Cognitive science focuses on the nature and development of such abilities as perception, language, reasoning, planning, and problem solving in biological and artificial systems. This area of study is well represented at various departments at Rutgers, and the Rutgers Center for Cognitive Science (RuCCS), located on the Busch campus, helps coordinate this program. Members of the center may have joint appointments with such participating academic departments as biomedical engineering, computer science, linguistics, philosophy, and psychology, as well as with the Center for Computer Aids for Industrial Productivity, the Laboratory of Vision Research, and the School of Communication, Information and Library Studies.
The program offers students enrolled in various graduate programs a chance to carry out structured research in cognitive science with guidance from relevant faculty advisers. In addition, the program brings together students from different disciplines and provides them with a common research environment.
Students with an interest in any aspect of cognitive science may take a concentration in this area while they continue their regular studies toward a doctor of philosophy degree. Admission to the certificate program and selection of courses and research project are subject to the approval of the Cognitive Science Certificate Committee. Admission is based on academic performance and interests and requires the approval of the graduate program in which the student is enrolled.