Cognitive science is the study of cognition – thought, learning and mental organization – through the integrated use of methods from psychology, philosophy, computer science, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, mathematics, linguistics, biology and anthropology. Cognitive scientists ask questions such as: How do we perceive sensory input? How do we process information? What processes underly learning and memory? Can machines think?
The cognitive science major offers students a unique opportunity to study the mind/brain in an interdisciplinary manner, through a combination of courses that examine cognition from different perspectives, theoretical frameworks and methodologies. Students integrate the different approaches through a capstone seminar in cognitive science.
Graduates of cognitive science programs enjoy a wide range of professional careers and graduate programs opportunities. These opportunities include psychology, medicine, research, software development, information technology, education, marketing and communication, industrial design and more.
Cognitive Science Major
The major in cognitive science consists of fifteen courses (45 credit hours), including four required courses (12 credit hours), seven courses distributed across the content areas listed below (21-22 credit hours), and four electives electives (12-16 credit hours).
| Required Courses | ||
| COSC 1000 | Introduction to Computer Science | 3 |
| PHIL 1001 | Philosophy of Human Nature | 3 |
| PSYC 1001 | General Psychology | 3 |
| Integrated Capstone Seminar | 3 | |
| Content Area Requirements | ||
| Philosophy: (6 credits) | ||
| PHIL 3460 | Philosophy of Language | 3 |
| or PHIL 4450 | Philosophy of Mind | |
| Choose an additional course of the following: | 3 | |
| Logic | ||
| Metaphysics | ||
| Epistemology | ||
| Philosophy of Language | ||
| Philosophy of Mind | ||
| Philosophy of Science | ||
| Neuroscience: Choose one of the following: (3 credits) | 3 | |
| Neurobiology | ||
| Systems Neuroscience | ||
| Functional Neuroanatomy | ||
| Biopsychology | ||
| Affective Neuroscience | ||
| Individual and Social Behavior: (6-7 credits) | ||
| PSYC 3320 | Cognition | 3 |
| or PSYC 4320 | Learning and Memory | |
| Choose one additional course of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Language and Culture | ||
| Introductory Social Psychology | ||
| Cognition | ||
| Human Factors Engineering | ||
| Learning and Memory | ||
| Self, Language and Social Interaction | ||
| Mathematics and Statistics: Choose one of the following: (3-4 credits) | 3-4 | |
| Psychological Measurements and Statistics | ||
| Modern Elementary Statistics | ||
| Theory of Probability | ||
| Statistical Methods | ||
| Biostatistical Methods and Models | ||
| Social Statistics | ||
| English: Choose one of the following: (3 credits) | 3 | |
| Exploring the English Language | ||
| Studies in Language * | ||
| Rhetorical Theories and Practices | ||
| Electives: Choose any four of the following not previously taken: (12-16 credits) | 12-16 | |
| Introduction to Biological Anthropology | ||
or ANTH 2201 | Human Evolutionary Process | |
| Language and Culture | ||
| Neurobiology | ||
| Experimental Neurobiology | ||
| Laboratory Research Project in Biological Sciences * | ||
| Systems Neuroscience | ||
| Functional Neuroanatomy | ||
| Diseases of the Brain | ||
| Biology, Moral Behavior and Policy | ||
| Introduction to Computer Programming | ||
| Object-Oriented Software Design | ||
| Data Structures for Engineers | ||
| Data Structures and Algorithms 1 | ||
| Hardware Systems | ||
| Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence | ||
| Theory of Probability | ||
| Statistical Methods | ||
| Biostatistical Methods and Models | ||
| Logic | ||
| Metaphysics | ||
| Epistemology | ||
| Philosophy of Language | ||
| Philosophy of Mind | ||
| Philosophy of Science | ||
| Independent Study * | ||
| Psychological Measurements and Statistics | ||
| Research Methods and Designs in Psychology | ||
| Developmental Psychology: Conception Through Adolescence | ||
| Introductory Social Psychology | ||
| Cognition | ||
| Biopsychology | ||
| Affective Neuroscience | ||
| Principles of Psychological Testing | ||
| Learning and Memory | ||
| Human Factors Engineering | ||
| Independent Study in Psychology * | ||
| Self, Language and Social Interaction | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 45-51 | |
| * | Course can apply with an approved topic. |