FAQ

The only prerequisite to declaring cognitive science is COGSCI 200. However, many of the upper-level classes on the cognitive science curriculum lists require their own prerequisites. Common prerequisites include PSYCH 111, PSYCH 240, one PHIL course. The below chart outlines the many prerequisites that computation track students need to fulfill.

Yes! Students who have two or more majors are allowed to share up to 3 courses between Cognitive Science and each of their other majors. (For example, if a student was majoring in Psychology, Cognitive Science, and Computer Science, they could share 3 courses between Cognitive Science and Psychology and 3 courses between Cognitive Science and Computer Science.) Furthermore, COGSCI 200 is a cognate course for majors such as BCN and Psych. Since COGSCI 200 is only a required prerequisite (but not a core course or elective), COGSCI 200 does not count towards the 3 courses that may double count with another major.

For students wishing to double major with majors such as Psychology and Linguistics, we encourage you to carefully consider the amount of coursework that overlaps between your CogSci track and your intended second major. For example, the Linguistics major requires LING 313, LING 315, and LING 316, all of which fulfill requirements on the Cognitive Science Language track. A student with a double major in Linguistics and the CogSci Language Track would likely use these courses as their three double-counted courses. However, there are many more courses that overlap between the two curricula. The student in this example would end up taking many courses that are listed on both curricula, but would have to designate some to count for Linguistics and some for CogSci (i.e., they’ll take a lot of Linguistics!) To mitigate this issue, consider choosing a CogSci track that will allow you to double count up to the three allotted courses, but doesn’t have so many overlapping courses that you will end up needing additional coursework.

No. At this time, the Weinberg Institute for Cognitive Science does not have a minor for undergraduate students.

No. Students select one of the four tracks at the time they declare the Cognitive Science major. However, students may change their track at any point before graduation. In order to do so, students should make an advising appointment. 

Over 200 students are majoring in cognitive science! We are one of the fastest growing majors so this number is always increasing. The computation and decision tracks are the most commonly declared tracks.

Yes! You can find more information here.

As an interdisciplinary major, we know registering for courses can be challenging, and we apologize for any difficulty you’re experiencing. This guide contains some of the common registration issues cognitive science students face. If you’re facing a different issue, please schedule an advising appointment or email [email protected].

The B.S. degree requires 60 credits of approved courses in the physical and natural sciences and/or mathematics. It does not matter whether or not the 60 credits are a part of the cognitive science curriculum.

Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum, there are lots of post-graduation options for students who major in cognitive science! Many of our students go on to pursue research; they work in cognitive science (or related fields) research labs across the country and may go on to pursue a PhD in Cognitive Science, Psychology, Philosophy, Linguistics, or something similar. Other students pursue professional graduate programs such as MBA programs, medical school, law school, or MSW programs. And still other students pursue careers in consulting, sales, marketing, user experience design, and software engineering. 

COGSCI 200 is a favorite of many of our students! PHIL 340 - Minds and Machines - is also popular. The Cognitive Science Peer Facilitators would be happy to recommend other classes to you!

You can declare cognitive science after the add/drop deadline of the semester you are enrolled in COGSCI 200.

Many of our students pursue Study Abroad opportunities and receive CogSci credit for their coursework! If you’d like to learn more about what Study Abroad programs might be a good fit for you, check out our Cognitive Science Abroad page.

Certain departments have special considerations for enrolling in upper level courses. Check out this handy course guide to learn more!

You may petition courses to count toward your curriculum if you believe the class(es) in question have over 50% CogSci content. You may review the Course Petition process here.