Welcome to the Cognitive Science Program at Michigan State University. Cognitive science is directed toward understanding the nature of mind, whether mind be embodied in the biological stuff of neurons in a brain, or in the silicon stuff of computer chips in an artificial brain-like system. Cognitive science has set for itself a daunting task: The nature of mind remains a profound scientific mystery, and understanding that mystery is, quite simply, a tough nut to crack.

The creation of a successful scientific explanation of mind will require a concerted effort by investigators with many intellectual talents, from many different theoretical perspectives and empirical traditions, and across many different academic disciplines. The goals of the MSU Cognitive Science Program are to foster scholarship and research that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries in its pursuit of the nature of mind, and to provide a structure for graduate training that will produce new scholars and scientists who have the tools needed to take on this challenging puzzle.

In this website you will find more specific information about the MSU Cognitive Science Program, faculty member interests, affiliated departments and laboratories, and seminar and colloquium announcements. Current or potential students interested in the graduate specialization or undergraduate specialization should feel free to browse the site and to contact any of the labs or faculty members from whom you would like additional information.

If you have any questions not covered in our website, please see our contact info page to inquire further.