Overview of Cognitive Science
Cognitive Science is the interdisciplinary study of human thought and behavior. It combines methods, theories, and applications from many disciplines, including philosophy, psychology, linguistics, computer science, neuroscience, and biology.
The Cognitive Science majors, B.A. and B.S., provide a broad knowledge of cognitive science, including language and communication, reasoning, memory, categorization, cognitive modeling, perception and action, philosophical foundations, artificial intelligence, cognitive engineering, and cognitive science applications for the business setting.
About the Program
A degree in Cognitive Science provides in-depth training in research methods, data analysis, modeling, and lab-based research, and it provides excellent training for jobs in high-tech companies. It is ideal for students who want to pursue graduate work in cognitive science, neuroscience, psychology, computer science and engineering, information sciences and information management, communications, medicine, business, management, law, and education.
Students can work with cognitive science faculty to tailor their own program of study to emphasize one or two specific areas within cognitive science. Example specializations include cognitive neuroscience, cognitive linguistics, computational modeling, decision sciences, and philosophy of cognitive science.
Areas of Research
- Categorization, Reasoning and Memory
- Computational Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence
- Spatial Cognition, Giftedness, Reading, Learning/Language Disabilities
- Psychology of Language
Potential Careers*
- User interface designer
- Market researcher
- Jury consultant
- Software engineer
- Data analyst
- Mobile Web developer
- Application specialist
- Systems analyst
- Technology consultant
- Video game programmer
* Please Note: Some of these carers might require education beyond a Bachelor's degree.
Learning Outcomes
Students graduating from the Cognitive Science program demonstrate the following:
- Explain and apply knowledge of landmark findings and theories in cognitive science.
- Design, interpret, and evaluate simple behavioral and neuroscientific experiements.
- Interpret and appreciate formal and computational approaches in cognitive science.
- Argue for or against theoretical positions in cognitive science.
- Use a cognitive science education outside of the undergraduate classroom, particularly in the service of careers.