The Undergraduate Program in Cognitive Science at UCONN is an interdisciplinary program that allows students to study the mind and brain from various vantage points. Students can earn either BA a BS in Cognitive Science depending on the chosen course sequence. Graduates from our program go on to medical school, law school, business school, or to pursue a PhD in cognitive science or related field. Others go directly into jobs in information sciences or business.
Core courses (16 credits required) are offered by the Cognitive Sciences Program, and the Departments of Anthropology, Computer Science, Linguistic, Philosophy, Psychological Sciences, and Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences.
In addition to the Core courses, students complete four categories of required coursework: Research, Formal Systems, Advanced, and Electives. No more than 21 credits can be taken from any one department, to ensure that acquire a truly interdisciplinary education. Undergraduate students can also gain research experience in a research laboratory on campus by taking COGS 3589 as an elective.
We are excited to announce a new course offered by the Cognitive Science Program
COGS 2345: Language and Racism
Major Requirements
The requirements for the cognitive science major include 40 2000-level or above credits, no more than 21 of which may be taken in any one department. There are several 1000-level courses that are required preparation for the 2000-level and above requirements. These courses should be taken during the first four semesters and may fulfill general education requirements.
A maximum of six 2000-level or above transfer credits may count toward the major with approval of advisor. Students must earn a grade of C- (1.7) or higher in each course that is counted toward the major.
| Core Courses (16 credits) | Foundations of Cognitive Science, COGS 2201; Seminar in Cognitive Science, COGS 3584 and four of the following courses: Cognitive Anthropology, ANTH 3250; Artificial Intelligence, CSE 4705; The Science of Linguistics, LING 2010Q; Philosophy of Mind, PHIL 3250/W; Cognitive Psychology, PSYC 2501; Neuroscience of Cognition and Communication Disorders, SLHS 4245/W |
| Research Courses (6 credits) | Statistics (one of the following for at least 3 credits): Principles of Research in Psychology, PSYC 2100Q or 2100WQ; Introduction to Statistics, STAT 2215Q; Statistical Methods, STAT 3025Q (Calculus level) |
| Research Methods (one of the following for at least 3 credits): Field Research in Social Settings, ANTH 3003; Cultural Research, ANTH 3004 (if elected for 3 credits); Experimental Linguistics, LING 3110; Lab in Animal Behavior and Learning, PSYC 3250/W; Lab in Physiological Psychology, PSYC 3251/W; Sensory Neuroscience Lab, PSYC 3253; Lab in Developmental Psychology, PSYC 3450W; Lab in Cognition, PSYC 3550W; Lab in Psycholinguistics, PSYC 3551W; Lab in Sensation and Perception PSYC 3552 | |
| Formal Systems Courses (3 credits) | Digital Logic Design, CSE 2300W; Introduction to Discrete Systems, CSE 2500; Algorithms and Complexity, CSE 3500a; Theory of Computation, CSE 3502a; Numerical Methods, CSE 3802; Introduction to Computational Linguistics, LING 3000Qa; Phonology, LING 3310Qa; Semantics, LING 3410Qa; Syntax, LING 3511Qa; Applied Linear Algebra, MATH 2210Q; Elementary Differential Equations, MATH 2410Q; Probability, MATH 3160; Abstract Linear Algebra, MATH 3210; Abstract Algebra, MATH 3230; Symbolic Logic, PHIL 2211Q; Symbolic Logic II, PHIL 3214 |
| Advanced courses (12 credits) | Must include courses from at least 3 departments. Can include core courses not needed to satisfy the core course requirement. |
| Human Behavioral Ecology, ANTH 3200; Religion and Mind, ANTH 3405c; Language and Racism, COGS 2345; Algorithms and Complexity, CSE 3500a; Theory of Computation, CSE 3502a; Introduction to Computational Linguistics, LING 3000Qa; Phonology, LING 3310Qa; Semantics, LING 3410Qa; Syntax, LING 3511Qa; Language and Culture, LING 3610W; Epistemology, PHIL 2208/Wc; Metaphysics, PHIL 2210/W; Philosophy of Science, PHIL 2212/W; Language: Meaning and Truth, PHIL 3241; Biology of the Brain, PNB 3251; Physiological Psychology, PSYC 2200; Sensory Systems Neuroscience, PSYC 2208; Learning & Memory: Brain to Behavior, PSYC 2209; Developmental Psychology, PSYC 2400; Learning, PSYC 2500; History and Systems in Psychology PSYC 3100/W; Current Topics in Behavioral Neuroscience, PSYC 3270; Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, PSYC 3440; Current Topics in Developmental Psychology, PSYC 3470b; Psychology of Language, PSYC 3500; Sensation and Perception, PSYC 3501; Psychology of Consciousness, PSYC 3502; Anatomy/Physiology of Speech & Hearing, SLHS 2203c; Speech and language Acquisition, SLHS 2204; Bilingualism in Typical & Atypical Populations, SLHS 4123c; Introduction to Language Disorders in Children, SLHS 4254/W; Language Impairments and Literacy, SLHS 4376 | |
| Electives (3-6 credits) | One or two additional courses (from above lists or other related courses from any department), chosen with the approval of the advisors. |
| aThe following courses may be used to fulfill both the Formal Systems and Advanced Courses requirements: Algorithms and Complexity, CSE 3500; Theory of Computation, CSE 3502; Introduction to Computational Linguistics, LING 3000Q; Phonology, LING 3310Q; Semantics, 3410Q; Syntax, 3511Q. In this event, two electives are required.
b Current Topics in Developmental Psychology, PSYC 3470 is a variable topics course and may only be counted toward the major with advisors’ approval. |
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| Competency and Writing Requirements | The exit requirements for computer technology and information literacy will be met by satisfaction of the Research Methods Requirement. The exit requirements for writing in the major are met by taking any W course on the Plan of Study. Students in the program will have an advisor and an associate advisor, each in different departments contributing to the cognitive science program. Students will consult with both of them to plan a course of study. |
A minor in Cognitive Science is described in the “Minors” section.
For forms relating to adding, changing or dropping majors and minors click here.
Find below the Plans of Study for the Cognitive Science major. Plans are arranged by catalog year. Your catalog year is the year you declared your first major/minor in CLAS. You may elect to use a Plan of Study from a later catalog year.
When you have completed your plan of study, please send it to the DUS for approval.
Major Plan of Study
COGS Honors Students
Approved mechanisms to satisfy the 'Honor Engagement in the Major' requirement:
- Participate in at least one day of a professional academic conference in some area of cognitive science. The student should contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies for assistance in selecting a suitable conference. The student must provide brief written synopses of at least three presentations at the conference.
- Participate for one day with UConn K.I.D.S. in an event recruiting families for participation in cognitive science research at UConn. Participation includes explaining the types of research conducted to parents in the communities surrounding UConn.
Click here to view past UConn Honors Theses in CogSci.