center for Vital Longevity which are adjacent to the UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas campus.

Labs and Internships: Students have the opportunity for hands-on research at one of the more than 50 labs across campus and within the School’s centers and institutes.

Location: Situated in the greater Dallas region — recently rated by Forbes magazine as the #1 “Best City for Jobs” — UT Dallas provides students with easy access to employers and internship opportunities, not to mention a large and supportive alumni population.

Career Opportunities

The Master of Science in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience (ACN) provides advanced multidisciplinary training opportunities in the areas of Neuroscience, Experimental Psychology, Artificial Intelligence, and Human-Computer Interaction. A few representative career opportunities in the Applied Cognition and Neuroscience Area are listed as follows.

• Usability Engineering and User Experience. Software development and engineering professionals interested in pursuing careers in the areas of usability engineering and user-experience (UX) design and development will greatly benefit from the Human-Computer Interactions specialization area. Usability engineering and user-experience design involve the evaluation and design of human-computer interfaces such as: website and software graphical user interfaces (GUIs), smartphone interfaces, and voice-user interfaces (VUIs).
• Brain Imaging Technologies. Medical health brain imaging professionals (e.g., Electroneurodiagnostic Technologists, MRI Technicians, Radiologists) who are working in the area of brain imaging technology will find the Neurological Diagnosis and Monitoring specialization area relevant for improving their knowledge and understanding of functional brain imaging technologies such as: EEG, SPECT, PET, and fMRI.
• Machine Learning. Software development and engineering professionals interested in machine learning algorithms should consider the Computational Modeling/Intelligent Systems specialization area. Machine learning algorithms are now widely embedded in a variety of systems for the purposes of providing “intelligent assistance” to the end-user. Examples of such systems include: web search engines, speech recognition systems, robotics, computer-vision systems, computer games, natural language understanding systems, bionic and prosthetic technology, and data mining systems.
• Neuropharmacology. Professionals working in the area of Neuropharmacology have the opportunity to receive advanced training through both the Neuroscience and Cognitive-Neuroscience specialization areas.
• Mental Health and Education. Psychological counselors, mental health, and education professionals (e.g., high school science teachers, adult literacy educators, and mental health related fields) will greatly benefit from the basic neuroscience and psychological science courses offered in the Cognition and Neuroscience specialization area.

Marketable Skills

Review the marketable skills for this academic program.

Application Deadlines and Requirements

Please take note of all application deadlines and visit the Apply Now webpage to begin the application process. See the Applied Cognition and Neuroscience website for additional information. 

Applicants to the Applied Cognition and Neuroscience master’s degree program are required to submit the following materials as part of their application process.  

• Documentation of the student has a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. 
• Course transcripts showing a grade point average (GPA) in undergraduate-level coursework of 3.0 or better on a 4.0-point scale. 
• Test Scores: Both GRE math and verbal scores are required for admission. 
• Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from individuals able to judge the candidate’s potential for success in the master’s degree program. 
• Admissions Essay: Applicants must submit a “statement of purpose” essay outlining their academic interests and career goals. 
• International applicants must submit a TOEFL score of at least 80 on the internet-based test. Scores must be less than two years old. See the Graduate Catalog for additional information regarding English proficiency requirements for international applicants. 

To be accepted for the fall semester, applicants must submit completed applications by May 1. Applications for acceptance in the spring semester are due October 1, and applications for acceptance in the summer semester are due by March 1.