FAQ

For how long are my test scores valid?

ALES scores are valid for 3 (three) years. GRE scores are valid for 3 (three) years when submitted instead of ALES. TOEFL/IELTS/BUEPT scores are valid for 2 (two) years. Please visit here for more detailed and up-to-date information.

Can graduates of departments other than the core four (Computer Engineering, Linguistics, Philosophy, and Psychology) apply for the Cognitive Science Program?

Yes, graduates of any department can apply.

Do you accept students for Spring semester?

No. Cognitive Science MA application period generally starts in April and students who are admitted to program start their classes in Fall semester.

Will there be a screening test?

We have a screening test for all applicants. It will be announced when the date and place is set.

What is the format of the screening test (aka subject competency test)? How can I prepare for it?

Here is a mock exam and some introductory material to get you started: Cognitive Science Mock Exam

Reference Letters and Statement of Purpose (SOP)

You are required to submit two reference letters and a statement of purpose. The references can be either in Turkish or in English. However your statement of purpose should be written in English.

Can I take undergrad classes as an MA student?

Provided that your adviser approves it, you can take up to 2 advanced undergrad classes.

How do I find out the classes offered in a given term?

Go to http://registration.boun.edu.tr. Select General Services on the left side of the screen and then click on Schedule.

What are the requirements to complete the Program?

To fulfill the requirements of the M.A. program, students must complete a minimum of 26/32 credits of course work and submit a thesis supervised by their academic advisor. The course work consists of three courses in each of the two areas selected by the student, plus two free elective graduate courses. In the second year, students are expected to write a thesis on a topic that involves the two areas in which they specialized in their first year.

Each student is expected to take a maximum of eight undergraduate courses in their remedial year in preparation for the program. Four of those courses, one from each disipline, are taken in the first semester of the remedial year. In the second semester, students are expected to select two areas for specialization and take two courses in each of these areas. Those students who hold a Bachelor’s degree in any one of the four disciplines must choose two areas out of the remaining three. An additional requirement for the remedial year is that students take COGS 500 Introduction to Cognitive Science. If any of these courses (or their equivalent) were already taken by the student, those course requirements can be waived by the consent of the advisor.