The Institute of Cognitive Science Academic Program includes a combined PhD degree between cognitive science and a core discipline, as well as a combined PhD plan of study tailored for students interested in cognitive neuroscience. These programs are administered by CU Boulder's Institute of Cognitive Science (ICS).

Graduate students in cognitive science are admitted to graduate programs in participating departments that have ICS faculty, and must meet the requirements for admission and degree completion in their home department. 

Students enrolled in graduate programs from other departments may request approval to participate.