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Cognitive Science Major

Effective Winter 2024

Advising

A three-tier advising system exists.

    • Peer advisors (Tier 1) will help majors select a major track, identify courses that suit their interests, and plan course schedules.
    • Students will meet with advisors in the major (student services staff; Tier 2) when declaring, making course substitutions, discussing transfer/study abroad credit evaluations, preparing major release forms, and more.
    • Students will meet with faculty advisors (Tier 3) for more detailed discussions about their undergraduate preparation, graduate school, and research opportunities (including possible post-graduate training opportunities). Faculty advisors are faculty in Linguistics, Philosophy, and Psychology.

Although all tracks are interdisciplinary, each has a particularly heavy concentration of courses in one of the sponsoring units, and advisors for a given track will be primarily selected from that unit:

  • Computation and Cognition
  • Decision and Cognition
  • Language and Cognition
  • Philosophy and Cognition


Advising appointments can be made here; or by contacting Weinberg-Institute@umich.edu.

Grade Policies

Cognitive Science majors must earn a grade of at least C- in all courses taken to satisfy the requirements of the major (including the major gateway/prerequisite course, COGSCI 200). 

Prerequisites

  1. Have completed or are enrolled in COGSCI 200: Introduction to Cognitive Science

  2. Prerequisites vary dependent on student's declared track. Courses used to satisfy track requirements may have additional prerequisites.

Requirements

Minimum Credits: 27

The major is structured into four tracks, each representing a major area of research within contemporary cognitive science.

Each track consists of:

  1. Three required courses
  2. Six electives
           a. Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
           b. Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks or a non-track-specific list

The combined set of students' required and elective courses must be selected from a minimum of three departments.


Computation and Cognition Track

A foundational idea of cognitive science is that mental processes are computational, and computation remains central to (but not the exclusive domain of) the field. This track requires students to take coursework in psychology and computer programming. Subsequent depth courses emphasize — although not exclusively so —computational and formal methods including machine learning, computational linguistics, rational choice theory, and mathematical psychology.

Required Track Courses

  1. PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
    OR
    PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology 

  2. EECS 281: Data Structures and Algorithms

  3. EECS 492: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
    OR
    EECS 445: Introduction to Machine Learning 
    OR
    COGSCI 445: Introduction to Machine Learning for Natural Language Processing


Electives. Choose Six electives selected from:
                  Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
                  Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks

  • CMPLXSYS 270: Agent-Based Modeling
  • CMPLXSYS 501: Introduction to Complex Systems
  • CMPLXSYS 511: Theory of CMPLXSYS
  • COGSCI / LING 209 / PSYCH 242: Language and Human Mind
  • COGSCI 497: Directed Research for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 498: Independent Study for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 499: Senior Honors Research for Cognitive Science
  • ECON 398: Strategy
  • EECS 368: Special Topics, section titled "Conversational Artificial Intelligence: Principles and Practice of Virtual Assistant AI" (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • EECS 376: Foundations of Computer Science 
  • EECS 442: Computer Vision 
  • EECS 445: Introduction to Machine Learning
  • EECS 498: Special Topics , sections titled "Reinforcement Learning" or "Deep Learning" or "Conversational Artificial Intelligence" (only if elected WN20 or later) or "Applied Machine Learning for Affective Computing" (only if elected FA23 or later) or "Ethics for AI and Robotics" (only if elected FA23 or later)
  • EECS 595 / LING 541 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • EECS / PSYCH 644: Computational Modeling of Cognition (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • IOE 536: Cognitive Ergonomics
  • LING 209 / PSYCH 242 / COGSCI 209: Language and Human Mind
  • LING 347 / PSYCH 349: Talking Minds
  • LING 441: Introduction to Computational Linguistics
  • LING 442: The Anatomy of Natural Language Processing Systems
  • LING 447 / PSYCH 445: Psychology of Language
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics; section titled, "Computation and Data Science for Linguists" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • LING 541 / EECS 595 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • MATH 481: Intro Math Logic
  • PHIL 303: Symbolic Logic
  • PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
  • PHIL 383: Knowledge and Reality
  • PHIL 414: Mathematical Logic 
  • PHIL 417: Logic and Artificial Intelligence
  • PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
  • PHIL 450: Philosophy of Cognition
  • PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind
  • PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
  • PSYCH 242 / COGSCI / LING 209: Language and Human Mind
  • PSYCH 303: Res Methods in Psych
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology, section titled "Human Cognition Evolution" 
  • PSYCH 340: Topics in Cognition; section titled, Research Methods in Human Electroencephalography
  • PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology
  • PSYCH 346: Learning and Memory
  • PSYCH 347: Perception
  • PSYCH 348: Psychology of Thinking 
  • PSYCH 349 / LING 347: Talking Minds
  • PSYCH 355: Cognitive Development
  • PSYCH 445 / LING 447: Psychology of Language
  • PSYCH 448: Mathematical Psychology
  • PSYCH / EECS 644: Computational Modeling of Cognition (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • SI 388: Putting the H in HCI: Human Perception, Cognition and Mental Processes (only if elected WN19 or later)
  • SI 422: Needs Assessment and Usability Evaluation
  • SI 561 / EECS 595 / LING 541: Natural Language Processing
  • One of the following research-related classes:
    a. PSYCH 302: Research Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience
    b. PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology
    c. PSYCH 331: Research Methods in Brain, Behavior, and Cognition Science
    d. PSYCH 341: Advanced Lab in Cognitive Psychology


Decision and Cognition Track

The study of decision and choice is a lively area of contemporary cognitive science inquiry. The Decision and Cognition track provides students with sustained, cohesive instruction in a single, important content area: contemporary approaches to decision-making and choice. Students are presented with theoretical approaches to judgment and decision-making from psychology, emerging neurocircuit models of reward and reinforcement from neurobiology, algorithmic models of planning and action selection from computer science, formal approaches to rational choice (e.g., rational choice theory and game theory) from philosophy and political science, and cutting-edge approaches to understanding irrationality from behavioral economics. Critical thinking skills are honed as students learn about a well-defined content area from diverse perspectives and across multiple levels of analysis. The required courses in the Decision and Cognition track give students an introduction to historically influential approaches to decision-making drawn from three major fields. Students then have the opportunity to take coursework in a number of disciplines that approach decision-making from diverse but complementary theoretical perspectives.

Required Track Courses

  1. PHIL 361: Ethics

  2. PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
    or
    PHIL 444: Groups and Choices

  3. PSYCH 449: Decision Processes


Electives. Choose Six electives selected from: 
                  Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
                  Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks

  • CMPLXSYS 270: Agent-Based Modeling
  • CMPLXSYS 501: Introduction to Complex Systems
  • CMPLXSYS 511: Theory of CMPLXSYS
  • CMPLXSYS / POLSCI 391: Modeling Political Processes
  • COGSCI 301: Special Topics for Cognitive Science, section titled "Topics in Moral Psychology" (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • COGSCI 302: Topics in Moral Psychology (only if elected FA20 or later)
  • COGSCI 497: Directed Research for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 498: Independent Study for Cognitive Science 
  • COGSCI 499: Senior Honors Research for Cognitive Science 
  • ECON 395: Topics in Microeconomics and Microeconomic Policy, section titled "Risk and Uncertainty"
  • ECON 398: Strategy
  • ECON 409: Game Theory
  • ECON 490: Topics in Microeconomics, section titled "Behavioral Economics"
  • ECON 490: Topics in Microeconomics, section titled "Ethics in Economic Behavior"
  • EECS 281: Data Structures and Algorithms
  • EECS 498: Special Topics; section titled, "Ethics for AI and Robotics" (only if elected FA23 or later)
  • ENVIRON / PSYCH 360: Behavior and Environment (only if elected WN19 or later)
  • IOE 536: Cognitive Ergonomics
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Computation and Data Science for Linguists"
  • MATH 481: Intro Math Logic
  • MKT 313: Consumer Behavior
  • PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
  • PHIL 384: Applied Epistemology  
  • PHIL 414: Mathematical Logic 
  • PHIL 429: Ethical Analysis
  • PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
  • PHIL 444: Groups and Choices
  • PHIL 485: Philosophy of Action
  • POLSCI / CMPLXSYS 391: Modeling Political Processes
  • POLSCI 489: Advanced Topics in Contemporary Political Science, section titled "Collective Intelligence"
  • POLSCI 490: Game Theory and Formal Models
  • PPE 300: Introduction to Political Economy 
  • PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology 
  • PSYCH 303: Res Methods in Psych
  • PSYCH 314: Positive Psychology 
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology; section titled, "Human Cognitive Evolution" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 335: Introduction to Animal Behavior
  • PSYCH 336: Drugs of Abuse
  • PSYCH 340: Topics in Cognition; section titled, Research Methods in Human Electroencephalography
  • PSYCH 343: Cognitive Neuroscience of Learning and Memory (only if elected WN19 or later)
  • PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology
  • PSYCH 346: Learning and Memory
  • PSYCH 348: Psychology of Thinking
  • PSYCH 356: Educational Psychology
  • PSYCH / ENVIRON 360: Behavior and Environment (only if elected WN19 or later)
  • PSYCH 389: Psychology and Law
  • PSYCH 401: Special Problems in Psychology as a Social Science, section titled, "The Science of Happiness"  (only if elected WN19 or later)
  • PSYCH 402: Special Problems in Psychology, section titled "The Compassionate Brain"
  • PSYCH 402: Special Problems in Psychology, section titled "Decision Making in Real Life"
  • PSYCH 440: Advanced Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience section titled, "Learning & Memory" (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 443: Creativity 
  • PSYCH 446: Altruism 
  • PSYCH 448: Mathematical Psychology
  • PSYCH 449: Decision Processes
  • PSYCH 487: Current Topics in Social Psychology, section titled "Intelligence, Foolishness, and Strategic-Control" 
  • SI 388: Putting the H in HCI:  Human Perception, Cognition and Mental Processes  (only if elected WN19 or later)
  • One of the following research-related classes:
    a. PSYCH 302: Research Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience
    b. PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology
    c. PSYCH 331: Research Methods in Brain, Behavior, and Cognition Science
    d. PSYCH 341: Advanced Lab in Cognitive Psychology


Language and Cognition Track

Because human language is universal in the species and grounded in human cognition and biology, linguistic inquiry was an integral component of the cognitive science revolution. Contemporary approaches to language synthesize models and findings from multiple disciplines, and the proposed curriculum is correspondingly interdisciplinary. The Language and Cognition track gives students a solid theoretical introduction to language through required coursework in linguistics, and in the philosophy and psychology of language. Further coursework broadens the investigation of language to include topics in computational linguistics and computer science, formal methods, and language development and learning.

Required Track Courses

  1. LING 313: Sound Patterns
    OR
    LING 315: Introduction to Syntax
    OR
    LING 316: Aspects of Meaning

  2. PHIL 345: Language and Mind
    OR
    PHIL 409: Philosophy of Language
    OR
    PHIL 426/LING 426: Philosophy & Linguistic Theory

  3. LING 347/PSYCH 349: Talking Minds
    OR
    LING 209 / PSYCH 242 / COGSCI 209: Language and Human Mind


Electives. Choose Six electives selected from:
                  Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
                  Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks

  • COGSCI / LING 209 / PSYCH 242: Language and Human Mind
  • COGSCI 432: Introduction to Neurolinguistics
  • COGSCI / LING 445: Introduction to Machine Learning for Natural Language Processing (only if elected FA20 or later)
  • COGSCI 497: Directed Research for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 498: Independent Study for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 499: Senior Honors Research for Cognitive Science
  • EECS 281: Data Structures and Algorithms
  • EECS 595 / LING 541 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • LING 209 / PSYCH 242 / COGSCI 209: Language and Human Mind
  • LING 313: Sound Patterns
  • LING 315: Introduction to Syntax
  • LING 316: Aspects of Meaning
  • LING 342: Perspectives on Bilingualism
  • LING 347 / PSYCH 349: Talking Minds
  • LING 394: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Speech Errors" 
  • LING 351 / PSYCH 344: Second Language Acquisition
  • LING / PSYCH 352: Development of Language and Thought
  • LING 412: Speech Perception
  • LING 413: Speech Science 
  • LING / PHIL 426: Philosophy and Linguistic Theory
  • LING 440: Language Learnability
  • LING 441: Introduction to Computational Linguistics 
  • LING 442: The Anatomy of Natural Language Processing Systems
  • LING 446: Comparative Linguistics
  • LING 447 / PSYCH 445: Psychology of Language
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics; section titled, "Computation and Data Science for Linguists" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Language Variation and Social Cognition"
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Cognitive Interactional Perspectives on Bilingualism"
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Introduction to Neurolinguistics"
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Topics in Neurolinguistics"
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Sign language Linguistics"
  • LING 497: Capstone Seminar, section titled "Speech Perception" 
  • LING 541 / EECS 595 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
  • PHIL 345: Language and Mind
  • PHIL 409: Philosophy of Language
  • PHIL / LING 426: Philosophy and Linguistics Theory 
  • PHIL 446: Social and Political Philosophy of Language
  • PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind
  • PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognition Psychology
  • PSYCH 242 / COGSCI / LING 209: Language and Human Mind 
  • PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology; section titled, "Human Cognitive Evolution" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 340: Topics in Cognition; section titled, Research Methods in Human Electroencephalography
  • PSYCH 344 / LING 351: Second Language Acquisition
  • PSYCH 349 / LING 347: Talking Minds
  • PSYCH / LING 352: Development of Language and Thought
  • PSYCH 445 / LING 447: Psychology of Language
  • PSYCH 447: Current Topics in Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience, section titled "Analyzing Language Usage, Acquisition, and Processing"
  • SI 561 / EECS 595 / LING 541: Natural Language Processing
  • One of the following research-related classes:
    a. PSYCH 302: Research Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience
    b. PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology
    c. PSYCH 331: Research Methods in Brain, Behavior, and Cognition Science
    d. PSYCH 341: Advanced Lab in Cognitive Psychology


Philosophy and Cognition Track

There is extensive interaction between contemporary philosophy, especially philosophy of mind and ethics, and cognitive science. Philosophers have long posed fundamental questions about the nature of mind, the relationship between the mental and physical, and the nature of human agency. Cognitive science provides a rich and ever-expanding body of theory, models, and findings that are relevant to these timeless philosophical questions. The Philosophy and Cognition track requires coursework in core philosophical, formal and cognitive approaches to mind. More in-depth coursework allows students to deepen their understanding of the philosophical problems and analytical enigmas raised by language and other symbolic systems, artificial intelligence, inference and reasoning, and decision-making.

Required Track Courses

  1. PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
    OR
    PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology

  2. PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
    OR
    PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind

  3. PHIL 303: Introduction to Symbolic Logic
    OR
    PHIL 305: Introduction to Formal Philosophical Methods
    OR
    PHIL 322: The Methods of Science
    OR
    PHIL 413: Formal Philosophical Methods


Electives. Choose Six electives selected from:  
                  Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
                  Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks

  • COGSCI / LING 209 / PSYCH 242: Language and Human Mind
  • COGSCI 301: Special Topics for Cognitive Science, section titled "Topics in Moral Psychology" (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • COGSCI 302: Topics in Moral Psychology  (only if elected FA20 or later)
  • COGSCI 497: Directed Research for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 498: Independent Study for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 499: Senior Honors Research for Cognitive Science
  • EECS 281: Data Structures and Algorithms
  • EECS 498: Special Topics; section titled, "Ethics for AI and Robotics" (only if elected FA23 or later)
  • HISTORY 265: Minds and Brains in America (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • LING 209 / PSYCH 242 / COGSCI 209: Language and Human Mind
  • LING 316: Aspects of Meaning
  • LING 447 / PSYCH 445: Psychology of Language
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics; section titled, "Computation and Data Science for Linguists" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • MATH 481: Intro Math Logic
  • PHIL 303: Symbolic Logic 
  • PHIL 305: Introduction to Formal Philosophical Methods
  • PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
  • PHIL 345: Language and Mind
  • PHIL 356: Bioethics
  • PHIL 361: Ethics
  • PHIL 381: Science and Objectivity 
  • PHIL 383: Knowledge and Reality
  • PHIL 384: Applied Epistemology 
  • PHIL 413: Formal Philosophical Methods
  • PHIL 414: Mathematical Logic
  • PHIL 417: Logic and Artificial Intelligence
  • PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
  • PHIL 444: Groups and Choices (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PHIL 446: Social and Political Philosophy of Language 
  • PHIL 450: Philosophy of Cognition
  • PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind
  • PHIL 485: Philosophy of Action
  • PSYCH 242 / COGSCI / LING 209: Language and Human Mind
  • PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 314: Positive Psychology (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology, section titled, "Human Cognitive Evolution" (only if elected FA19 or later) 
  • PSYCH 340: Topics in Cognition; section titled, Research Methods in Human Electroencephalography
  • PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology
  • PSYCH 346: Learning and Memory
  • PSYCH 347: Perception
  • PSYCH 348: Psychology of Thinking
  • PSYCH 401: Special Problems in Psychology as a Social Science, section titled, "The Science of Happiness" (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 440: Advanced Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience section titled, "Learning & Memory" (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 445 / LING 447: Psychology of Language
  • PSYCH 446: Altruism 
  • PSYCH 447: Current Topics in Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience, section titled "Consciousness and Cognition"
  • PSYCH 448: Mathematical Psychology
  • One of the following research-related classes:
           a. PSYCH 302: Research Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience
           b. PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology
           c. PSYCH 331: Research Methods in Brain, Behavior, and Cognition Science
           d. PSYCH 341: Advanced Lab in Cognitive Psychology

Non-Track-Specific Electives

The list of electives below contains classes that are relevant to the study of cognitive science, but not to a specific track of the major. These may count toward the two classes allowed for each track that are not track-specific.

  • CMPLXSYS 425: Evolution in Silico (only if elected FA23 or later)
  • QMSS 201: Intro to Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences
  • QMSS 251: Computational Social Sciences
  • STATS 250: Introduction to Statistics and Data Sciences
  • STATS 280: Honors Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis (only if elected FA23 or later)

 

Constraints

Independent Study. Students may take a minimum of three credits of Independent Study (COGSCI 497 or 498) to fulfill one elective requirement or six credits (COGSCI 497 and either 498 or 499) to fulfill two elective requirements.

 

Other Department Policies

Double Majoring. Cognitive Science majors may double major in BCN, Linguistics, Neuroscience, Philosophy, Psychology, or other fields. However, to ensure that these students have devoted significant, independent effort to each major, only three courses can be counted toward both majors.

Residency

At least 5 of the 9 classes that fulfill the Cognitive Science major must be taken in residence. In residence courses are those elected on the Ann Arbor campus or at off-campus sites directed by Ann Arbor faculty. This includes STDABRD, Camp Davis, Biological Station, and Michigan-in-Washington.

Distribution Policy

No course used to fulfill a major requirement may be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement. In addition, courses in the COGSCI subject area may not be used toward the Distribution Requirement.

Honors

Honors in Cognitive Science gives students with strong academic performance the opportunity for an in-depth research experience under the close supervision of a faculty mentor. Cognitive Science students interested in pursuing Honors will submit an interest form by December of their junior year, followed by an official application in September of the following year (senior year). The Honors plan will be added to the student's major after the submission of the interest form, provided they are within range to graduate with a 3.4 GPA. The application will include a research proposal with timeline and must be signed by the faculty mentor. Applications will be reviewed by the Cognitive Science Director & Assistant Director to ensure that the project falls within cognitive science. Cognitive Science Honors students will have the option to earn independent study credit for their thesis in the Fall (COGSCI 497) and/or Winter (COGSCI 499) semesters. If a student chooses to enroll in these courses, the courses will count toward the minimum of three credits of Independent Study to fulfill one elective requirement or six credits to fulfill two elective requirements (see Independent Study constraints above). To graduate with Honors, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 and complete an approved Cognitive Science Honors Thesis.

Cognitive Science (Major) (Fall 2023)

Effective Fall 2023

Advising

A three-tier advising system exists.

    • Peer advisors (Tier 1) will help majors select a major track, identify courses that suit their interests, and plan course schedules.
    • Students will meet with advisors in the major (student services staff; Tier 2) when declaring, making course substitutions, discussing transfer/study abroad credit evaluations, preparing major release forms, and more.
    • Students will meet with faculty advisors (Tier 3) for more detailed discussions about their undergraduate preparation, graduate school, and research opportunities (including possible post-graduate training opportunities). Faculty advisors are faculty in Linguistics, Philosophy, and Psychology.

Although all tracks are interdisciplinary, each has a particularly heavy concentration of courses in one of the sponsoring units, and advisors for a given track will be primarily selected from that unit:

  • Computation and Cognition
  • Decision and Cognition
  • Language and Cognition
  • Philosophy and Cognition


Advising appointments can be made here; or by contacting Weinberg-Institute@umich.edu.

Grade Policies

Cognitive Science majors must earn a grade of at least C- in all courses taken to satisfy the requirements of the major (including the major gateway/prerequisite course, COGSCI 200). 

Prerequisites

  1. Have completed or are enrolled in COGSCI 200: Introduction to Cognitive Science

  2. Prerequisites vary dependent on student's declared track. Courses used to satisfy track requirements may have additional prerequisites.

Requirements

Minimum Credits: 27

The major is structured into four tracks, each representing a major area of research within contemporary cognitive science.

Each track consists of:

  1. Three required courses
  2. Six electives
           a. Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
           b. Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks or a non-track-specific list

The combined set of students' required and elective courses must be selected from a minimum of three departments.


Computation and Cognition Track

A foundational idea of cognitive science is that mental processes are computational, and computation remains central to (but not the exclusive domain of) the field. This track requires students to take coursework in psychology and computer programming. Subsequent depth courses emphasize — although not exclusively so —computational and formal methods including machine learning, computational linguistics, rational choice theory, and mathematical psychology.

Required Track Courses

  1. PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
    OR
    PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology 

  2. EECS 281: Data Structures and Algorithms

  3. EECS 492: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
    OR
    EECS 445: Introduction to Machine Learning 
    OR
    COGSCI 445: Introduction to Machine Learning for Natural Language Processing


Electives. Choose Six electives selected from:
                  Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
                  Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks

  • CMPLXSYS 270: Agent-Based Modeling
  • CMPLXSYS 501: Introduction to Complex Systems
  • CMPLXSYS 511: Theory of CMPLXSYS
  • COGSCI / LING 209 / PSYCH 242: Language and Human Mind
  • COGSCI 497: Directed Research for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 498: Independent Study for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 499: Senior Honors Research for Cognitive Science
  • ECON 398: Strategy
  • EECS 368: Special Topics, section titled "Conversational Artificial Intelligence: Principles and Practice of Virtual Assistant AI" (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • EECS 376: Foundations of Computer Science 
  • EECS 442: Computer Vision 
  • EECS 445: Introduction to Machine Learning
  • EECS 498: Special Topics , sections titled "Reinforcement Learning" or "Deep Learning" or "Conversational Artificial Intelligence" (only if taken Winter 2020 or later)
  • EECS 595 / LING 541 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • EECS / PSYCH 644: Computational Modeling of Cognition (only if elected WN 20 or later)
  • IOE 536: Cognitive Ergonomics
  • LING 209 / PSYCH 242 / COGSCI 209: Language and Human Mind
  • LING 347 / PSYCH 349: Talking Minds
  • LING 441: Introduction to Computational Linguistics
  • LING 442: The Anatomy of Natural Language Processing Systems
  • LING 447 / PSYCH 445: Psychology of Language
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics; section titled, "Computation and Data Science for Linguists" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • LING 541 / EECS 595 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • MATH 481: Intro Math Logic
  • PHIL 303: Symbolic Logic
  • PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
  • PHIL 383: Knowledge and Reality
  • PHIL 414: Mathematical Logic 
  • PHIL 417: Logic and Artificial Intelligence
  • PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
  • PHIL 450: Philosophy of Cognition
  • PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind
  • PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
  • PSYCH 242 / COGSCI / LING 209: Language and Human Mind
  • PSYCH 303: Res Methods in Psych
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology, section titled "Human Cognition Evolution" 
  • PSYCH 340: Topics in Cognition; section titled, Research Methods in Human Electroencephalography
  • PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology
  • PSYCH 346: Learning and Memory
  • PSYCH 347: Perception
  • PSYCH 348: Psychology of Thinking 
  • PSYCH 349 / LING 347: Talking Minds
  • PSYCH 355: Cognitive Development
  • PSYCH 445 / LING 447: Psychology of Language
  • PSYCH 448: Mathematical Psychology
  • PSYCH / EECS 644: Computational Modeling of Cognition (only if elected WN 20 or later)
  • SI 388: Putting the H in HCI: Human Perception, Cognition and Mental Processes (only if elected WN 19 or later)
  • SI 422: Needs Assessment and Usability Evaluation
  • SI 561 / EECS 595 / LING 541: Natural Language Processing
  • One of the following research-related classes:
    a. PSYCH 302: Research Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience
    b. PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology
    c. PSYCH 331: Research Methods in Brain, Behavior, and Cognition Science
    d. PSYCH 341: Advanced Lab in Cognitive Psychology


Decision and Cognition Track

The study of decision and choice is a lively area of contemporary cognitive science inquiry. The Decision and Cognition track provides students with sustained, cohesive instruction in a single, important content area: contemporary approaches to decision-making and choice. Students are presented with theoretical approaches to judgment and decision-making from psychology, emerging neurocircuit models of reward and reinforcement from neurobiology, algorithmic models of planning and action selection from computer science, formal approaches to rational choice (e.g., rational choice theory and game theory) from philosophy and political science, and cutting-edge approaches to understanding irrationality from behavioral economics. Critical thinking skills are honed as students learn about a well-defined content area from diverse perspectives and across multiple levels of analysis. The required courses in the Decision and Cognition track give students an introduction to historically influential approaches to decision-making drawn from three major fields. Students then have the opportunity to take coursework in a number of disciplines that approach decision-making from diverse but complementary theoretical perspectives.

Required Track Courses

  1. PHIL 361: Ethics

  2. PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
    or
    PHIL 444: Groups and Choices

  3. PSYCH 449: Decision Processes


Electives. Choose Six electives selected from: 
                  Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
                  Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks

  • CMPLXSYS 270: Agent-Based Modeling
  • CMPLXSYS 501: Introduction to Complex Systems
  • CMPLXSYS 511: Theory of CMPLXSYS
  • CMPLXSYS / POLSCI 391: Modeling Political Processes
  • COGSCI 301: Special Topics for Cognitive Science, section titled "Topics in Moral Psychology" (only if elected WN 20 or later)
  • COGSCI 302: Topics in Moral Psychology (only if elected FA20 or later)
  • COGSCI 497: Directed Research for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 498: Independent Study for Cognitive Science 
  • COGSCI 499: Senior Honors Research for Cognitive Science 
  • ECON 395: Topics in Microeconomics and Microeconomic Policy, section titled "Risk and Uncertainty"
  • ECON 398: Strategy
  • ECON 409: Game Theory
  • ECON 490: Topics in Microeconomics, section titled "Behavioral Economics"
  • ECON 490: Topics in Microeconomics, section titled "Ethics in Economic Behavior"
  • EECS 281: Data Structures and Algorithms
  • ENVIRON / PSYCH 360: Behavior and Environment (only if elected WN 19 or later)
  • IOE 536: Cognitive Ergonomics
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Computation and Data Science for Linguists"
  • MATH 481: Intro Math Logic
  • MKT 313: Consumer Behavior
  • PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
  • PHIL 384: Applied Epistemology  
  • PHIL 414: Mathematical Logic 
  • PHIL 429: Ethical Analysis
  • PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
  • PHIL 444: Groups and Choices
  • PHIL 485: Philosophy of Action
  • POLSCI / CMPLXSYS 391: Modeling Political Processes
  • POLSCI 489: Advanced Topics in Contemporary Political Science, section titled "Collective Intelligence"
  • POLSCI 490: Game Theory and Formal Models
  • PPE 300: Introduction to Political Economy 
  • PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology 
  • PSYCH 303: Res Methods in Psych
  • PSYCH 314: Positive Psychology 
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology; section titled, "Human Cognitive Evolution" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 335: Introduction to Animal Behavior
  • PSYCH 336: Drugs of Abuse
  • PSYCH 340: Topics in Cognition; section titled, Research Methods in Human Electroencephalography
  • PSYCH 343: Cognitive Neuroscience of Learning and Memory (only if elected WN 19 or later)
  • PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology
  • PSYCH 346: Learning and Memory
  • PSYCH 348: Psychology of Thinking
  • PSYCH 356: Educational Psychology
  • PSYCH / ENVIRON 360: Behavior and Environment (only if elected WN 19 or later)
  • PSYCH 389: Psychology and Law
  • PSYCH 401: Special Problems in Psychology as a Social Science, section titled, "The Science of Happiness"  (only if elected WN 19 or later)
  • PSYCH 402: Special Problems in Psychology, section titled "The Compassionate Brain"
  • PSYCH 402: Special Problems in Psychology, section titled "Decision Making in Real Life"
  • PSYCH 440: Advanced Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience section titled, "Learning & Memory" (only if taken Winter 2020 or later)
  • PSYCH 443: Creativity 
  • PSYCH 446: Altruism 
  • PSYCH 448: Mathematical Psychology
  • PSYCH 449: Decision Processes
  • PSYCH 487: Current Topics in Social Psychology, section titled "Intelligence, Foolishness, and Strategic-Control" 
  • SI 388: Putting the H in HCI:  Human Perception, Cognition and Mental Processes  (only if elected WN 19 or later)
  • One of the following research-related classes:
    a. PSYCH 302: Research Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience
    b. PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology
    c. PSYCH 331: Research Methods in Brain, Behavior, and Cognition Science
    d. PSYCH 341: Advanced Lab in Cognitive Psychology


Language and Cognition Track

Because human language is universal in the species and grounded in human cognition and biology, linguistic inquiry was an integral component of the cognitive science revolution. Contemporary approaches to language synthesize models and findings from multiple disciplines, and the proposed curriculum is correspondingly interdisciplinary. The Language and Cognition track gives students a solid theoretical introduction to language through required coursework in linguistics, and in the philosophy and psychology of language. Further coursework broadens the investigation of language to include topics in computational linguistics and computer science, formal methods, and language development and learning.

Required Track Courses

  1. LING 313: Sound Patterns
    OR
    LING 315: Introduction to Syntax
    OR
    LING 316: Aspects of Meaning

  2. PHIL 345: Language and Mind
    OR
    PHIL 409: Philosophy of Language
    OR
    PHIL 426/LING 426: Philosophy & Linguistic Theory

  3. LING 347/PSYCH 349: Talking Minds
    OR
    LING 209 / PSYCH 242 / COGSCI 209: Language and Human Mind


Electives. Choose Six electives selected from:
                  Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
                  Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks

  • COGSCI / LING 209 / PSYCH 242: Language and Human Mind
  • COGSCI 432: Introduction to Neurolinguistics
  • COGSCI / LING 445: Introduction to Machine Learning for Natural Language Processing (only if taken FA20 or later)
  • COGSCI 497: Directed Research for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 498: Independent Study for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 499: Senior Honors Research for Cognitive Science
  • EECS 281: Data Structures and Algorithms
  • EECS 595 / LING 541 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • LING 209 / PSYCH 242 / COGSCI 209: Language and Human Mind
  • LING 313: Sound Patterns
  • LING 315: Introduction to Syntax
  • LING 316: Aspects of Meaning
  • LING 342: Perspectives on Bilingualism
  • LING 347 / PSYCH 349: Talking Minds
  • LING 394: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Speech Errors" 
  • LING 351 / PSYCH 344: Second Language Acquisition
  • LING / PSYCH 352: Development of Language and Thought
  • LING 412: Speech Perception
  • LING 413: Speech Science 
  • LING / PHIL 426: Philosophy and Linguistic Theory
  • LING 440: Language Learnability
  • LING 441: Introduction to Computational Linguistics 
  • LING 442: The Anatomy of Natural Language Processing Systems
  • LING 446: Comparative Linguistics
  • LING 447 / PSYCH 445: Psychology of Language
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics; section titled, "Computation and Data Science for Linguists" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Language Variation and Social Cognition"
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Cognitive Interactional Perspectives on Bilingualism"
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Introduction to Neurolinguistics"
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Topics in Neurolinguistics"
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Sign language Linguistics"
  • LING 497: Capstone Seminar, section titled "Speech Perception" 
  • LING 541 / EECS 595 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
  • PHIL 345: Language and Mind
  • PHIL 409: Philosophy of Language
  • PHIL / LING 426: Philosophy and Linguistics Theory 
  • PHIL 446: Social and Political Philosophy of Language
  • PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind
  • PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognition Psychology
  • PSYCH 242 / COGSCI / LING 209: Language and Human Mind 
  • PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology; section titled, "Human Cognitive Evolution" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 340: Topics in Cognition; section titled, Research Methods in Human Electroencephalography
  • PSYCH 344 / LING 351: Second Language Acquisition
  • PSYCH 349 / LING 347: Talking Minds
  • PSYCH / LING 352: Development of Language and Thought
  • PSYCH 445 / LING 447: Psychology of Language
  • PSYCH 447: Current Topics in Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience, section titled "Analyzing Language Usage, Acquisition, and Processing"
  • SI 561 / EECS 595 / LING 541: Natural Language Processing
  • One of the following research-related classes:
    a. PSYCH 302: Research Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience
    b. PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology
    c. PSYCH 331: Research Methods in Brain, Behavior, and Cognition Science
    d. PSYCH 341: Advanced Lab in Cognitive Psychology


Philosophy and Cognition Track

There is extensive interaction between contemporary philosophy, especially philosophy of mind and ethics, and cognitive science. Philosophers have long posed fundamental questions about the nature of mind, the relationship between the mental and physical, and the nature of human agency. Cognitive science provides a rich and ever-expanding body of theory, models, and findings that are relevant to these timeless philosophical questions. The Philosophy and Cognition track requires coursework in core philosophical, formal and cognitive approaches to mind. More in-depth coursework allows students to deepen their understanding of the philosophical problems and analytical enigmas raised by language and other symbolic systems, artificial intelligence, inference and reasoning, and decision-making.

Required Track Courses

  1. PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
    OR
    PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology

  2. PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
    OR
    PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind

  3. PHIL 303: Introduction to Symbolic Logic
    OR
    PHIL 305: Introduction to Formal Philosophical Methods
    OR
    PHIL 413: Formal Philosophical Methods


Electives. Choose Six electives selected from:  
                  Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
                  Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks

  • COGSCI / LING 209 / PSYCH 242: Language and Human Mind
  • COGSCI 301: Special Topics for Cognitive Science, section titled "Topics in Moral Psychology" (only if elected WN 20 or later)
  • COGSCI 302: Topics in Moral Psychology  (only if elected FA20 or later)
  • COGSCI 497: Directed Research for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 498: Independent Study for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 499: Senior Honors Research for Cognitive Science
  • EECS 281: Data Structures and Algorithms
  • HISTORY 265: Minds and Brains in America (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • LING 209 / PSYCH 242 / COGSCI 209: Language and Human Mind
  • LING 316: Aspects of Meaning
  • LING 447 / PSYCH 445: Psychology of Language
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics; section titled, "Computation and Data Science for Linguists" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • MATH 481: Intro Math Logic
  • PHIL 303: Symbolic Logic 
  • PHIL 305: Introduction to Formal Philosophical Methods
  • PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
  • PHIL 345: Language and Mind
  • PHIL 356: Bioethics
  • PHIL 361: Ethics
  • PHIL 381: Science and Objectivity 
  • PHIL 383: Knowledge and Reality
  • PHIL 384: Applied Epistemology 
  • PHIL 413: Formal Philosophical Methods
  • PHIL 414: Mathematical Logic
  • PHIL 417: Logic and Artificial Intelligence
  • PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
  • PHIL 444: Groups and Choices (only if elected WN 20 or later)
  • PHIL 446: Social and Political Philosophy of Language 
  • PHIL 450: Philosophy of Cognition
  • PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind
  • PHIL 485: Philosophy of Action
  • PSYCH 242 / COGSCI / LING 209: Language and Human Mind
  • PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 314: Positive Psychology (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology, section titled, "Human Cognitive Evolution" (only if elected FA19 or later) 
  • PSYCH 340: Topics in Cognition; section titled, Research Methods in Human Electroencephalography
  • PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology
  • PSYCH 346: Learning and Memory
  • PSYCH 347: Perception
  • PSYCH 348: Psychology of Thinking
  • PSYCH 401: Special Problems in Psychology as a Social Science, section titled, "The Science of Happiness" (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 440: Advanced Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience section titled, "Learning & Memory" (only if taken Winter 2020 or later)
  • PSYCH 445 / LING 447: Psychology of Language
  • PSYCH 446: Altruism 
  • PSYCH 447: Current Topics in Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience, section titled "Consciousness and Cognition"
  • PSYCH 448: Mathematical Psychology
  • One of the following research-related classes:
           a. PSYCH 302: Research Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience
           b. PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology
           c. PSYCH 331: Research Methods in Brain, Behavior, and Cognition Science
           d. PSYCH 341: Advanced Lab in Cognitive Psychology

Non-Track-Specific Electives

The list of electives below contains classes that are relevant to the study of cognitive science, but not to a specific track of the major. These may count toward the two classes allowed for each track that are not track-specific.

  • QMSS 201: Intro to Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences
  • QMSS 251: Computational Social Sciences
  • STATS 250: Introduction to Statistics and Data Sciences

 

Constraints

Independent Study. Students may take a minimum of three credits of Independent Study (COGSCI 497 or 498) to fulfill one elective requirement or six credits (COGSCI 497 and either 498 or 499) to fulfill two elective requirements.

 

Other Department Policies

Double Majoring. Cognitive Science majors may double major in BCN, Linguistics, Neuroscience, Philosophy, Psychology, or other fields. However, to ensure that these students have devoted significant, independent effort to each major, only three courses can be counted toward both majors.

Residency

At least 5 of the 9 classes that fulfill the Cognitive Science major must be taken in residence. In residence courses are those elected on the Ann Arbor campus or at off-campus sites directed by Ann Arbor faculty. This includes STDABRD, Camp Davis, Biological Station, and Michigan-in-Washington.

Distribution Policy

No course used to fulfill a major requirement may be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement. In addition, courses in the COGSCI subject area may not be used toward the Distribution Requirement.

Honors

Honors in Cognitive Science gives students with strong academic performance the opportunity for an in-depth research experience under the close supervision of a faculty mentor. Cognitive Science students interested in pursuing Honors will submit an interest form by December of their junior year, followed by an official application in September of the following year (senior year). The Honors plan will be added to the student's major after the submission of the interest form, provided they are within range to graduate with a 3.4 GPA. The application will include a research proposal with timeline and must be signed by the faculty mentor. Applications will be reviewed by the Cognitive Science Director & Assistant Director to ensure that the project falls within cognitive science. Cognitive Science Honors students will have the option to earn independent study credit for their thesis in the Fall (COGSCI 497) and/or Winter (COGSCI 499) semesters. If a student chooses to enroll in these courses, the courses will count toward the minimum of three credits of Independent Study to fulfill one elective requirement or six credits to fulfill two elective requirements (see Independent Study constraints above). To graduate with Honors, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 and complete an approved Cognitive Science Honors Thesis.

Cognitive Science (Major) (Fall 2021 - Summer 2023)

Effective Fall 2021

Advising

A three-tier advising system exists.

    • Peer advisors (Tier 1) will help majors select a major track, identify courses that suit their interests, and plan course schedules.
    • Students will meet with advisors in the major (student services staff; Tier 2) when declaring, making course substitutions, discussing transfer/study abroad credit evaluations, preparing major release forms, and more.
    • Students will meet with faculty advisors (Tier 3) for more detailed discussions about their undergraduate preparation, graduate school, and research opportunities (including possible post-graduate training opportunities). Faculty advisors are faculty in Linguistics, Philosophy, and Psychology.

Although all tracks are interdisciplinary, each has a particularly heavy concentration of courses in one of the sponsoring units, and advisors for a given track will be primarily selected from that unit:

  • Computation and Cognition
  • Decision and Cognition
  • Language and Cognition
  • Philosophy and Cognition


Advising appointments can be made here; or by contacting Weinberg-Institute@umich.edu.

Grade Policies

Cognitive Science majors must earn a grade of at least C- in all courses taken to satisfy the requirements of the major (including the major gateway/prerequisite course, COGSCI 200). 

Prerequisites

  1. Have completed or are enrolled in COGSCI 200: Introduction to Cognitive Science

  2. Prerequisites vary dependent on student's declared track. Courses used to satisfy track requirements may have additional prerequisites.

Requirements

Minimum Credits: 27

The major is structured into four tracks, each representing a major area of research within contemporary cognitive science.

Each track consists of:

  1. Three required courses
  2. Six electives
           a. Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
           b. Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks or a non-track-specific list

The combined set of students' required and elective courses must be selected from a minimum of three departments.


Computation and Cognition Track

A foundational idea of cognitive science is that mental processes are computational, and computation remains central to (but not the exclusive domain of) the field. This track requires students to take coursework in psychology and computer programming. Subsequent depth courses emphasize — although not exclusively so —computational and formal methods including machine learning, computational linguistics, rational choice theory, and mathematical psychology.

Required Track Courses

  1. PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
    OR
    PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology 

  2. EECS 281: Data Structures and Algorithms

  3. EECS 492: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
    OR
    EECS 445: Introduction to Machine Learning 
    OR
    COGSCI 445: Introduction to Machine Learning for Natural Language Processing


Electives. Choose Six electives selected from:
                  Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
                  Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks

  • CMPLXSYS 270: Agent-Based Modeling
  • CMPLXSYS 501: Introduction to Complex Systems
  • CMPLXSYS 511: Theory of CMPLXSYS
  • COGSCI / LING 209 / PSYCH 242: Language and Human Mind
  • COGSCI 497: Directed Research for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 498: Independent Study for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 499: Senior Honors Research for Cognitive Science
  • ECON 398: Strategy
  • EECS 368: Special Topics, section titled "Conversational Artificial Intelligence: Principles and Practice of Virtual Assistant AI" (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • EECS 376: Foundations of Computer Science 
  • EECS 442: Computer Vision 
  • EECS 445: Introduction to Machine Learning
  • EECS 498: Special Topics , sections titled "Reinforcement Learning" or "Deep Learning" or "Conversational Artificial Intelligence" (only if taken Winter 2020 or later)
  • EECS 595 / LING 541 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • EECS / PSYCH 644: Computational Modeling of Cognition (only if elected WN 20 or later)
  • IOE 536: Cognitive Ergonomics
  • LING 209 / PSYCH 242 / COGSCI 209: Language and Human Mind
  • LING 347 / PSYCH 349: Talking Minds
  • LING 441: Introduction to Computational Linguistics
  • LING 442: The Anatomy of Natural Language Processing Systems
  • LING 447 / PSYCH 445: Psychology of Language
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics; section titled, "Computation and Data Science for Linguists" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • LING 541 / EECS 595 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • MATH 481: Intro Math Logic
  • PHIL 303: Symbolic Logic
  • PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
  • PHIL 383: Knowledge and Reality
  • PHIL 414: Mathematical Logic 
  • PHIL 417: Logic and Artificial Intelligence
  • PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
  • PHIL 450: Philosophy of Cognition
  • PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind
  • PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
  • PSYCH 242 / COGSCI / LING 209: Language and Human Mind
  • PSYCH 303: Res Methods in Psych
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology, section titled "Human Cognition Evolution" 
  • PSYCH 340: Topics in Cognition; section titled, Research Methods in Human Electroencephalography
  • PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology
  • PSYCH 346: Learning and Memory
  • PSYCH 347: Perception
  • PSYCH 348: Psychology of Thinking 
  • PSYCH 349 / LING 347: Talking Minds
  • PSYCH 355: Cognitive Development
  • PSYCH 445 / LING 447: Psychology of Language
  • PSYCH 448: Mathematical Psychology
  • PSYCH / EECS 644: Computational Modeling of Cognition (only if elected WN 20 or later)
  • SI 388: Putting the H in HCI: Human Perception, Cognition and Mental Processes (only if elected WN 19 or later)
  • SI 422: Needs Assessment and Usability Evaluation
  • SI 561 / EECS 595 / LING 541: Natural Language Processing
  • One of the following research-related classes:
    a. PSYCH 302: Research Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience
    b. PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology
    c. PSYCH 331: Research Methods in Brain, Behavior, and Cognition Science
    d. PSYCH 341: Advanced Lab in Cognitive Psychology


Decision and Cognition Track

The study of decision and choice is a lively area of contemporary cognitive science inquiry. The Decision and Cognition track provides students with sustained, cohesive instruction in a single, important content area: contemporary approaches to decision-making and choice. Students are presented with theoretical approaches to judgment and decision-making from psychology, emerging neurocircuit models of reward and reinforcement from neurobiology, algorithmic models of planning and action selection from computer science, formal approaches to rational choice (e.g., rational choice theory and game theory) from philosophy and political science, and cutting-edge approaches to understanding irrationality from behavioral economics. Critical thinking skills are honed as students learn about a well-defined content area from diverse perspectives and across multiple levels of analysis. The required courses in the Decision and Cognition track give students an introduction to historically influential approaches to decision-making drawn from three major fields. Students then have the opportunity to take coursework in a number of disciplines that approach decision-making from diverse but complementary theoretical perspectives.

Required Track Courses

  1. PHIL 361: Ethics

  2. PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
    or
    PHIL 444: Groups and Choices

  3. PSYCH 449: Decision Processes


Electives. Choose Six electives selected from: 
                  Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
                  Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks

  • CMPLXSYS 270: Agent-Based Modeling
  • CMPLXSYS 501: Introduction to Complex Systems
  • CMPLXSYS 511: Theory of CMPLXSYS
  • CMPLXSYS / POLSCI 391: Modeling Political Processes
  • COGSCI 301: Special Topics for Cognitive Science, section titled "Topics in Moral Psychology" (only if elected WN 20 or later)
  • COGSCI 302: Topics in Moral Psychology (only if elected FA20 or later)
  • COGSCI 497: Directed Research for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 498: Independent Study for Cognitive Science 
  • COGSCI 499: Senior Honors Research for Cognitive Science 
  • ECON 395: Topics in Microeconomics and Microeconomic Policy, section titled "Risk and Uncertainty"
  • ECON 398: Strategy
  • ECON 409: Game Theory
  • ECON 490: Topics in Microeconomics, section titled "Behavioral Economics"
  • ECON 490: Topics in Microeconomics, section titled "Ethics in Economic Behavior"
  • EECS 281: Data Structures and Algorithms
  • ENVIRON / PSYCH 360: Behavior and Environment (only if elected WN 19 or later)
  • IOE 536: Cognitive Ergonomics
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Computation and Data Science for Linguists"
  • MATH 481: Intro Math Logic
  • MKT 313: Consumer Behavior
  • PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
  • PHIL 384: Applied Epistemology  
  • PHIL 414: Mathematical Logic 
  • PHIL 429: Ethical Analysis
  • PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
  • PHIL 444: Groups and Choices
  • PHIL 485: Philosophy of Action
  • POLSCI / CMPLXSYS 391: Modeling Political Processes
  • POLSCI 489: Advanced Topics in Contemporary Political Science, section titled "Collective Intelligence"
  • POLSCI 490: Game Theory and Formal Models
  • PPE 300: Introduction to Political Economy 
  • PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology 
  • PSYCH 303: Res Methods in Psych
  • PSYCH 314: Positive Psychology 
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology; section titled, "Human Cognitive Evolution" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 335: Introduction to Animal Behavior
  • PSYCH 336: Drugs of Abuse
  • PSYCH 340: Topics in Cognition; section titled, Research Methods in Human Electroencephalography
  • PSYCH 343: Cognitive Neuroscience of Learning and Memory (only if elected WN 19 or later)
  • PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology
  • PSYCH 346: Learning and Memory
  • PSYCH 348: Psychology of Thinking
  • PSYCH 356: Educational Psychology
  • PSYCH / ENVIRON 360: Behavior and Environment (only if elected WN 19 or later)
  • PSYCH 389: Psychology and Law
  • PSYCH 401: Special Problems in Psychology as a Social Science, section titled, "The Science of Happiness"  (only if elected WN 19 or later)
  • PSYCH 402: Special Problems in Psychology, section titled "The Compassionate Brain"
  • PSYCH 402: Special Problems in Psychology, section titled "Decision Making in Real Life"
  • PSYCH 440: Advanced Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience section titled, "Learning & Memory" (only if taken Winter 2020 or later)
  • PSYCH 443: Creativity 
  • PSYCH 446: Altruism 
  • PSYCH 448: Mathematical Psychology
  • PSYCH 449: Decision Processes
  • PSYCH 487: Current Topics in Social Psychology, section titled "Intelligence, Foolishness, and Strategic-Control" 
  • SI 388: Putting the H in HCI:  Human Perception, Cognition and Mental Processes  (only if elected WN 19 or later)
  • One of the following research-related classes:
    a. PSYCH 302: Research Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience
    b. PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology
    c. PSYCH 331: Research Methods in Brain, Behavior, and Cognition Science
    d. PSYCH 341: Advanced Lab in Cognitive Psychology


Language and Cognition Track

Because human language is universal in the species and grounded in human cognition and biology, linguistic inquiry was an integral component of the cognitive science revolution. Contemporary approaches to language synthesize models and findings from multiple disciplines, and the proposed curriculum is correspondingly interdisciplinary. The Language and Cognition track gives students a solid theoretical introduction to language through required coursework in linguistics, and in the philosophy and psychology of language. Further coursework broadens the investigation of language to include topics in computational linguistics and computer science, formal methods, and language development and learning.

Required Track Courses

  1. LING 313: Sound Patterns
    OR
    LING 315: Introduction to Syntax
    OR
    LING 316: Aspects of Meaning

  2. PHIL 345: Language and Mind
    OR
    PHIL 409: Philosophy of Language
    OR
    PHIL 426/LING 426: Philosophy & Linguistic Theory

  3. LING 347/PSYCH 349: Talking Minds
    OR
    LING 209 / PSYCH 242 / COGSCI 209: Language and Human Mind


Electives. Choose Six electives selected from:
                  Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
                  Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks

  • COGSCI / LING 209 / PSYCH 242: Language and Human Mind
  • COGSCI / LING 445: Introduction to Machine Learning for Natural Language Processing (only if taken FA20 or later)
  • COGSCI 497: Directed Research for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 498: Independent Study for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 499: Senior Honors Research for Cognitive Science
  • EECS 281: Data Structures and Algorithms
  • EECS 595 / LING 541 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • LING 209 / PSYCH 242 / COGSCI 209: Language and Human Mind
  • LING 313: Sound Patterns
  • LING 315: Introduction to Syntax
  • LING 316: Aspects of Meaning
  • LING 342: Perspectives on Bilingualism
  • LING 347 / PSYCH 349: Talking Minds
  • LING 394: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Speech Errors" 
  • LING 351 / PSYCH 344: Second Language Acquisition
  • LING / PSYCH 352: Development of Language and Thought
  • LING 412: Speech Perception
  • LING 413: Speech Science 
  • LING / PHIL 426: Philosophy and Linguistic Theory
  • LING 440: Language Learnability
  • LING 441: Introduction to Computational Linguistics 
  • LING 442: The Anatomy of Natural Language Processing Systems
  • LING 446: Comparative Linguistics
  • LING 447 / PSYCH 445: Psychology of Language
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics; section titled, "Computation and Data Science for Linguists" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Language Variation and Social Cognition"
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Perspectives on Bilingualism"
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Introduction to Neurolinguistics"
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Topics in Neurolinguistics"
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Sign language Linguistics"
  • LING 497: Capstone Seminar, section titled "Speech Perception" 
  • LING 541 / EECS 595 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • PHIL 345: Language and Mind
  • PHIL 409: Philosophy of Language
  • PHIL / LING 426: Philosophy and Linguistics Theory 
  • PHIL 446: Social and Political Philosophy of Language
  • PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind
  • PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognition Psychology
  • PSYCH 242 / COGSCI / LING 209: Language and Human Mind 
  • PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology; section titled, "Human Cognitive Evolution" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 340: Topics in Cognition; section titled, Research Methods in Human Electroencephalography
  • PSYCH 344 / LING 351: Second Language Acquisition
  • PSYCH 349 / LING 347: Talking Minds
  • PSYCH / LING 352: Development of Language and Thought
  • PSYCH 445 / LING 447: Psychology of Language
  • PSYCH 447: Current Topics in Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience, section titled "Analyzing Language Usage, Acquisition, and Processing"
  • SI 561 / EECS 595 / LING 541: Natural Language Processing
  • One of the following research-related classes:
    a. PSYCH 302: Research Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience
    b. PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology
    c. PSYCH 331: Research Methods in Brain, Behavior, and Cognition Science
    d. PSYCH 341: Advanced Lab in Cognitive Psychology


Philosophy and Cognition Track

There is extensive interaction between contemporary philosophy, especially philosophy of mind and ethics, and cognitive science. Philosophers have long posed fundamental questions about the nature of mind, the relationship between the mental and physical, and the nature of human agency. Cognitive science provides a rich and ever-expanding body of theory, models, and findings that are relevant to these timeless philosophical questions. The Philosophy and Cognition track requires coursework in core philosophical, formal and cognitive approaches to mind. More in-depth coursework allows students to deepen their understanding of the philosophical problems and analytical enigmas raised by language and other symbolic systems, artificial intelligence, inference and reasoning, and decision-making.

Required Track Courses

  1. PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
    OR
    PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology

  2. PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
    OR
    PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind

  3. PHIL 303: Introduction to Symbolic Logic
    OR
    PHIL 305: Introduction to Formal Philosophical Methods
    OR
    PHIL 413: Formal Philosophical Methods


Electives. Choose Six electives selected from:  
                  Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
                  Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks

  • COGSCI / LING 209 / PSYCH 242: Language and Human Mind
  • COGSCI 301: Special Topics for Cognitive Science, section titled "Topics in Moral Psychology" (only if elected WN 20 or later)
  • COGSCI 302: Topics in Moral Psychology  (only if elected FA20 or later)
  • COGSCI 497: Directed Research for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 498: Independent Study for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 499: Senior Honors Research for Cognitive Science
  • EECS 281: Data Structures and Algorithms
  • HISTORY 265: Minds and Brains in America (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • LING 209 / PSYCH 242 / COGSCI 209: Language and Human Mind
  • LING 316: Aspects of Meaning
  • LING 447 / PSYCH 445: Psychology of Language
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics; section titled, "Computation and Data Science for Linguists" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • MATH 481: Intro Math Logic
  • PHIL 303: Symbolic Logic 
  • PHIL 305: Introduction to Formal Philosophical Methods
  • PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
  • PHIL 345: Language and Mind
  • PHIL 356: Bioethics
  • PHIL 361: Ethics
  • PHIL 381: Science and Objectivity 
  • PHIL 383: Knowledge and Reality
  • PHIL 384: Applied Epistemology 
  • PHIL 413: Formal Philosophical Methods
  • PHIL 414: Mathematical Logic
  • PHIL 417: Logic and Artificial Intelligence
  • PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
  • PHIL 444: Groups and Choices (only if elected WN 20 or later)
  • PHIL 446: Social and Political Philosophy of Language 
  • PHIL 450: Philosophy of Cognition
  • PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind
  • PHIL 485: Philosophy of Action
  • PSYCH 242 / COGSCI / LING 209: Language and Human Mind
  • PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 314: Positive Psychology (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology, section titled, "Human Cognitive Evolution" (only if elected FA19 or later) 
  • PSYCH 340: Topics in Cognition; section titled, Research Methods in Human Electroencephalography
  • PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology
  • PSYCH 346: Learning and Memory
  • PSYCH 347: Perception
  • PSYCH 348: Psychology of Thinking
  • PSYCH 401: Special Problems in Psychology as a Social Science, section titled, "The Science of Happiness" (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 440: Advanced Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience section titled, "Learning & Memory" (only if taken Winter 2020 or later)
  • PSYCH 445 / LING 447: Psychology of Language
  • PSYCH 446: Altruism 
  • PSYCH 447: Current Topics in Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience, section titled "Consciousness and Cognition"
  • PSYCH 448: Mathematical Psychology
  • One of the following research-related classes:
           a. PSYCH 302: Research Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience
           b. PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology
           c. PSYCH 331: Research Methods in Brain, Behavior, and Cognition Science
           d. PSYCH 341: Advanced Lab in Cognitive Psychology

Non-Track-Specific Electives

The list of electives below contains classes that are relevant to the study of cognitive science, but not to a specific track of the major. These may count toward the two classes allowed for each track that are not track-specific.

  • QMSS 201: Intro to Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences
  • QMSS 251: Computational Social Sciences
  • STATS 250: Introduction to Statistics and Data Sciences

 

Constraints

Independent Study. Students may take a minimum of three credits of Independent Study (COGSCI 497 or 498) to fulfill one elective requirement or six credits (COGSCI 497 and either 498 or 499) to fulfill two elective requirements.

 

Other Department Policies

Double Majoring. Cognitive Science majors may double major in BCN, Linguistics, Neuroscience, Philosophy, Psychology, or other fields. However, to ensure that these students have devoted significant, independent effort to each major, only three courses can be counted toward both majors.

Residency

At least 5 of the 9 classes that fulfill the Cognitive Science major must be taken in residence. In residence courses are those elected on the Ann Arbor campus or at off-campus sites directed by Ann Arbor faculty. This includes STDABRD, Camp Davis, Biological Station, and Michigan-in-Washington.

Distribution Policy

No course used to fulfill a major requirement may be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement. In addition, courses in the COGSCI subject area may not be used toward the Distribution Requirement.

Honors

Honors in Cognitive Science gives students with strong academic performance the opportunity for an in-depth research experience under the close supervision of a faculty mentor. Cognitive Science students interested in pursuing Honors will submit an interest form by December of their junior year, followed by an official application in September of the following year (senior year). The Honors plan will be added to the student's major after the submission of the interest form, provided they are within range to graduate with a 3.4 GPA. The application will include a research proposal with timeline and must be signed by the faculty mentor. Applications will be reviewed by the Cognitive Science Director & Assistant Director to ensure that the project falls within cognitive science. Cognitive Science Honors students will have the option to earn independent study credit for their thesis in the Fall (COGSCI 497) and/or Winter (COGSCI 499) semesters. If a student chooses to enroll in these courses, the courses will count toward the minimum of three credits of Independent Study to fulfill one elective requirement or six credits to fulfill two elective requirements (see Independent Study constraints above). To graduate with Honors, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 and complete an approved Cognitive Science Honors Thesis.

Cognitive Science (Major) (Fall 2020 - Summer 2021)

Effective Fall 2020

Advising

A three-tier advising system exists.

    • Peer advisors (Tier 1) will help majors select a major track, identify courses that suit their interests, and plan course schedules.
    • Students will meet with advisors in the major (student services staff; Tier 2) when declaring, making course substitutions, discussing transfer/study abroad credit evaluations, preparing major release forms, and more.
    • Students will meet with faculty advisors (Tier 3) for more detailed discussions about their undergraduate preparation, graduate school, and research opportunities (including possible post-graduate training opportunities). Faculty advisors are faculty in Linguistics, Philosophy, and Psychology.

Although all tracks are interdisciplinary, each has a particularly heavy concentration of courses in one of the sponsoring units, and advisors for a given track will be primarily selected from that unit:

  • Computation and Cognition
  • Decision and Cognition
  • Language and Cognition
  • Philosophy and Cognition


Advising appointments can be made here; or by contacting Weinberg-Institute@umich.edu.

Grade Policies

Cognitive Science majors must earn a grade of at least C- in all courses taken to satisfy the requirements of the major (including the major gateway/prerequisite course, COGSCI 200). 

Prerequisites

  1. Have completed or are enrolled in COGSCI 200: Introduction to Cognitive Science

  2. Prerequisites vary dependent on student's declared track. Courses used to satisfy track requirements may have additional prerequisites.

Requirements

Minimum Credits: 27

The major is structured into four tracks, each representing a major area of research within contemporary cognitive science.

Each track consists of:

  1. Three required courses
  2. Six electives
           a. Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
           b. Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks

The combined set of students' required and elective courses must be selected from a minimum of three departments.


Computation and Cognition Track

A foundational idea of cognitive science is that mental processes are computational, and computation remains central to (but not the exclusive domain of) the field. This track requires students to take coursework in psychology and computer programming. Subsequent depth courses emphasize — although not exclusively so —computational and formal methods including machine learning, computational linguistics, rational choice theory, and mathematical psychology.

Required Track Courses

  1. PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
    OR
    PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology 

  2. EECS 281: Data Structures and Algorithms

  3. EECS 492: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
    OR
    EECS 445: Introduction to Machine Learning 
    OR
    COGSCI / LING 445: Introduction to Machine Learning for Natural Language Processing


Electives. Choose Six electives selected from:
                  Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
                  Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks

  • CMPLXSYS 270: Agent-Based Modeling
  • CMPLXSYS 425: Evolution in Silico (only if elected FA21 or later)
  • CMPLXSYS 501: Introduction to Complex Systems
  • CMPLXSYS 511: Theory of CMPLXSYS
  • COGSCI / LING 209 / PSYCH 242: Language and Human Mind
  • COGSCI 497: Directed Research for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 498: Independent Study for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 499: Senior Honors Research for Cognitive Science
  • ECON 398: Strategy
  • EECS 368: Special Topics, section titled "Conversational Artificial Intelligence: Principles and Practice of Virtual Assistant AI" (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • EECS 376: Foundations of Computer Science 
  • EECS 442: Computer Vision 
  • EECS 445: Introduction to Machine Learning
  • EECS 498: Special Topics , sections titled "Reinforcement Learning" or "Deep Learning" or "Conversational Artificial Intelligence" (only if elected Winter 2020 or later) or "Applied Machine Learning for Affective Computing" (only if elected FA21 or later) or "Ethics for AI and Robotics" (only if elected FA21 or later)
  • EECS 595 / LING 541 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • EECS / PSYCH 644: Computational Modeling of Cognition (only if elected WN 20 or later)
  • IOE 536: Cognitive Ergonomics
  • LING 209 / PSYCH 242 / COGSCI 209: Language and Human Mind
  • LING 347 / PSYCH 349: Talking Minds
  • LING 441: Introduction to Computational Linguistics
  • LING 442: The Anatomy of Natural Language Processing Systems
  • LING 447 / PSYCH 445: Psychology of Language
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics; section titled, "Computation and Data Science for Linguists" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • LING 541 / EECS 595 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • MATH 481: Intro Math Logic
  • PHIL 303: Symbolic Logic
  • PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
  • PHIL 383: Knowledge and Reality
  • PHIL 414: Mathematical Logic
  • PHIL 417: Logic & Artificial Intelligence
  • PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
  • PHIL 450: Philosophy of Cognition
  • PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind
  • PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
  • PSYCH 242 / COGSCI / LING 209: Language and Human Mind
  • PSYCH 303: Res Methods in Psych
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology, section titled "Human Cognition Evolution"  or "Introduction to Neural Circuits" 
  • PSYCH 340: Topics in Cognition, #2 Research Methods in human Electroencephalography
  • PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology
  • PSYCH 346: Learning and Memory
  • PSYCH 347: Perception
  • PSYCH 348: Psychology of Thinking 
  • PSYCH 349 / LING 347: Talking Minds
  • PSYCH 355: Cognitive Development
  • PSYCH 445 / LING 447: Psychology of Language
  • PSYCH 448: Mathematical Psychology
  • PSYCH / EECS 644: Computational Modeling of Cognition (only if elected WN 20 or later)
  • SI 388: Putting the H in HCI: Human Perception, Cognition and Mental Processes (only if elected WN 19 or later)
  • SI 422: Needs Assessment and Usability Evaluation
  • SI 561 / EECS 595 / LING 541: Natural Language Processing


Decision and Cognition Track

The study of decision and choice is a lively area of contemporary cognitive science inquiry. The Decision and Cognition track provides students with sustained, cohesive instruction in a single, important content area: contemporary approaches to decision-making and choice. Students are presented with theoretical approaches to judgment and decision-making from psychology, emerging neurocircuit models of reward and reinforcement from neurobiology, algorithmic models of planning and action selection from computer science, formal approaches to rational choice (e.g., rational choice theory and game theory) from philosophy and political science, and cutting-edge approaches to understanding irrationality from behavioral economics. Critical thinking skills are honed as students learn about a well-defined content area from diverse perspectives and across multiple levels of analysis. The required courses in the Decision and Cognition track give students an introduction to historically influential approaches to decision-making drawn from three major fields. Students then have the opportunity to take coursework in a number of disciplines that approach decision-making from diverse but complementary theoretical perspectives.

Required Track Courses

  1. PHIL 361: Ethics

  2. PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
    or
    PHIL 444: Groups and Choices

  3. PSYCH 449: Decision Processes


Electives. Choose Six electives selected from: 
                  Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
                  Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks

  • CMPLXSYS 270: Agent-Based Modeling
  • CMPLXSYS 501: Introduction to Complex Systems
  • CMPLXSYS 511: Theory of CMPLXSYS
  • CMPLXSYS / POLSCI 391: Modeling Political Processes
  • COGSCI 301: Special Topics for Cognitive Science, section titled "Topics in Moral Psychology" (only if elected WN 20 or later)
  • COGSCI 302: Topics in Moral Psychology (only if elected FA20 or later)
  • COGSCI 497: Directed Research for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 498: Independent Study for Cognitive Science 
  • COGSCI 499: Senior Honors Research for Cognitive Science 
  • ECON 395: Topics in Microeconomics and Microeconomic Policy, section titled "Risk and Uncertainty"
  • ECON 398: Strategy
  • ECON 409: Game Theory
  • ECON 490: Topics in Microeconomics, section titled "Behavioral Economics"
  • ECON 490: Topics in Microeconomics, section titled "Ethics in Economic Behavior"
  • EECS 498: Special Topics, section titled "Ethics for AI and Robotics" (only if elected FA21 or later)
  • ENVIRON / PSYCH 360: Behavior and Environment (only if elected WN 19 or later)
  • IOE 536: Cognitive Ergonomics
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Computation and Data Science for Linguists"
  • MATH 481: Intro Math Logic
  • MKT 313: Consumer Behavior
  • MO 410: Collective Intelligence (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
  • PHIL 384: Applied Epistemology  
  • PHIL 414: Mathematical Logic 
  • PHIL 429: Ethical Analysis
  • PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
  • PHIL 444: Groups and Choices
  • PHIL 485: Philosophy of Action
  • POLSCI / CMPLXSYS 391: Modeling Political Processes
  • POLSCI 489: Advanced Topics in Contemporary Political Science, section titled "Collective Intelligence"
  • POLSCI 490: Game Theory and Formal Models
  • PPE 300: Introduction to Political Economy 
  • PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology 
  • PSYCH 303: Res Methods in Psych
  • PSYCH 314: Positive Psychology 
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology; section titled, "Human Cognitive Evolution" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 340: Topics in Cognition, #2 Research Methods in human Electroencephalography
  • PSYCH 335: Introduction to Animal Behavior
  • PSYCH 336: Drugs of Abuse, Brain and Behavior (only if elected WN21 or later)
  • PSYCH 343: Cognitive Neuroscience of Learning and Memory (only if elected WN 19 or later)
  • PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology
  • PSYCH 346: Learning and Memory
  • PSYCH 348: Psychology of Thinking
  • PSYCH 356: Educational Psychology (only if elected WN21 or later)
  • PSYCH / ENVIRON 360: Behavior and Environment (only if elected WN 19 or later)
  • PSYCH 389: Psychology and Law
  • PSYCH 401: Special Problems in Psychology as a Social Science, section titled, "The Science of Happiness"  (only if elected WN 19 or later)
  • PSYCH 402: Special Problems in Psychology, section titled "The Compassionate Brain"
  • PSYCH 402: Special Problems in Psychology, section titled "Decision Making in Real Life"
  • PSYCH 440: Advanced Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience section titled, "Learning & Memory" (only if elected Winter 2020 or later)
  • PSYCH 443: Creativity 
  • PSYCH 446: Altruism 
  • PSYCH 448: Mathematical Psychology
  • PSYCH 449: Decision Processes
  • PSYCH 487: Current Topics in Social Psychology, section titled "Intelligence, Foolishness, and Strategic-Control" 
  • SI 388: Putting the H in HCI:  Human Perception, Cognition and Mental Processes  (only if elected WN 19 or later)


Language and Cognition Track

Because human language is universal in the species and grounded in human cognition and biology, linguistic inquiry was an integral component of the cognitive science revolution. Contemporary approaches to language synthesize models and findings from multiple disciplines, and the proposed curriculum is correspondingly interdisciplinary. The Language and Cognition track gives students a solid theoretical introduction to language through required coursework in linguistics, and in the philosophy and psychology of language. Further coursework broadens the investigation of language to include topics in computational linguistics and computer science, formal methods, and language development and learning.

Required Track Courses

  1. LING 313: Sound Patterns
    OR
    LING 315: Introduction to Syntax
    OR
    LING 316: Aspects of Meaning

  2. PHIL 345: Language and Mind
    OR
    PHIL 409: Philosophy of Language
    OR
    PHIL 426/LING 426: Philosophy & Linguistic Theory

  3. LING 347/PSYCH 349: Talking Minds
    OR
    LING 209 / PSYCH 242 / COGSCI 209: Language and Human Mind


Electives. Choose Six electives selected from:
                  Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
                  Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks

  • COGSCI / LING 209 / PSYCH 242: Language and Human Mind
  • COGSCI / LING 445: Introduction to Machine Learning for Natural Language Processing (only if elected FA20 or later)
  • COGSCI 497: Directed Research for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 498: Independent Study for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 499: Senior Honors Research for Cognitive Science
  • EECS 595 / LING 541 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • LING 209 / PSYCH 242 / COGSCI 209: Language and Human Mind
  • LING 313: Sound Patterns
  • LING 315: Introduction to Syntax
  • LING 316: Aspects of Meaning
  • LING 342: Perspectives on Bilingualism
  • LING 347 / PSYCH 349: Talking Minds
  • LING 394: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Speech Errors" 
  • LING 351 / PSYCH 344: Second Language Acquisition
  • LING / PSYCH 352: Development of Language and Thought
  • LING 412: Speech Perception
  • LING 413: Speech Science 
  • LING / PHIL 426: Philosophy and Linguistic Theory
  • LING 440: Language Learnability
  • LING 441: Introduction to Computational Linguistics 
  • LING 442: The Anatomy of Natural Language Processing Systems
  • LING 446: Comparative Linguistics
  • LING 447 / PSYCH 445: Psychology of Language
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics; section titled, "Computation and Data Science for Linguists" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Language Variation and Social Cognition"
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Perspectives on Bilingualism"
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Introduction to Neurolinguistics"
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Topics in Neurolinguistics"
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Sign language Linguistics"
  • LING 497: Capstone Seminar, section titled "Speech Perception" 
  • LING 541 / EECS 595 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • PHIL 345: Language and Mind
  • PHIL 409: Philosophy of Language
  • PHIL / LING 426: Philosophy and Linguistics Theory 
  • PHIL 446: Social and Political Philosophy of Language
  • PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind
  • PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognition Psychology
  • PSYCH 242 / COGSCI / LING 209: Language and Human Mind 
  • PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology; section titled, "Human Cognitive Evolution" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 340: Topics in Cognition, #2 Research Methods in human Electroencephalography
  • PSYCH 344 / LING 351: Second Language Acquisition
  • PSYCH 349 / LING 347: Talking Minds
  • PSYCH / LING 352: Development of Language and Thought
  • PSYCH 445 / LING 447: Psychology of Language
  • PSYCH 447: Current Topics in Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience, section titled "Analyzing Language Usage, Acquisition, and Processing"
  • SI 561 / EECS 595 / LING 541: Natural Language Processing


Philosophy and Cognition Track

There is extensive interaction between contemporary philosophy, especially philosophy of mind and ethics, and cognitive science. Philosophers have long posed fundamental questions about the nature of mind, the relationship between the mental and physical, and the nature of human agency. Cognitive science provides a rich and ever-expanding body of theory, models, and findings that are relevant to these timeless philosophical questions. The Philosophy and Cognition track requires coursework in core philosophical, formal and cognitive approaches to mind. More in-depth coursework allows students to deepen their understanding of the philosophical problems and analytical enigmas raised by language and other symbolic systems, artificial intelligence, inference and reasoning, and decision-making.

Required Track Courses

  1. PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
    OR
    PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology

  2. PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
    OR
    PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind

  3. PHIL 303: Introduction to Symbolic Logic
    OR
    PHIL 305: Introduction to Formal Philosophical Methods
    OR
    PHIL 413: Formal Philosophical Methods


Electives. Choose Six electives selected from:  
                  Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
                  Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks

  • COGSCI / LING 209 / PSYCH 242: Language and Human Mind
  • COGSCI 301: Special Topics for Cognitive Science, section titled "Topics in Moral Psychology" (only if elected WN 20 or later)
  • COGSCI 302: Topics in Moral Psychology  (only if elected FA20 or later)
  • COGSCI 497: Directed Research for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 498: Independent Study for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 499: Senior Honors Research for Cognitive Science
  • EECS 498: Special Topics, section titled "Ethics for AI and Robotics" (only if elected FA21 or later)
  • HISTORY 265: Minds and Brains in America (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • LING 209 / PSYCH 242 / COGSCI 209: Language and Human Mind
  • LING 316: Aspects of Meaning
  • LING 447 / PSYCH 445: Psychology of Language
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics; section titled, "Computation and Data Science for Linguists" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • MATH 481: Intro Math Logic
  • PHIL 303: Symbolic Logic 
  • PHIL 305: Introduction to Formal Philosophical Methods
  • PHIL 322: The Methods of Science (only if elected FA21 or later)
  • PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
  • PHIL 345: Language and Mind
  • PHIL 356: Bioethics
  • PHIL 361: Ethics
  • PHIL 381: Science and Objectivity 
  • PHIL 383: Knowledge and Reality
  • PHIL 384: Applied Epistemology 
  • PHIL 413: Formal Philosophical Methods
  • PHIL 414: Mathematical Logic
  • PHIL 417: Logic & Artificial Intelligence
  • PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
  • PHIL 444: Groups and Choices (only if elected WN 20 or later)
  • PHIL 446: Social and Political Philosophy of Language 
  • PHIL 450: Philosophy of Cognition
  • PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind
  • PHIL 485: Philosophy of Action
  • PSYCH 242 / COGSCI / LING 209: Language and Human Mind
  • PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 314: Positive Psychology (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology, section titled, "Human Cognitive Evolution" (only if elected FA19 or later) 
  • PSYCH 340: Topics in Cognition, #2 Research Methods in human Electroencephalography
  • PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology
  • PSYCH 346: Learning and Memory
  • PSYCH 347: Perception
  • PSYCH 348: Psychology of Thinking
  • PSYCH 401: Special Problems in Psychology as a Social Science, section titled, "The Science of Happiness" (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 440: Advanced Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience section titled, "Learning & Memory" (only if elected Winter 2020 or later)
  • PSYCH 445 / LING 447: Psychology of Language
  • PSYCH 446: Altruism 
  • PSYCH 447: Current Topics in Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience, section titled "Consciousness and Cognition"
  • PSYCH 448: Mathematical Psychology

Constraints

Independent Study. Students may take a minimum of three credits of Independent Study (COGSCI 497 or 498) to fulfill one elective requirement or six credits (COGSCI 497 and either 498 or 499) to fulfill two elective requirements.

Other Department Policies

Double Majoring. Cognitive Science majors may double major in BCN, Linguistics, Neuroscience, Philosophy, Psychology, or other fields. However, to ensure that these students have devoted significant, independent effort to each major, only three courses can be counted toward both majors.

Distribution Policy

No course used to fulfill a major requirement may be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement. In addition, courses in the COGSCI subject area may not be used toward the Distribution Requirement.

Honors

Honors in Cognitive Science gives students with strong academic performance the opportunity for an in-depth research experience under the close supervision of a faculty mentor. Cognitive Science students interested in pursuing Honors will submit an interest form by December of their junior year, followed by an official application in September of the following year (senior year). The Honors plan will be added to the student's major after the submission of the interest form, provided they are within range to graduate with a 3.4 GPA. The application will include a research proposal with timeline and must be signed by the faculty mentor. Applications will be reviewed by the Cognitive Science Director & Assistant Director to ensure that the project falls within cognitive science. Cognitive Science Honors students will have the option to earn independent study credit for their thesis in the Fall (COGSCI 497) and/or Winter (COGSCI 499) semesters. If a student chooses to enroll in these courses, the courses will count toward the minimum of three credits of Independent Study to fulfill one elective requirement or six credits to fulfill two elective requirements (see Independent Study constraints above). To graduate with Honors, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 and complete an approved Cognitive Science Honors Thesis.

Cognitive Science (Major) (Fall 2019 - Summer 2020)

Effective Fall 2019

Advising

A three-tier advising system exists.

    • Peer advisors (Tier 1) will help majors select a major track, identify courses that suit their interests, and plan course schedules.
    • Students will meet with advisors in the major (student services staff; Tier 2) when declaring, making course substitutions, discussing transfer/study abroad credit evaluations, preparing major release forms, and more.
    • Students will meet with faculty advisors (Tier 3) for more detailed discussions about their undergraduate preparation, graduate school, and research opportunities (including possible post-graduate training opportunities). Faculty advisors are faculty in Linguistics, Philosophy, and Psychology.

Although all tracks are interdisciplinary, each has a particularly heavy concentration of courses in one of the sponsoring units, and advisors for a given track will be primarily selected from that unit:

  • Computation and Cognition
  • Decision and Cognition
  • Language and Cognition
  • Philosophy and Cognition


Advising appointments can be made here; or by contacting weinberg-institute@umich.edu

Grade Policies

Cognitive Science majors must earn a grade of at least C- in all courses taken to satisfy the requirements of the major (including the major gateway/prerequisite course, COGSCI 200). 

Prerequisites

  1. COGSCI 200: Introduction to Cognitive Science completed with a grade of at least C-
    Students may declare the Cognitive Science major after they have completed COGSCI 200.
  2. Each track has prerequisites for that track's core courses. Courses used to satisfy track elective requirements may have additional prerequisites.

Requirements

Minimum Credits: 27

The major is structured into four tracks, each representing a major area of research within contemporary cognitive science.

Each track consists of:

  1. Three required courses
  2. Six electives
           a. Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
           b. Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks

The combined set of students' required and elective courses must be selected from a minimum of three departments.


Computation and Cognition Track

A foundational idea of cognitive science is that mental processes are computational, and computation remains central to (but not the exclusive domain of) the field. This track requires students to take coursework in psychology and computer programming. Subsequent depth courses emphasize — although not exclusively so —computational and formal methods including machine learning, computational linguistics, rational choice theory, and mathematical psychology.

Required Track Courses

  1. PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
    OR
    PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology 

  2. EECS 281: Data Structures and Algorithms

  3. EECS 492: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
    OR
    EECS 445: Introduction to Machine Learning 
    OR
    COGSCI / LING 445: Introduction to Machine Learning for Natural Language Processing


Electives. Choose Six electives selected from:
                  Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
                  Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks

  • CMPLXSYS 270: Agent-Based Modeling
  • CMPLXSYS 425: Evolution in Silico (only if elected FA21 or later)
  • CMPLXSYS 501: Introduction to Complex Systems
  • CMPLXSYS 511: Theory of CMPLXSYS
  • COGSCI / LING 209 / PSYCH 242: Language and Human Mind
  • COGSCI 497: Directed Research for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 498: Independent Study for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 499: Senior Honors Research for Cognitive Science
  • ECON 398: Strategy
  • EECS 368: Special Topics, section titled "Conversational Artificial Intelligence: Principles and Practice of Virtual Assistant AI" (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • EECS 376: Foundations of Computer Science 
  • EECS 442: Computer Vision 
  • EECS 445: Introduction to Machine Learning
  • EECS 498: Special Topics , sections titled "Reinforcement Learning" or "Deep Learning" or "Conversational Artificial Intelligence" (only if elected Winter 2020 or later) or "Applied Machine Learning for Affective Computing" (only if elected FA21 or later) or "Ethics for AI and Robotics" (only if elected FA21 or later)
  • EECS 595 / LING 541 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • EECS / PSYCH 644: Computational Modeling of Cognition (only if elected WN 20 or later)
  • IOE 536: Cognitive Ergonomics
  • LING209 / PSYCH 242 / COGSCI 209: Language and Human Mind
  • LING 347 / PSYCH 349: Talking Minds
  • LING 441: Introduction to Computational Linguistics
  • LING 442: The Anatomy of Natural Language Processing Systems
  • LING 447 / PSYCH 445: Psychology of Language
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics; section titled, "Computation and Data Science for Linguists" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • LING 541 / EECS 595 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • PHIL 303: Symbolic Logic
  • PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
  • PHIL 383: Knowledge and Reality
  • PHIL 414: Mathematical Logic 
  • PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
  • PHIL 450: Philosophy of Cognition
  • PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind
  • PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
  • PSYCH 242 / COGSCI / LING 209: Language and Human Mind
  • PSYCH 303: Res Methods in Psych
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology, section titled "Human Cognition Evolution"  or "Introduction to Neural Circuits" (only if elected FA20 or later)
  • PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology
  • PSYCH 346: Learning and Memory
  • PSYCH 347: Perception
  • PSYCH 348: Psychology of Thinking 
  • PSYCH 349 / LING 347: Talking Minds
  • PSYCH 355: Cognitive Development
  • PSYCH 445 / LING 447: Psychology of Language
  • PSYCH 448: Mathematical Psychology
  • PSYCH / EECS 644: Computational Modeling of Cognition (only if elected WN 20 or later)
  • SI 388: Putting the H in HCI: Human Perception, Cognition and Mental Processes (only if elected WN 19 or later)
  • SI 422: Needs Assessment and Usability Evaluation
  • SI 561 / EECS 595 / LING 541: Natural Language Processing


Decision and Cognition Track

The study of decision and choice is a lively area of contemporary cognitive science inquiry. The Decision and Cognition track provides students with sustained, cohesive instruction in a single, important content area: contemporary approaches to decision-making and choice. Students are presented with theoretical approaches to judgment and decision-making from psychology, emerging neurocircuit models of reward and reinforcement from neurobiology, algorithmic models of planning and action selection from computer science, formal approaches to rational choice (e.g., rational choice theory and game theory) from philosophy and political science, and cutting-edge approaches to understanding irrationality from behavioral economics. Critical thinking skills are honed as students learn about a well-defined content area from diverse perspectives and across multiple levels of analysis. The required courses in the Decision and Cognition track give students an introduction to historically influential approaches to decision-making drawn from three major fields. Students then have the opportunity to take coursework in a number of disciplines that approach decision-making from diverse but complementary theoretical perspectives.

Required Track Courses

  1. PHIL 361: Ethics

  2. PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
    or
    PHIL 444: Groups and Choices

  3. PSYCH 449: Decision Processes


Electives. Choose Six electives selected from: 
                  Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
                  Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks

  • CMPLXSYS 270: Agent-Based Modeling
  • CMPLXSYS 501: Introduction to Complex Systems
  • CMPLXSYS 511: Theory of CMPLXSYS
  • CMPLXSYS / POLSCI 391: Modeling Political Processes
  • COGSCI 301: Special Topics for Cognitive Science, section titled "Topics in Moral Psychology" (only if elected WN 20 or later)
  • COGSCI 302: Topics in Moral Psychology (only if elected FA 20 or later)
  • COGSCI 497: Directed Research for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 498: Independent Study for Cognitive Science 
  • COGSCI 499: Senior Honors Research for Cognitive Science 
  • ECON 395: Topics in Microeconomics and Microeconomic Policy, section titled "Risk and Uncertainty"
  • ECON 398: Strategy
  • ECON 409: Game Theory
  • ECON 490: Topics in Microeconomics, section titled "Behavioral Economics"
  • ECON 490: Topics in Microeconomics, section titled "Ethics in Economic Behavior"
  • EECS 498: Special Topics, section titled "Ethics for AI and Robotics" (only if elected FA21 or later)
  • ENVIRON / PSYCH 360: Behavior and Environment (only if elected WN 19 or later)
  • IOE 536: Cognitive Ergonomics
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Computation and Data Science for Linguists"
  • MO 410: Collective Intelligence (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • MKT 313: Consumer Behavior
  • PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
  • PHIL 384: Applied Epistemology  
  • PHIL 414: Mathematical Logic 
  • PHIL 429: Ethical Analysis
  • PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
  • PHIL 444: Groups and Choices
  • PHIL 485: Philosophy of Action
  • POLSCI / CMPLXSYS 391: Modeling Political Processes
  • POLSCI 489: Advanced Topics in Contemporary Political Science, section titled "Collective Intelligence"
  • POLSCI 490: Game Theory and Formal Models
  • PPE 300: Introduction to Political Economy 
  • PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology 
  • PSYCH 303: Res Methods in Psych
  • PSYCH 314: Positive Psychology 
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology; section titled, "Human Cognitive Evolution" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 335: Introduction to Animal Behavior
  • PSYCH 336: Drugs of Abuse, Brain and Behavior (only if elected WN21 or later)
  • PSYCH 343: Cognitive Neuroscience of Learning and Memory (only if elected WN 19 or later)
  • PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology
  • PSYCH 346: Learning and Memory
  • PSYCH 348: Psychology of Thinking
  • PSYCH 356: Educational Psychology (only if elected WN21 or later)
  • PSYCH / ENVIRON 360: Behavior and Environment (only if elected WN 19 or later)
  • PSYCH 389: Psychology and Law
  • PSYCH 401: Special Problems in Psychology as a Social Science, section titled, "The Science of Happiness"  (only if elected WN 19 or later)
  • PSYCH 402: Special Problems in Psychology, section titled "The Compassionate Brain"
  • PSYCH 402: Special Problems in Psychology, section titled "Decision Making in Real Life"
  • PSYCH 440:  Advanced Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience, section titled "Learning & Memory" (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 443: Creativity 
  • PSYCH 446: Altruism 
  • PSYCH 448: Mathematical Psychology
  • PSYCH 449: Decision Processes
  • PSYCH 487: Current Topics in Social Psychology, section titled "Intelligence, Foolishness, and Strategic-Control" 
  • SI 388: Putting the H in HCI:  Human Perception, Cognition and Mental Processes  (only if elected WN 19 or later)


Language and Cognition Track

Because human language is universal in the species and grounded in human cognition and biology, linguistic inquiry was an integral component of the cognitive science revolution. Contemporary approaches to language synthesize models and findings from multiple disciplines, and the proposed curriculum is correspondingly interdisciplinary. The Language and Cognition track gives students a solid theoretical introduction to language through required coursework in linguistics, and in the philosophy and psychology of language. Further coursework broadens the investigation of language to include topics in computational linguistics and computer science, formal methods, and language development and learning.

Required Track Courses

  1. LING 313: Sound Patterns
    OR
    LING 315: Introduction to Syntax
    OR
    LING 316: Aspects of Meaning

  2. PHIL 345: Language and Mind
    OR
    PHIL 409: Philosophy of Language
    OR
    PHIL 426/LING 426: Philosophy & Linguistic Theory

  3. LING 347/PSYCH 349: Talking Minds
    OR
    LING 209 / PSYCH 242 / COGSCI 209: Language and Human Mind


Electives. Choose Six electives selected from:
                  Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
                  Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks

  • COGSCI / LING 209 / PSYCH 242: Language and Human Mind
  • COGSCI / LING 445: Introduction to Machine Learning for Natural Language Processing (only if elected FA20 or later)
  • COGSCI 497: Directed Research for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 498: Independent Study for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 499: Senior Honors Research for Cognitive Science
  • EECS 595 / LING 541 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • LING 209 / PSYCH 242 / COGSCI 209: Language and Human Mind
  • LING 313: Sound Patterns
  • LING 315: Introduction to Syntax
  • LING 316: Aspects of Meaning
  • LING 342: Perspectives on Bilingualism
  • LING 347 / PSYCH 349: Talking Minds
  • LING 394: Topics in Linguistics, section titled "Speech Errors" 
  • LING 351 / PSYCH 344: Second Language Acquisition
  • LING / PSYCH 352: Development of Language and Thought
  • LING 412: Speech Perception
  • LING 413: Speech Science 
  • LING / PHIL 426: Philosophy and Linguistic Theory
  • LING 440: Language Learnability
  • LING 441: Introduction to Computational Linguistics 
  • LING 442: The Anatomy of Natural Language Processing Systems
  • LING 446: Comparative Linguistics
  • LING 447 / PSYCH 445: Psychology of Language
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, sections titled "Language Variation and Social Cognition" or "Perspectives on Bilingualism" or "Introduction to Neurolinguistics" or "Topics in Neurolinguistics" or "Sign language Linguistics"  or "Computation and Data Science for Linguistics" (only if elected FA19 or later).
  • LING 497: Capstone Seminar, section titled "Speech Perception" 
  • LING 541 / EECS 595 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • PHIL 345: Language and Mind
  • PHIL 409: Philosophy of Language
  • PHIL / LING 426: Philosophy and Linguistics Theory 
  • PHIL 446: Social and Political Philosophy of Language
  • PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind
  • PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognition Psychology
  • PSYCH 242 / COGSCI / LING 209: Language and Human Mind 
  • PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology; section titled, "Human Cognitive Evolution" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 344 / LING 351: Second Language Acquisition
  • PSYCH 349 / LING 347: Talking Minds
  • PSYCH / LING 352: Development of Language and Thought
  • PSYCH 445 / LING 447: Psychology of Language
  • PSYCH 447: Current Topics in Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience, section titled "Analyzing Language Usage, Acquisition, and Processing"
  • SI 561 / EECS 595 / LING 541: Natural Language Processing


Philosophy and Cognition Track

There is extensive interaction between contemporary philosophy, especially philosophy of mind and ethics, and cognitive science. Philosophers have long posed fundamental questions about the nature of mind, the relationship between the mental and physical, and the nature of human agency. Cognitive science provides a rich and ever-expanding body of theory, models, and findings that are relevant to these timeless philosophical questions. The Philosophy and Cognition track requires coursework in core philosophical, formal and cognitive approaches to mind. More in-depth coursework allows students to deepen their understanding of the philosophical problems and analytical enigmas raised by language and other symbolic systems, artificial intelligence, inference and reasoning, and decision-making.

Required Track Courses

  1. PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
    OR
    PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology

  2. PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
    OR
    PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind

  3. PHIL 303: Introduction to Symbolic Logic
    OR
    PHIL 305: Introduction to Formal Philosophical Methods


Electives. Choose Six electives selected from:  
                  Four elective courses chosen from a track-specific list
                  Two elective courses from any of the Cognitive Science tracks

  • COGSCI / LING 209 / PSYCH 242: Language and Human Mind
  • COGSCI 301: Special Topics for Cognitive Science, section titled "Topics in Moral Psychology" (only if elected WN 20 or later)
  • COGSCI 302: Topics in Moral Psychology (only if elected FA 20 or later)
  • COGSCI 497: Directed Research for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 498: Independent Study for Cognitive Science
  • COGSCI 499: Senior Honors Research for Cognitive Science
  • EECS 498: Special Topics, section titled "Ethics for AI and Robotics" (only if elected FA21 or later)
  • HISTORY 265: Minds & Brains in the U.S. (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • LING 209 / PSYCH 242 / COGSCI 209: Language and Human Mind
  • LING 316: Aspects of Meaning
  • LING 447 / PSYCH 445: Psychology of Language
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics; section titled, "Computation and Data Science for Linguists" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PHIL 303: Symbolic Logic 
  • PHIL 305: Introduction to Formal Philosophical Methods
  • PHIL 322: The Methods of Science (only if elected FA21 or later)
  • PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
  • PHIL 345: Language and Mind
  • PHIL 356: Bioethics
  • PHIL 361: Ethics
  • PHIL 381: Science and Objectivity 
  • PHIL 383: Knowledge and Reality
  • PHIL 384: Applied Epistemology 
  • PHIL 413: Formal Philosophical Methods
  • PHIL 414: Mathematical Logic
  • PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
  • PHIL 446: Social and Political Philosophy of Language 
  • PHIL 444: Groups and Choices (only if elected WN 20 or later)
  • PHIL 450: Philosophy of Cognition
  • PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind
  • PHIL 485: Philosophy of Action
  • PSYCH 242 / COGSCI / LING 209: Language and Human Mind
  • PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 314: Positive Psychology (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology, section titled, "Human Cognitive Evolution" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology
  • PSYCH 346: Learning and Memory
  • PSYCH 347: Perception
  • PSYCH 348: Psychology of Thinking
  • PSYCH 401: Special Problems in Psychology as a Social Science, section titled, "The Science of Happiness" (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 440:  Advanced Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience, section titled "Learning & Memory" (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 445 / LING 447: Psychology of Language
  • PSYCH 446: Altruism 
  • PSYCH 447: Current Topics in Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience, section titled "Consciousness and Cognition"
  • PSYCH 448: Mathematical Psychology

Constraints

Distribution. Students in the Cognitive Science major may count introductory courses in PSYCH, LING, PHIL, ECON, EECS toward their College Area Distribution requirement, although these introductory courses cannot simultaneously count as core courses in the major. COGSCI 200 will not count toward distribution for Cognitive Science majors.


Independent Study. Students may take a minimum of three credits of Independent Study (COGSCI 497 or 498) to fulfill one elective requirement or six credits (COGSCI 497 and either 498 or 499) to fulfill two elective requirements.

Other Department Policies

Double Majoring. Cognitive Science majors may double major in BCN, Linguistics, Neuroscience, Philosophy, Psychology, or other fields. However, to ensure that these students have devoted significant, independent effort to each major, only three courses can be counted toward both majors.

Distribution Policy

No course used to fulfill a major requirement may be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement. In addition, courses in the COGSCI subject area may not be used toward the Distribution Requirement.

Honors

The Honors plan within Cognitive Science is designed for students with strong academic records who wish to pursue a research project. Interested students will apply for the Honors plan in their junior year. The application will include a research proposal and must be signed by the faculty mentor. Applications will be reviewed by the Cognitive Science Executive Committee to ensure that, for qualified students, the mentor-mentee relation is established prior to the senior year and the project falls within cognitive science. Students in the Cognitive Science Honors plan will register for at least two terms of independent study (e.g., COGSCI 497 and 499), usually in the Fall and Winter terms of their senior year, with their faculty mentor. Honors students must complete an Honors thesis, which will be evaluated by two faculty, the faculty mentor and a second reader.

Cognitive Science (Major) (Winter 2019 - Summer 2019)

Effective Winter 2019

Advising

A three-tier advising system exists.

    • Peer advisors (Tier 1) will help majors select a major track, identify courses that suit their interests, and plan course schedules.
    • Students will meet with advisors in the major (student services staff; Tier 2) when declaring, making course substitutions, discussing transfer/study abroad credit evaluations, preparing major release forms, and more.
    • Students will meet with faculty advisors (Tier 3) for more detailed discussions about their undergraduate preparation, graduate school, and research opportunities (including possible post-graduate training opportunities). Faculty advisors are faculty in Linguistics, Philosophy, and Psychology.

Although all tracks are interdisciplinary, each has a particularly heavy concentration of courses in one of the sponsoring units, and advisors for a given track will be primarily selected from that unit:

  • Computation and Cognition
  • Decision and Cognition
  • Language and Cognition
  • Philosophy and Cognition


Advising appointments can be made here; or by contacting weinberg-institute@umich.edu

Grade Policies

Cognitive Science majors must earn a grade of at least C- in all courses taken to satisfy the requirements of the major (including the major gateway/prerequisite course, COGSCI 200). 

Prerequisites

  1. COGSCI 200: Introduction to Cognitive Science completed with a grade of at least C-
    Students may declare the Cognitive Science major after they have completed COGSCI 200.
  2. Each track has prerequisites for that track's core courses. Courses used to satisfy track elective requirements may have additional prerequisites.

Requirements

Minimum Credits: 27

The major is structured into four tracks, each representing a major area of research within contemporary cognitive science.

Each track consists of:

  1. Three required courses
  2. Six elective courses (chosen from a track-specific list)

The combined set of students' required and elective courses must be selected from a minimum of three departments.


Decision and Cognition Track

The study of decision and choice is a lively area of contemporary cognitive science inquiry. The Decision and Cognition track provides students with sustained, cohesive instruction in a single, important content area: contemporary approaches to decision-making and choice. Students are presented with theoretical approaches to judgment and decision-making from psychology, emerging neurocircuit models of reward and reinforcement from neurobiology, algorithmic models of planning and action selection from computer science, formal approaches to rational choice (e.g., rational choice theory and game theory) from philosophy and political science, and cutting-edge approaches to understanding irrationality from behavioral economics. Critical thinking skills are honed as students learn about a well-defined content area from diverse perspectives and across multiple levels of analysis. The required courses in the Decision and Cognition track give students an introduction to historically influential approaches to decision-making drawn from three major fields. Students then have the opportunity to take coursework in a number of disciplines that approach decision-making from diverse but complementary theoretical perspectives.

Required Track Courses

  1. PHIL 361: Ethics
  2. One of:
    1. PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
    2. PHIL 444: Groups and Choices
    3. ECON / PHIL 408:Philosophy and Economics
  3. PSYCH 449: Decision Processes


Electives. Six courses selected from:

  • CMPLXSYS 511: Theory of CMPLXSYS (only if elected F19 or later)
  • COGSCI 301: Special Topics for Cognitive Science, section titled "Topics in Moral Psychology" (only if elected WN 20 or later)
  • COGSCI 302: Topics in Moral Psychology (only if elected FA 20 or later)
  • ECON 309: Experimental Economics
  • ECON 398: Strategy (only if elected F19 or later)
  • ECON 408/PHIL 408: Philosophy and Economics
  • ECON 490: Topics in Microeconomics: Economics and Psychology
  • EECS 492: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
  • EECS 498: Special Topics, section titled "Ethics for AI and Robotics" (only if elected FA21 or later)
  • ENVIRON / PSYCH 360: Behavior and Environment (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • IOE 536: Cognitive Ergonomics (only if elected F19 or later)
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled, "Computation and Data Science for Linguistics" (only if elected F19 or later)
  • MO 410: Collective Intelligence (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
  • PHIL 366: Introduction to Political Philosophy
  • PHIL 408/ECON 408: Philosophy and Economics
  • PHIL 429: Ethical Analysis
  • PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
  • PHIL 444: Groups and Choices
  • POLSCI 391: Modeling Political Processes
  • POLSCI 490: Game Theory and Formal Models
  • PSYCH 240: Intro to Cog Psych (only if elected F19 or later)
  • PSYCH 303: Res Methods in Psych (only if elected F19 or later)
  • PSYCH 335: Introduction to Animal Behavior
  • PSYCH 336: Drugs of Abuse, Brain and Behavior (only if elected WN21 or later)
  • PSYCH 343: Cognitive Neuroscience of Learning and Memory (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology
  • PSYCH 346: Learning and Memory
  • PSYCH 348: Psychology of Thinking
  • PSYCH 356: Educational Psychology (only if elected WN21 or later)
  • PSYCH / ENVIRON 360: Behavior and Environment (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 401: Special Problems in Psychology as a Social Science, section titled, "The Science of Happiness" (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 433: Biopsychology of Motivation
  • PSYCH 440: Advanced Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience, section titled "Learning & Memory" (only if taken Winter 2020 or later)
  • PSYCH 448: Mathematical Psychology
  • PSYCH 476: Positive Psychology
  • SI 388: Putting the H in HCI:  Human Perception, Cognition and Mental Processes (only if elected WN20 or later)


Computation and Cognition Track

A foundational idea of cognitive science is that mental processes are computational, and computation remains central to (but not the exclusive domain of) the field. This track requires students to take coursework in psychology and computer programming. Subsequent depth courses emphasize — although not exclusively so —computational and formal methods including machine learning, computational linguistics, rational choice theory, and mathematical psychology.

Required Track Courses

  1. One of
    1. PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
    2. PSYCH 245: Cognitive Neuroscience
  2. EECS 281: Data Structures and Algorithms
  3. EECS 492: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence


Electives. Six courses selected from:

  • CMPLXSYS 425: Evolution in Silico (only if elected FA21 or later)
  • CMPLXSYS 511: Theory of CMPLXSYS (only if elected F19 or later)
  • ECON 398: Strategy (only if elected F19 or later)
  • EECS 368: Special Topics, section titled "Conversational Artificial Intelligence: Principles and Practice of Virtual Assistant AI" (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • EECS 445: Introduction to Machine Learning
  • EECS 498: Special Topics, sections titled "Reinforcement Learning" or "Deep Learning" or "Conversational Artificial Intelligence" (only if elected Winter 2020 or later) or "Applied Machine Learning for Affective Computing" (only if elected FA21 or later) or "Ethics for AI and Robotics" (only if elected FA21 or later)
  • EECS 595 / LING 541 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • EECS / PSYCH 644: Computational Modeling of Cognition (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • IOE 536: Cognitive Ergonomics (only if elected F19 or later)
  • LING 313: Sound Patterns
  • LING 315: Introduction to Syntax
  • LING 316: Aspects of Meaning
  • LING 347 / PSYCH 349: Talking Minds
  • LING / PSYCH 352: Development of Language and Thought
  • LING 441: Computational Linguistics
  • LING 447 / PSYCH 445: Psychology of Language
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics section titled, "Computation and Data Science for Linguistics" (only if elected F19 or later)
  • LING 541 / EECS 595 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • PHIL 345: Language and Mind
  • PHIL 383: Knowledge and Reality
  • PHIL 417: Logic and Artificial Intelligence
  • PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
  • PHIL 450: Philosophy of Cognition
  • PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind
  • PSYCH 240: Intro to Cog Psych 
  • PSYCH 303: Res Methods in Psych (only if elected F19 or later)
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology, section titled "Introduction to Internal Circuits" (only if elected F20 or later)
  • PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology
  • PSYCH 346: Learning and Memory
  • PSYCH 348: Psychology of Thinking
  • PSYCH 349 / LING 347: Talking Minds
  • PSYCH / LING 352: Development of Language and Thought
  • PSYCH 355: Cognitive Development
  • PSYCH 445 / LING 447: Psychology of Language
  • PSYCH 448: Mathematical Psychology
  • PSYCH 449: Decision Processes
  • PSYCH / EECS 644: Computational Modeling of Cognition (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • SI 388: Putting the H in HCI: Human Perception, Cognition and Mental Processes (only if elected WN 19 or later)
  • SI 561 / EECS 595 / LING 541: Natural Language Processing


Language and Cognition Track

Because human language is universal in the species and grounded in human cognition and biology, linguistic inquiry was an integral component of the cognitive science revolution. Contemporary approaches to language synthesize models and findings from multiple disciplines, and the proposed curriculum is correspondingly interdisciplinary. The Language and Cognition track gives students a solid theoretical introduction to language through required coursework in linguistics, and in the philosophy and psychology of language. Further coursework broadens the investigation of language to include topics in computational linguistics and computer science, formal methods, and language development and learning.

Required Track Courses

  1. One of:
    1. LING 313: Sound Patterns,
    2. LING 315: Introduction to Syntax,
    3. LING 316: Aspects of Meaning
  2. One of:
    1. PHIL 345: Language and Mind
    2. PHIL 409: Philosophy of Language
    3. PHIL / LING 426: Philosophy & Linguistic Theory
  3. LING 347 / PSYCH 349: Talking Minds

Note: (effective Fall 2016) Students in the Language and Cognition Track may not elect PHIL 426 as both an elective and as one of the required track courses.

Electives. Six courses selected from:

  • EECS 376: Foundations of Computer Science
  • EECS 492: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
  • EECS 595 / LING 541 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • LING 313: Sound Patterns
  • LING 315: Introduction to Syntax
  • LING 316: Aspects of Meaning
  • LING 342: Perspectives on Bilingualism
  • LING 351 / PSYCH 344: Second Language Acquisition
  • LING / PSYCH 352: Development of Language and Thought
  • LING 412: Speech Perception
  • LING 421: Morphology
  • LING / PHIL 426: Philosophy & Linguistic Theory
  • LING 440: Language Learnability
  • LING 441: Computational Linguistics I
  • LING 442: Computational Linguistics II
  • LING 446: Comparative
  • LING 447 / PSYCH 445: Psychology of Language
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics; section titled, "Computation and Data Science for Linguists" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • LING 541 / EECS 595 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
  • PHIL 345: Language and Mind
  • PHIL 409: Philosophy of Language
  • PHIL 414: Mathematical logic
  • PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology; section titled, "Human Cognitive Evolution" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 344 / LING 351: Second Language Acquisition
  • PSYCH / LING 352: Development of Language and Thought
  • PSYCH 445 / LING 447: Psychology of Language
  • SI 561 / EECS 595 / LING 541: Natural Language Processing


Philosophy and Cognition Track

There is extensive interaction between contemporary philosophy, especially philosophy of mind and ethics, and cognitive science. Philosophers have long posed fundamental questions about the nature of mind, the relationship between the mental and physical, and the nature of human agency. Cognitive science provides a rich and ever-expanding body of theory, models, and findings that are relevant to these timeless philosophical questions. The Philosophy and Cognition track requires coursework in core philosophical, formal and cognitive approaches to mind. More in-depth coursework allows students to deepen their understanding of the philosophical problems and analytical enigmas raised by language and other symbolic systems, artificial intelligence, inference and reasoning, and decision-making.

Required Track Courses

  1. One of:
    1. PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
    2. PSYCH 245: Cognitive Neuroscience
  2. One of:
    1. PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
    2. PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind
  3. One of:
    1. PHIL 303: Introduction to Symbolic Logic
    2. PHIL 305: Introduction to Formal Philosophical Methods


Electives. Six courses selected from:

  • COGSCI 301: Special Topics for Cognitive Science, section titled "Topics in Moral Psychology" (only if elected WN 20 or later)
  • COGSCI 302: Topics in Moral Psychology (only if elected FA 20 or later)
  • EECS 498: Special Topics, section titled "Ethics for AI and Robotics" (only if elected FA21 or later)
  • HISTORY 265: Minds and Brains in America (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • LING 315: Introduction to Syntax
  • LING 316: Aspects of Meaning
  • LING 347 / PSYCH 349: Talking Minds
  • LING / PSYCH 352: Development of Language and Thought
  • LING / PHIL 426: Philosophy & Linguistic Theory
  • LING 447 / PSYCH 445: Psychology of Language
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics; section titled, "Computation and Data Science for Linguists" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PHIL 322: The Methods of Science (only if elected FA21 or later)
  • PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
  • PHIL 345: Language and Mind
  • PHIL 361: Ethics
  • PHIL 383: Knowledge and Reality
  • PHIL 389: History of Philosophy: Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries
  • PHIL 409: Philosophy of Language
  • PHIL 413: Formal Philosophical Methods
  • PHIL 414: Mathematical Logic
  • PHIL 417: Logic and Artificial Intelligence
  • PHIL 420: Philosophy of Science
  • PHIL / LING 426: Philosophy & Linguistic Theory
  • PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
  • PHIL 444: Groups and Choices
  • PHIL 450: Philosophy of Cognition
  • PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind
  • PHIL 485: Philosophy of Action
  • PSYCH 314: Positive Psychology (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology, section titled, "Human Cognitive Evolution" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology
  • PSYCH 346: Learning and Memory
  • PSYCH 348: Psychology of Thinking
  • PSYCH 349 / LING 347: Talking Minds
  • PSYCH / LING 352: Development of Language and Thought
  • PSYCH 355: Cognitive Development
  • PSYCH 401: Special Problems in Psychology as a Social Science, section titled, "The Science of Happiness" (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 440: Advanced Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience, section titled "Learning & Memory" (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 445 / LING 447: Psychology of Language
  • PSYCH 448: Mathematical Psychology
  • PSYCH 449: Decision Processes

Constraints

Distribution. Students in the Cognitive Science major may count introductory courses in PSYCH, LING, PHIL, ECON, EECS toward their College Area Distribution requirement, although these introductory courses cannot simultaneously count as core courses in the major. COGSCI 200 will not count toward distribution for Cognitive Science majors.

Other Department Policies

Double Majoring. Cognitive Science majors may double major in BCN, Linguistics, Neuroscience, Philosophy, Psychology, or other fields. However, to ensure that these students have devoted significant, independent effort to each major, only three courses can be counted toward both majors.

Distribution Policy

No course used to fulfill a major requirement may be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement. In addition, courses in the COGSCI subject area may not be used toward the Distribution Requirement.

Honors

The Honors plan within Cognitive Science is designed for students with strong academic records who wish to pursue a research project. Interested students will apply for the Honors plan in their junior year. The application will include a research proposal and must be signed by the faculty mentor. Applications will be reviewed by the Cognitive Science Executive Committee to ensure that, for qualified students, the mentor-mentee relation is established prior to the senior year and the project falls within cognitive science. Students in the Cognitive Science Honors plan will register for at least two terms of independent study (e.g., LING 495 and 496, PHIL 498 and 499, PSYCH 424 and 426), usually in the Fall and Winter terms of their senior year, with their faculty mentor in Linguistics, Philosophy, or Psychology. Honors students must complete an Honors thesis, which will be evaluated by two faculty, the faculty mentor and a second reader from a different department (which might include, for example, Biology, Computer Science, or Economics).

Cognitive Science (Major) (Fall 2016 - Fall 2018)

Effective Fall 2016

Advising

A three-tier advising system exists.

    • Peer advisors (Tier 1) will help majors select a major track, identify courses that suit their interests, and plan course schedules.
    • Students will meet with advisors in the major (student services staff; Tier 2) when declaring, making course substitutions, discussing transfer/study abroad credit evaluations, preparing major release forms, and more.
    • Students will meet with faculty advisors (Tier 3) for more detailed discussions about their undergraduate preparation, graduate school, and research opportunities (including possible post-graduate training opportunities). Faculty advisors are faculty in Linguistics, Philosophy, and Psychology.

Although all tracks are interdisciplinary, each has a particularly heavy concentration of courses in one of the sponsoring units, and advisors for a given track will be primarily selected from that unit:

  • Computation and Cognition
  • Decision and Cognition
  • Language and Cognition
  • Philosophy and Cognition


Advising appointments can be made here; or by contacting cogsciprog@umich.edu

Grade Policies

Cognitive Science majors must earn a grade of at least C in all courses taken to satisfy the requirements of the major (including the major gateway/prerequisite course, COGSCI 200). 

Prerequisites

  1. COGSCI 200: Introduction to Cognitive Science completed with a grade of at least C
    Students may declare the Cognitive Science major after they have completed COGSCI 200.
  2. Each track has prerequisites for that track's core courses. Courses used to satisfy track elective requirements may have additional prerequisites.

Requirements

Minimum Credits: 27

The major is structured into four tracks, each representing a major area of research within contemporary cognitive science.

Each track consists of:

  1. Three required courses
  2. Five elective courses (chosen from a track-specific list)
  3. Senior capstone experience (chosen from courses identified each year by the Cognitive Science Executive Committee)

The combined set of students' required and elective courses must be selected from a minimum of three departments.


Decision and Cognition Track

The study of decision and choice is a lively area of contemporary cognitive science inquiry. The Decision and Cognition track provides students with sustained, cohesive instruction in a single, important content area: contemporary approaches to decision-making and choice. Students are presented with theoretical approaches to judgment and decision-making from psychology, emerging neurocircuit models of reward and reinforcement from neurobiology, algorithmic models of planning and action selection from computer science, formal approaches to rational choice (e.g., rational choice theory and game theory) from philosophy and political science, and cutting-edge approaches to understanding irrationality from behavioral economics. Critical thinking skills are honed as students learn about a well-defined content area from diverse perspectives and across multiple levels of analysis. The required courses in the Decision and Cognition track give students an introduction to historically influential approaches to decision-making drawn from three major fields. Students then have the opportunity to take coursework in a number of disciplines that approach decision-making from diverse but complementary theoretical perspectives.

Required Track Courses

  1. PHIL 361: Ethics
  2. One of:
    1. PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
    2. PHIL 444: Groups and Choices
    3. ECON / PHIL 408:Philosophy and Economics
  3. PSYCH 449: Decision Processes


Electives. Five courses selected from:

  • CMPLXSYS 511: Theory of CMPLXSYS (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • COGSCI 301: Special Topics for Cognitive Science, section titled "Topics in Moral Psychology" (only if elected WN 20 or later)
  • COGSCI 302: Topics in Moral Psychology (only if elected FA 20 or later)
  • ECON 309: Experimental Economics
  • ECON 398: Strategy (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • ECON / PHIL 408: Philosophy and Economics
  • ECON 490: Topics in Microeconomics: Economics and Psychology
  • EECS 492: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
  • ENVIRON / PSYCH 360: Behavior and Environment (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • IOE 536: Cognitive Ergonomics  (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled, "Computation and Data Science for Linguistics"  (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
  • PHIL 366: Introduction to Political Philosophy
  • PHIL / ECON 408: Philosophy and Economics
  • PHIL 429: Ethical Analysis
  • PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
  • PHIL 444: Groups and Choices
  • POLSCI 391: Modeling Political Processes
  • POLSCI 490: Game Theory and Formal Models
  • PSYCH 240: Intro to Cog Psych (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 303: Res Methods in Psych (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology; section titled, "Human Cognitive Evolution" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 335: Introduction to Animal Behavior
  • PSYCH 336: Drugs of Abuse, Brain and Behavior (only if elected WN21 or later)
  • PSYCH 343: Cognitive Neuroscience of Learning and Memory (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology
  • PSYCH 346: Learning and Memory
  • PSYCH 348: Psychology of Thinking
  • PSYCH 356: Educational Psychology (only if elected WN21 or later)
  • PSYCH / ENVIRON 360: Behavior and Environment (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 401: Special Problems in Psychology as a Social Science, section titled, "The Science of Happiness" (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 433: Biopsychology of Motivation
  • PSYCH 440: Advanced Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience, section titled "Learning & Memory" (only if taken Winter 2020 or later)
  • PSYCH 448: Mathematical Psychology
  • PSYCH 476: Positive Psychology
  • SI 388: Putting the H in HCI:  Human Perception, Cognition and Mental Processes (only if elected WN20 or later)


Computation and Cognition Track

A foundational idea of cognitive science is that mental processes are computational, and computation remains central to (but not the exclusive domain of) the field. This track requires students to take coursework in psychology and computer programming. Subsequent depth courses emphasize — although not exclusively so —computational and formal methods including machine learning, computational linguistics, rational choice theory, and mathematical psychology.

Required Track Courses

  1. One of
    1. PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
    2. PSYCH 245: Cognitive Neuroscience
  2. EECS 281: Data Structures and Algorithms
  3. EECS 492: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence


Electives. Five courses selected from:

  • CMPLXSYS 511: Theory of CMPLXSYS (only if elected F19 or later)
  • ECON 398: Strategy (only if elected F19 or later)
  • EECS 368: Special Topics, section titled "Conversational Artificial Intelligence: Principles and Practice of Virtual Assistant AI" (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • EECS 445: Introduction to Machine Learning
  • EECS 498: Special Topics , section titled "Reinforcement Learning" or "Deep Learning" or "Conversational Artificial Intelligence" (only if taken Winter 2020 or later)
  • EECS 595 / LING 541 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • EECS / PSYCH 644: Computational Modeling of Cognition (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • IOE 536: Cognitive Ergonomics  (only if elected F19 or later)
  • LING 313: Sound Patterns
  • LING 315: Introduction to Syntax
  • LING 316: Aspects of Meaning
  • LING 347 / PSYCH 349: Talking Minds
  • LING / PSYCH 352: Development of Language and Thought
  • LING 441: Computational Linguistics
  • LING 447 / PSYCH 445: Psychology of Language
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics, section titled Computation and Data Science for Linguistics (only if elected F19 or later)
  • LING 541 / EECS 595 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • PHIL 345: Language and Mind
  • PHIL 383: Knowledge and Reality
  • PHIL 417: Logic and Artificial Intelligence
  • PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
  • PHIL 450: Philosophy of Cognition
  • PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind
  • PSYCH 240: Intro to Cog Psych
  • PSYCH 303: Res Methods in Psych (only if elected F19 or later)
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology, section titled "Introduction to Internal Circuits" (only if elected F20 or later)
  • PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology
  • PSYCH 346: Learning and Memory
  • PSYCH 348: Psychology of Thinking
  • PSYCH 349 / LING 347: Talking Minds
  • PSYCH / LING 352: Development of Language and Thought
  • PSYCH 355: Cognitive Development
  • PSYCH 445 / LING 447: Psychology of Language
  • PSYCH 448: Mathematical Psychology
  • PSYCH 449: Decision Processes
  • PSYCH / EECS 644: Computational Modeling of Cognition (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • SI 388: Putting the H in HCI: Human Perception, Cognition and Mental Processes (only if elected WN 19 or later)
  • SI 561 / EECS 595 / LING 541: Natural Language Processing


Language and Cognition Track

Because human language is universal in the species and grounded in human cognition and biology, linguistic inquiry was an integral component of the cognitive science revolution. Contemporary approaches to language synthesize models and findings from multiple disciplines, and the proposed curriculum is correspondingly interdisciplinary. The Language and Cognition track gives students a solid theoretical introduction to language through required coursework in linguistics, and in the philosophy and psychology of language. Further coursework broadens the investigation of language to include topics in computational linguistics and computer science, formal methods, and language development and learning.

Required Track Courses

  1. One of:
    1. LING 313: Sound Patterns,
    2. LING 315: Introduction to Syntax,
    3. LING 316: Aspects of Meaning
  2. One of:
    1. PHIL 345: Language and Mind
    2. PHIL 409: Philosophy of Language
    3. PHIL / LING 426: Philosophy & Linguistic Theory
  3. LING 347 / PSYCH 349: Talking Minds

Note: (effective Fall 2016) Students in the Language and Cognition Track may not elect PHIL 426 as both an elective and as one of the required track courses.

Electives. Five courses selected from:

  • EECS 376: Foundations of Computer Science
  • EECS 492: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
  • EECS 595 / LING 541 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • LING 313: Sound Patterns
  • LING 315: Introduction to Syntax
  • LING 316: Aspects of Meaning
  • LING 342: Perspectives on Bilingualism
  • LING 351 / PSYCH 344: Second Language Acquisition
  • LING / PSYCH 352: Development of Language and Thought
  • LING 412: Speech Perception
  • LING 421: Morphology
  • LING / PHIL 426: Philosophy & Linguistic Theory
  • LING 440: Language Learnability
  • LING 441: Computational Linguistics I
  • LING 442: Computational Linguistics II
  • LING 446: Comparative
  • LING 447 / PSYCH 445: Psychology of Language
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics; section titled, "Computation and Data Science for Linguists" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • LING 541 / EECS 595 / SI 561: Natural Language Processing
  • PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
  • PHIL 345: Language and Mind
  • PHIL 409: Philosophy of Language
  • PHIL 414: Mathematical logic
  • PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology; section titled, "Human Cognitive Evolution" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 344 / LING 351: Second Language Acquisition
  • PSYCH / LING 352: Development of Language and Thought
  • PSYCH 445 / LING 447: Psychology of Language
  • SI 561 / EECS 595 / LING 541: Natural Language Processing


Philosophy and Cognition Track

There is extensive interaction between contemporary philosophy, especially philosophy of mind and ethics, and cognitive science. Philosophers have long posed fundamental questions about the nature of mind, the relationship between the mental and physical, and the nature of human agency. Cognitive science provides a rich and ever-expanding body of theory, models, and findings that are relevant to these timeless philosophical questions. The Philosophy and Cognition track requires coursework in core philosophical, formal and cognitive approaches to mind. More in-depth coursework allows students to deepen their understanding of the philosophical problems and analytical enigmas raised by language and other symbolic systems, artificial intelligence, inference and reasoning, and decision-making.

Required Track Courses

  1. One of:
    1. PSYCH 240: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
    2. PSYCH 245: Cognitive Neuroscience
  2. One of:
    1. PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
    2. PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind
  3. One of:
    1. PHIL 303: Introduction to Symbolic Logic
    2. PHIL 305: Introduction to Formal Philosophical Methods


Electives. Five courses selected from:

  • COGSCI 301: Special Topics for Cognitive Science, section titled "Topics in Moral Psychology" (only if elected WN 20 or later)
  • COGSCI 302: Topics in Moral Psychology (only if elected FA 20 or later)
  • HISTORY 265: Minds and Brains in America (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • LING 315: Introduction to Syntax
  • LING 316: Aspects of Meaning
  • LING 347 / PSYCH 349: Talking Minds
  • LING / PSYCH 352: Development of Language and Thought
  • LING / PHIL 426: Philosophy & Linguistic Theory
  • LING 447 / PSYCH 445: Psychology of Language
  • LING 492: Topics in Linguistics; section titled, "Computation and Data Science for Linguists" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
  • PHIL 345: Language and Mind
  • PHIL 361: Ethics
  • PHIL 383: Knowledge and Reality
  • PHIL 389: History of Philosophy: Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries
  • PHIL 409: Philosophy of Language
  • PHIL 413: Formal Philosophical Methods
  • PHIL 414: Mathematical Logic
  • PHIL 417: Logic and Artificial Intelligence
  • PHIL 420: Philosophy of Science
  • PHIL / LING 426: Philosophy & Linguistic Theory
  • PSYCH 440: Advanced Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience, section titled "Learning & Memory" (only if taken Winter 2020 or later)
  • PHIL 443: Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
  • PHIL 444: Groups and Choices
  • PHIL 450: Philosophy of Cognition
  • PHIL 482: Philosophy of Mind
  • PHIL 485: Philosophy of Action
  • PSYCH 314: Positive Psychology (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 303: Research Methods in Psychology (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 330: Topics in Biopsychology, section titled, "Human Cognitive Evolution" (only if elected FA19 or later)
  • PSYCH 345: Introduction to Human Neuropsychology
  • PSYCH 346: Learning and Memory
  • PSYCH 348: Psychology of Thinking
  • PSYCH 349 / LING 347: Talking Minds
  • PSYCH / LING 352: Development of Language and Thought
  • PSYCH 355: Cognitive Development
  • PSYCH 401: Special Problems in Psychology as a Social Science, section titled, "The Science of Happiness" (only if elected WN20 or later)
  • PSYCH 445 / LING 447: Psychology of Language
  • PSYCH 448: Mathematical Psychology
  • PSYCH 449: Decision Processes

Constraints

Distribution. Students in the Cognitive Science major may count introductory courses in PSYCH, LING, PHIL, ECON, EECS toward their College Area Distribution requirement, although these introductory courses cannot simultaneously count as core courses in the major. COGSCI 200 will not count toward distribution for Cognitive Science majors.

Other Department Policies

Double Majoring. Cognitive Science majors may double major in BCN, Linguistics, Neuroscience, Philosophy, Psychology, or other fields. However, to ensure that these students have devoted significant, independent effort to each major, only three courses can be counted toward both majors.

Distribution Policy

No course used to fulfill a major requirement may be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement. In addition, courses in the COGSCI subject area may not be used toward the Distribution Requirement.

Honors

The Honors plan within Cognitive Science is designed for students with strong academic records who wish to pursue a research project. Interested students will apply for the Honors plan in their junior year. The application will include a research proposal and must be signed by the faculty mentor. Applications will be reviewed by the Cognitive Science Executive Committee to ensure that, for qualified students, the mentor-mentee relation is established prior to the senior year and the project falls within cognitive science. Students in the Cognitive Science Honors plan will register for at least two terms of independent study (e.g., LING 495 and 496, PHIL 498 and 499, PSYCH 424 and 426), usually in the Fall and Winter terms of their senior year, with their faculty mentor in Linguistics, Philosophy, or Psychology. Honors students must complete an Honors thesis, which will be evaluated by two faculty, the faculty mentor and a second reader from a different department (which might include, for example, Biology, Computer Science, or Economics).