Bachelor’s Degree

Bachelor's Degree in Cognitive Science

A Bachelor's Degree in Cognitive Science explores how the mind works through psychology, neuroscience, and computer science, preparing students for careers in research, technology, or healthcare.

4 years
Length
Bachelor
Level
After high school diploma
Entry level
65
Schools
00
Exit level
Bachelor
Length
4 years
Work-study
Uncommon
Selectivity
Selective
Where to study
65 établissements

About

The Bachelor's Degree in Cognitive Science is a four-year undergraduate program offered in the United States that studies the mind and intelligence from multiple angles. It is designed for students interested in understanding how humans think, learn, and perceive the world.

This degree combines fields such as psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, philosophy, and computer science to provide a broad understanding of cognition. It suits students who are curious about brain functions and mental processes and who enjoy interdisciplinary learning.

Graduates can pursue careers in areas like research, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, or healthcare support roles. The program develops analytical and technical skills useful in various sectors.

What you study

The program usually starts with foundational courses in psychology and biology to introduce how the brain and behavior are connected. Early years also cover basics of computer science and linguistics to understand language and computation.

  • Students study cognitive psychology and neuroscience to learn about brain functions and mental processes.
  • Programming and data analysis courses teach how to model cognitive tasks and analyze experimental data.
  • Courses in philosophy of mind explore theories about consciousness and knowledge.
  • Later years focus on specialized topics like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and human-computer interaction.
  • Students often engage in lab work and research projects to apply theories and develop practical skills.

How to get in

Admission to a Bachelor's Degree in Cognitive Science in the US generally requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants submit their academic records, standardized test scores, and sometimes personal statements or letters of recommendation.

  • Strong background in sciences and mathematics is often expected.
  • Some programs may look for interest in psychology or computer science.
  • Admissions procedures vary by university but usually involve a holistic review of the student's profile.
  • There is no single national exam; each institution sets its own criteria.
  • Students should demonstrate curiosity about interdisciplinary subjects and problem-solving skills.

Day to day

A typical academic year includes lectures, seminars, and lab sessions. Students balance theoretical learning with practical work to understand cognitive processes.

  • Courses are usually organized in semesters with regular exams and assignments.
  • Students participate in research projects to gain hands-on experience.
  • Some programs encourage or require internships during summer breaks to connect theory with real-world applications.
  • Group work and presentations are common to develop communication skills.
  • While alternance (work-study) is less common in the US, students can seek internships or part-time jobs related to their field.

Continuing your studies

After earning this bachelor's degree, students can continue their studies in graduate programs to specialize further. Common paths include master's or doctoral degrees in cognitive science, psychology, neuroscience, computer science, or related fields.

  • Graduate studies allow deeper research and advanced technical training.
  • Some may choose professional degrees in healthcare or education.
  • Others might reorient towards data science or artificial intelligence programs.

Where to study this degree (65)

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Whitman College
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Whitman College
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📍Walla Walla, 🇺🇸 United States
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DePauw University
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DePauw University
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📍Greencastle, 🇺🇸 United States
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Southern Methodist University
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Southern Methodist University
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📍Dallas, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of California-San Diego
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University of California-San Diego
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📍La Jolla, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of California-Los Angeles
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University of California-Los Angeles
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📍Los Angeles, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of California-Berkeley
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University of California-Berkeley
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📍Berkeley, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of California-Davis
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University of California-Davis
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📍Davis, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of California-Santa Cruz
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University of California-Santa Cruz
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📍Santa Cruz, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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📍Ann Arbor, 🇺🇸 United States
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Stanford University
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Stanford University
University
📍Stanford, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Pennsylvania
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University of Pennsylvania
University
📍Philadelphia, 🇺🇸 United States
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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📍Cambridge, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Delaware
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University of Delaware
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📍Newark, 🇺🇸 United States
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Washington University in St Louis
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Washington University in St Louis
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📍Saint Louis, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of California, Merced
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University of California, Merced
University
📍Merced, 🇺🇸 United States
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Vanderbilt University
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Vanderbilt University
University
📍Nashville, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Georgia
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University of Georgia
University
📍Athens, 🇺🇸 United States
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Case Western Reserve University
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Case Western Reserve University
University
📍Cleveland, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Southern California
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University of Southern California
University
📍Los Angeles, 🇺🇸 United States
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Yale University
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Yale University
University
📍New Haven, 🇺🇸 United States
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Rice University
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Rice University
University
📍Houston, 🇺🇸 United States
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Johns Hopkins University
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Johns Hopkins University
University
📍Baltimore, 🇺🇸 United States
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Rutgers University-New Brunswick
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Rutgers University-New Brunswick
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📍New Brunswick, 🇺🇸 United States
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The University of Texas at Dallas
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The University of Texas at Dallas
University
📍Richardson, 🇺🇸 United States
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Dartmouth College
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Dartmouth College
School
📍Hanover, 🇺🇸 United States
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Tufts University
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Tufts University
University
📍Medford, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of California-Irvine
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University of California-Irvine
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📍Irvine, 🇺🇸 United States
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Occidental College
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Occidental College
School
📍Los Angeles, 🇺🇸 United States
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Vassar College
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Vassar College
School
📍Poughkeepsie, 🇺🇸 United States
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New York University
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New York University
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📍New York, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University
📍Urbana, 🇺🇸 United States
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Carnegie Mellon University
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Carnegie Mellon University
University
📍Pittsburgh, 🇺🇸 United States
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Lehigh University
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Lehigh University
University
📍Bethlehem, 🇺🇸 United States
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Indiana University Bloomington
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Indiana University Bloomington
University
📍Bloomington, 🇺🇸 United States
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United States Military Academy
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United States Military Academy
School
📍West Point, 🇺🇸 United States
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Marquette University
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Marquette University
University
📍Milwaukee, 🇺🇸 United States
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University at Buffalo
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University at Buffalo
college
📍Buffalo, 🇺🇸 United States
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Pomona College
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Pomona College
School
📍Claremont, 🇺🇸 United States
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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
School
📍Troy, 🇺🇸 United States
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Carleton College
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Carleton College
School
📍Northfield, 🇺🇸 United States
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State University of New York at Oswego
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State University of New York at Oswego
University
📍Oswego, 🇺🇸 United States
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Brown University
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Brown University
University
📍Providence, 🇺🇸 United States
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Swarthmore College
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Swarthmore College
School
📍Swarthmore, 🇺🇸 United States
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Franklin and Marshall College
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Franklin and Marshall College
college
📍Lancaster, 🇺🇸 United States
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Barnard College
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Barnard College
School
📍New York, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Minnesota, Duluth
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University of Minnesota, Duluth
University
📍Duluth, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Richmond
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University of Richmond
University
📍University of Richmond, 🇺🇸 United States
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George Fox University
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George Fox University
University
📍Newberg, 🇺🇸 United States
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Minnesota State University, Mankato
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Minnesota State University, Mankato
University
📍Mankato, 🇺🇸 United States
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Scripps College
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Scripps College
School
📍Claremont, 🇺🇸 United States
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Beloit College
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Beloit College
School
📍Beloit, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Chicago
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University of Chicago
University
📍Chicago, 🇺🇸 United States
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Hampshire College
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Hampshire College
School
📍Amherst, 🇺🇸 United States
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Pitzer College
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Pitzer College
School
📍Claremont, 🇺🇸 United States
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Claremont McKenna College
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Claremont McKenna College
School
📍Claremont, 🇺🇸 United States
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Chapman University
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Chapman University
University
📍Orange, 🇺🇸 United States
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Columbia University
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Columbia University
University
📍New York, 🇺🇸 United States
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Haverford College
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Haverford College
School
📍Haverford, 🇺🇸 United States
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California State University, Stanislaus
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California State University, Stanislaus
University
📍Turlock, 🇺🇸 United States
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California State University, Fresno
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California State University, Fresno
University
📍Fresno, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Evansville
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University of Evansville
University
📍Evansville, 🇺🇸 United States
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Simmons University
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Simmons University
University
📍Boston, 🇺🇸 United States
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Loyola University New Orleans
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Loyola University New Orleans
University
📍New Orleans, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Wisconsin–Stout
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University of Wisconsin–Stout
University
📍Menomonie, 🇺🇸 United States
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Duke University
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Duke University
University
📍Durham, 🇺🇸 United States
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Liste des 65 établissements

Frequently asked questions

What subjects will I study in this degree?

You will study a mix of psychology, neuroscience, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy to understand how the mind works from different perspectives.

Is prior knowledge in science necessary to apply?

A good foundation in sciences and math helps, but students from various backgrounds can apply if they show interest and motivation.

Can I do internships during the program?

Yes, many students take internships during summer breaks to gain practical experience related to cognitive science.

Does this degree lead directly to jobs?

It prepares you for entry-level roles in research or technology, but many graduates continue with further studies to specialize.

Is it possible to switch to another field after this degree?

Yes, the interdisciplinary skills gained allow for reorientation towards fields like data science, AI, or healthcare.

Are there opportunities for work-study programs?

Work-study is less common in the US for this degree, but students can find part-time jobs or internships related to their studies.

How selective is admission to this program?

Admission is selective, with universities looking for strong academic records and interest in interdisciplinary subjects.

What skills will I develop during the degree?

You will develop analytical thinking, programming skills, research abilities, and communication skills useful in many careers.