Program Overview
Cognitive Studies Program
The Cognitive Studies major is designed for students who wish to become active inquirers into the processes by which people learn to think, solve problems, and reason. This major is broader in focus than a traditional psychology major, as reflected in the title of the introductory course: "Minds, Brains, Contexts, and Cultures."
Program Overview
The 33-hour major encourages the development of flexible reasoning and an awareness of how people make decisions, skills that are useful in a wide variety of careers. The Cognitive Studies major provides excellent preparation for graduate study in the social and behavioral sciences, as well as areas such as medicine and law, which place importance on inquiry and thinking.
Curriculum
The curriculum is planned to ensure that students receive a strong background in both science and the liberal arts, with an emphasis on problem-solving and complex decision-making. Courses in the core curriculum focus on various aspects of human cognition, including:
- Communication
- Cognitive development
- Basic cognitive processes
- Applications of theories of knowledge
- Sociocultural aspects of learning
Recently Offered Courses
Some of the recently offered courses in the Cognitive Studies program include:
- Minds, Brains, Contexts, and Cultures
- Music and Cognition
- Psychology of Thinking
- Creativity
- Cognitive Aspects of Human Development
- Social and Emotional Context of Cognition
- Psychology and Language
- Social and Personality Development
- Statistical Analysis
- Experimental Research Methods
- Psychology and Film
Honors Program
The Honors Program in Cognitive Studies offers qualified majors the opportunity to conduct individual research projects in collaboration with faculty members. This research experience culminates in the writing and public presentation of a senior thesis. Students who major in Cognitive Studies are eligible to apply for the Honors Program at the end of their sophomore year if they have an overall grade point average of at least 3.3 and a 3.3 in Cognitive Studies courses.
Undergraduate Research
Students have the opportunity to work directly with faculty to gain hands-on experience with research. Through working in research labs, students learn about conducting research, data analysis, and scientific writing. Cognitive Studies students make extensive use of computer technology and modern brain imaging neuroscience methods to conduct research and design cutting-edge learning opportunities for others.
Career Opportunities
Cognitive Studies graduates are well-prepared to pursue graduate studies as well as enter the job market because they have learned to generate sound new ideas and potential solutions to complex problems. They also pursue graduate studies in management, medicine, and law, as well as careers in the social and behavioral sciences, government, human resources, and education all areas where critical, original thinking is needed.
Faculty
The faculty shares common interests in psychological processes and their development, with specific interests and expertise being diverse. Some are committed to increasing our understanding of basic psychological processes, whereas others emphasize implications for clinical, social, and educational issues. Faculty are specifically involved in research focusing on human perception, cognition, and neuroscience.
Alumni Achievements
Some notable achievements of Cognitive Studies alumni include:
- Yuyue Sun (2016): Masters of Education at Harvard University
- Junyi Chu (2015): PhD program at MIT in Cognitive Sciences
- Charlotte Duncan (2015): Masters at Harvard University and now a Producer at Curriculum Associates in Los Angeles