undergraduate
Cognitive science
Best schools with cognitive science
What is a cognitive science major?
Cognitive science students focus on the study of the mind and the nature of intelligence from the interdisciplinary perspectives of computer science, philosophy, mathematics, psychology, neuroscience, and other disciplines. Course instruction includes mathematics and logic, cognitive process modeling, dynamic systems, learning theories, brain and cognition, neural networking, programming, and applications to topics such as language acquisition, computer systems, and perception and behavior.
of students said a highlight of this major was the exposure to diverse perspectives.
of students found this major to be difficult.
of students said they were motivated to select this major because it fit their passion & interest.
of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.
of students said complex concepts were a challenging aspect of the major.
How much do cognitive science majors make?
median average salary
$74,000/yr
The national average salary for cognitive science graduates in the United States is $74,000 per year. Those in the top 10 percent make over $200,000 a year, while the bottom 10 percent make under $22,000 a year. While salary ranges can vary by role, industry, and location, cognitive science graduates typically make between $40,000 and $127,500 per year.
How popular is cognitive science as a major?
Each year, around 1,940 students obtain a bachelor’s degree in cognitive science. In 2021, 2,650 students received a bachelor's degree. This is 3% more cognitive science majors than there were in 2020. Cognitive science is one of the most popular majors within psychology.
Advice from cognitive science majors
Share your experienceBe open to new ideas and perspectives - what you consider obvious or factual may not be universally acknowledged, and that’s okay!
Be open to challenge and growth. This major will expose students to rigorous learning and a world of possibilities.
There is a lot one can do within Cognitive Science. It is a study that can be paired or used to help us understand certain concepts about other fields. Push yourself to find what you can use the cognitive science knowledge for and how you can use it to understand your other interests.
I would suggest really trying to invest yourself and get excited about the material presented to you. At RPI in specific, I would advise getting closer to the Cognitive Science professors, both becaue they're very wonderful but also their research is a great way to apply your skills.
Build a strong background in math. Make friends that you can talk to about the subject and what you're learning. Practice coding! Cognitive science will help you develop technical skills.
