Overview

The Symbolic Systems programme at Stanford University provides a rigorous academic framework for understanding the intersection of technology and human cognition. By blending diverse perspectives, students develop a comprehensive understanding of how information is processed by both biological and artificial systems.

Why Symbolic Systems at Stanford University?

This innovative curriculum is designed for those who wish to explore the boundaries of communication, logic, and computation. Participants benefit from the world-class facilities and research environment at Stanford University, where they are encouraged to reimagine the future of humanity and technology through collaborative study.

The programme is distinguished by its integration of knowledge from multiple departments within the School of Humanities and Sciences.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 21180 per semester
National fee: USD 21180 per semester
Local fee: USD 13240 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum draws from various disciplines to provide a balanced education in symbolic logic and data analysis. Modules may include:

Computer Science
Linguistics
Mathematics
Philosophy
Psychology
Statistics

Careers with Symbolic Systems

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of professional paths due to their unique combination of technical skills and understanding of human communication. The programme equips individuals to excel in diverse roles across the technology sector, academia, and creative industries.

Many alumni pursue careers in research, where they investigate the complexities of the human mind or develop new artificial intelligence frameworks. Others find success as inventors and entrepreneurs, leveraging their interdisciplinary background to lead innovative projects and organisations in the global market.

The ability to stand out in the workforce is a hallmark of this degree, as graduates possess the versatility to adapt to rapidly changing industries. Whether teaching, leading teams, or conducting high-level technical analysis, those who complete the programme are highly sought after for their holistic approach to problem-solving.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Senior Honors Tutorial

Independent Study

Cognition in Interaction Design

Building Digital History: Social Movements and Protest at Stanford

Symbolic Systems Research Seminar

Master's Degree Project

Master's Program Seminar

Peer Advising in Symbolic Systems: Practicum

Curricular Practical Training

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Credits

45 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Stanford, United States

Disciplines

Business Intelligence Artificial Intelligence Linguistics View 220 other Masters in Linguistics in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

The M.S. cohort in Symbolic Systems is comprised of three groups of students

Stanford Coterminal Students: Stanford students pursuing an undergraduate degree and the Symsys MS degree at the same time
Stanford Internal Graduate Students: Stanford graduate students from the Law School, Graduate School of Business, etc, who are pursuing an additional M.S. degree
External Students: Students coming from outside of Stanford, admitted through the external application process

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

42360 USD / year

≈ 42360 USD / year
Out-of-State

42360 USD / year

≈ 42360 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

42360 USD / year

≈ 42360 USD / year

Additional Details

per quarter

Living costs

Stanford

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

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Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Symbolic Systems.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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