Cognitive Science is the study of how intelligent beings (including people, animals, and machines) perceive, act, know, and think. It explores the process and content of thought as observed in individuals, distributed through communities, manifested in the structure and meaning of language, modeled by algorithms, and contemplated by philosophies of mind. Its models are formulated using concepts drawn from many disciplines, including psychology, linguistics, logic, communication sciences/disorders, computer science, anthropology, and philosophy, and they are tested using evidence from psychological experiments, clinical studies, field studies, computer simulations, and neurophysiological observation.
This program is intended to prepare students for graduate training in cognitive science and related disciplines or to work in the information sciences. The distribution requirements ensure that students will acquire a truly interdisciplinary education. The research and formal systems requirements provide basic knowledge concerning the experimental and theoretical foundations of cognitive science. Finally, majors are encouraged to learn about theory building and testing in a variety of natural and physical sciences. One way to achieve this is to fulfill the requirements of the Bachelor of Science degree.
General Requirements
The requirements for the cognitive science major include 40 2000-level or above credits, no more than 21 of which may be taken in any one department. There are several 1000-level courses that are required preparation for the 2000-level and above requirements. These courses should be taken during the first four semesters and may fulfill general education requirements.
A maximum of six 2000-level or above transfer credits may count toward the major with approval of advisor. Students must earn a grade of “C-” (1.7) or higher in each course that is counted toward the major.
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| COGS 2201 | Foundations of Cognitive Science | 3 |
| COGS 3584 | Seminar in Cognitive Science | 1 |
| 12 |
| Cognitive Anthropology | |
| Artificial Intelligence | |
| The Science of Linguistics | |
| Philosophy of Mind | |
| Cognitive Psychology | |
| Neuroscience of Cognitive and Communication Disorders | |
| 3 |
| Principles of Research in Psychology | |
| Principles of Research in Psychology |
| Introduction to Statistics II | |
| Statistical Methods (Calculus level) | |
| 3 |
| Field Research in Social Settings | |
| Cultural Research (if elected for three credits) | |
| Directed Field Research in Anthropology (if elected for three credits) | |
| Experimental Linguistics | |
| Laboratory in Animal Behavior and Learning | |
| Laboratory in Physiological Psychology | |
| Sensory Neuroscience Laboratory | |
| Laboratory in Developmental Psychology | |
| Laboratory in Cognition | |
PSYC 3551W | | |
| Laboratory in Sensation and Perception | |
| 3 |
| Coding for Cognitive Science | |
CSE 2300W | | |
| Introduction to Discrete Systems | |
| Algorithms and Complexity 1 | |
| Theory of Computation 1 | |
| Numerical Methods in Scientific Computation | |
| Introduction to Computational Linguistics 1 | |
| Phonology 1 | |
| Semantics 1 | |
| Syntax 1 | |
| Applied Linear Algebra | |
| Elementary Differential Equations | |
| Probability | |
| Abstract Linear Algebra | |
| Abstract Algebra I | |
| Symbolic Logic I | |
| Symbolic Logic II | |
| 12 |
| Human Behavioral Ecology | |
| Religion and Mind | |
| Algorithms and Complexity 1 | |
| Theory of Computation 1 | |
| Language and Racism | |
| Introduction to Computational Linguistics 1 | |
| Phonology 1 | |
| Semantics 1 | |
| Syntax 1 | |
| Language and Culture | |
| Epistemology | |
| Metaphysics | |
| Philosophy of Science | |
| Philosophy of Language | |
PHIL 3247/3247W | | |
PHIL 3249W | | |
PHIL 3256/3256W | | |
| Biology of the Brain | |
| Physiological Psychology | |
| Sensory Systems Neuroscience | |
| Learning and Memory: From Brain to Behavior | |
| Developmental Psychology | |
| Learning | |
| The History and Systems of Psychology | |
| Current Topics in Behavioral Neuroscience | |
| Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience | |
| The Psychology of Language | |
| Sensation and Perception | |
| Psychology of Consciousness | |
| Anatomy and Physiology of Speech, Hearing, and Swallowing | |
| Speech and Language Acquisition | |
| Bilingualism in Typical and Atypical Populations: Language and Cognition | |
| Introduction to Language Disorders in Children | |
SLHS 4376 | | |
| Current Topics in Developmental Psychology 2 | |
| 3-6 |
| Total Credits | 40-43 |
Competency and Writing Requirements
The exit requirement for information literacy will be met by satisfaction of the Research Methods Requirement. The exit requirements for writing in the major are met by taking any W course on the Plan of Study.
A minor in Cognitive Science is described in the “Minors” section.
University General Education Requirements
Every student must meet a set of core requirements to earn a baccalaureate degree, in addition to those required by the student's major course of study and other requirements set by the student's school or college. For more information about these requirements, please see General Education Requirements.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Degree Requirements
Students must meet a set of requirements established by the college in addition to the University's General Education requirements. For more information, see the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section of this catalog.
