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.
A minor in Cognitive Science is described in the “Minors” section.
Location
Modality
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 Common Curriculum 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 | |
| Cognitive Anthropology |
| Coding for Cognitive Science | |
| Artificial Intelligence | |
| The Science of Linguistics | |
| Philosophy of Mind | |
| Developmental Psychology | |
| Cognitive Psychology | |
| Speech and Language Acquisition | |
| Neuroscience of Cognitive and Communication Disorders | |
| 3 |
| Principles of Research in Psychology | |
| Introduction to Statistics II | |
| Statistical Methods (Calculus level) | |
| 3 |
| Field Research in Social Settings | |
| Ethnographic Methods I |
| Directed Field Research in Anthropology (if elected for three credits) | |
| Experimental Linguistics | |
| Methods in Acquisition |
| Laboratory in Animal Behavior and Learning | |
| Laboratory in Physiological Psychology | |
| Sensory Neuroscience Laboratory | |
| Laboratory in Developmental Psychology | |
| Laboratory in Cognition | |
| Laboratory in Sensation and Perception | |
| 3 |
| Data Structures and Object-Oriented Design | |
| Introduction to Discrete Systems | |
| Introduction to Computational Linguistics 1 | |
| Introduction to Computational Linguistics |
| Phonology 1 | |
| Phonology I |
| Semantics 1 | |
| Semantics I |
| Syntax 1 | |
| Advanced Introduction to Syntax |
| Applied Linear Algebra | |
| Elementary Differential Equations | |
| Probability | |
| Abstract Linear Algebra | |
| Abstract Algebra I | |
| Symbolic Logic I | |
| Symbolic Logic II | |
| Computer Modeling of Cognitive Processes 1 | |
| Current Topics in Cognitive Science |
| Computational Approaches to Language and Mind 1 | |
| 12 |
| 3-6 |
| Total Credits | 40-43 |
Advanced Courses
Select courses from at least three departments. Can include core courses not needed to satisfy the core course requirement.
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.
University Common Curriculum 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 Common Curriculum 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 Common Curriculum requirements. For more information, see the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section of this catalog.
