BodyText1
WHAT IS COGNITIVE SCIENCE?
Cognitive Science can be characterized as the interdisciplinary study of the mind as an information processor. It is a relatively new discipline that arose in the middle of the 20th century from the convergence of conceptual revolutions primarily in psychology, computer science, and linguistics. Today it also draws from fields such as philosophy, neuroscience, and anthropology. One goal of cognitive science is to determine structures and processes that underwrite cognitive tasks such as perception, memory, attention, language and motor control. A second aim is to explain how organisms come to possess such structures and processes. These two types of projects play an important role in more applied research in areas such as artificial intelligence, educational psychology, and cognitive and communication disorders.
CAREER PATHS
There is not just one career path for Cognitive Science majors. It is anticipated that most graduates of the program will seek postgraduate training to satisfy their professional aspirations. Our undergraduates have pursued a broad range of degrees at both the master's and PhD level. Examples (in alphabetical order) include: audiology, business, cognitive science, computer science, linguistics, medicine, neuroscience, nursing, occupational therapy, public health administration, speech-language pathology, philosophy, and psychology. The career one chooses is determined by his or her interests and goals. Cognitive science prepares one to pursue those goals with a solid educational foundation in human cognition and considerable skills in scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and clarity of expression. We have an excellent record of graduate placement and success.
IMPORTANT: Because admission to graduate programs is highly competitive, we strongly recommend that students maintain a 3.6 GPA or higher.
Major Requirements:
There are two parts to the Cognitive Science B.S. The first is a set of core courses required of all cognitive science majors. The second is a minimum of 21 credits in an area of specialization.
No course can be used to satisfy more than one requirement. For example, if you take PSYC314 as one of your core requirements (Advanced CGSC/PSYC), you may not use it towards your area of specialization.
Students must earn a C- or higher in all courses within the major, including those that make up the area of specialization.
However, CGSC378, CGSC379, and CGSC380 have a pre-requisite requirement of a C or better in CGSC375 or CGSC376.
600-level courses count only for those working towards an honors B.S. in Cognitive Science.
CGSC majors who are majoring or minoring in linguistics may not use the same courses to count towards both degrees or programs, with the exception of LING 101.
