Program Overview

Cognitive Science, BA: Computation and Cognition

Cognitive science is the empirical study of intelligent systems, including the human mind. An interdisciplinary science, it combines results from biology, computer science, linguistics, mathematics, neuroscience, philosophy, and psychology to the study of language processing, perception, action, learning, concept formation, inference, and other activities of the mind, with applications for information technology and the study of artificial intelligence.

Program Requirements

The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 36. Double majors may entail more course units.

Course List

• College General Education Requirements and Free Electives
  • Foundational Approaches + Sectors + Free Electives: 20
• Major Requirements
  • Core Requirement
    • COGS 1001: Introduction to Cognitive Science: 1
  • Breadth Requirement
    • Psychology: Select one of the following:
      • PSYC 0000:4999 with ACGC
      • PSYC 0000:4999 with ACGL
      • PSYC 0000:4999 with ACGN
    • Computation: Select one of the following:
      • CIS 1100: Introduction to Computer Programming
      • CIS 1200: Programming Languages and Techniques I
      • CIS 1210: Programming Languages and Techniques II
    • Language:
      • LING 0001: Introduction to Linguistics: 1
    • Philosophy: Select one of the following:
      • PHIL 1800: Philosophy of Science
      • PHIL 1810: Philosophy of Space and Time
      • PHIL 1830: Philosophy of Biology
      • PHIL 2620: Introduction to Epistemology and Metaphysics
      • PHIL 2640: Introduction to Philosophy of Mind
      • PHIL 2660: What is Meaning?
      • PHIL 2680: Introduction to Metaphysics
      • PHIL 3200: Twentieth Century Philosophy
      • PHIL 3620: Topics in Epistemology
      • PHIL 4600: Origins of Analytic Philosophy
      • PHIL 4620: Theory of Knowledge
      • PHIL 4660: Philosophy of Language
      • PHIL 4640: Philosophy of Mind
      • PHIL 4660: Philosophy of Language
      • PHIL 4770: Philosophy of Mathematics
      • PHIL 4840: Philosophy of Psychology
      • PHIL 4843: Philosophy and Visual Perception
      • PHIL 6720: Topics in Logic
      • PHIL 6770: Philosophy of Mathematics
    • Neuroscience:
      • NRSC 2249/PSYC 1230: Cognitive Neuroscience: 1
      • or NRSC/BIOL 1110/PSYC 1210: Introduction to Brain and Behavior
    • Mathematics: Select one of the following:
      • STAT 1110: Introductory Statistics
      • MATH 1400: Calculus, Part I
      • MATH 1410: Calculus, Part II
      • MATH 1510: Calculus, Part II with Probability and Matrices
  • Concentration Requirement
    • Select 9 course units of Concentration Electives (Attribute ACGC): 9
• Total Course Units: 36

Notes

• You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.
• May be taken as CIS 1400 Introduction to Cognitive Science, LING 1005 Introduction to Cognitive Science, PHIL 1840 Introduction to Cognitive Science, or PSYC 1333 Introduction to Cognitive Science.
• See COGS website for lists of approved courses.

Honors

• Required: A Minimum Overall GPA of 3.0 and 3.5 in Major Related Courses

Degree and Major Requirements

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.