Cognitive science is the study of neuroscience and the brain. It is interdisciplinary by nature, bringing together everything about the concept and outcome of cognition and the brain: tasks, functions, and its nature. While there is a distinct scientific component, those interested in cognitive science are often also interested in emotion, memory, language, behavior, and reasoning, in addition to where this is all going in 50, 100, or 200 years from now (read: artificial intelligence and the philosophical, existential implications). The combination of these considerations and areas of interest that fall under the cognitive science umbrella actually lends itself quite well to a program within a liberal arts institution. We’ve assembled a list of the best offering(s) below:
Vassar
Vassar was actually the first institution in the world to create and grant undergraduates a dedicated degree for cognitive science in 1982. Since then, the field has grown in popularity and scope throughout colleges in the U.S. and abroad. Vassar’s program remains classically interdisciplinary in nature with some unique aspects, namely the selection of an elective path. Students choose from one of ten paths and then must select four courses to enroll in to complete it: 1) Art, Skill, and Performance; 2) Comparative Study of Animal and/or Machine Intelligence; 3) Decision Making, Risk Taking, and Morality; 4) Development and Learning; 5) Evolution of Intelligent Agents; 6) Formal Analysis and Modeling; 7) Human-Machine Interaction; 8) Language and Communication; 9) Mind and Brain; 10) Cognition in Context.
Pomona
Students who major in cognitive science within the Linguistics and Cognitive Science Department at Pomona are required to engage in and complete an experimental research requirement as a part of their major. Students are able to take electives and core courses throughout six different departments that offer cross-listed cognitive science courses, including topics on philosophy, psychology, anthropology, sociology, literature, music and computer science. Additionally, Pomona is serious about connecting students with meaningful experience in the field--virtually all students obtain paid summer research positions, on or off-campus
Tufts
The school’s Cognitive and Brain Sciences (CBS) concentration within the Psychology major and department offers students interested in this interdisciplinary focus the chance to specialize. Tufts makes it super easy and accessible for students to get involved in research, which is not always the case at liberal arts schools where funding, resources, and research opportunities are relatively limited in scope. Students are also awarded class credit for a vast number of research participation opportunities, both on and off-campus with proper approval from a faculty supervisor who is willing to serve as your Research Coordinator.
Carleton
Carleton is all about collaborative research. Their interdisciplinary approach is aimed at students interested in psychology, computer science, linguistics, and/or philosophy to further explore the intersections of these fields through the lens of cognition and the mind. The school’s dedicated Cognitive Science Research Lab has students and professors tackling a variety of diverse topics, from The Harry Potter Study to decision-making in young people.
Swarthmore
In order to complete a Cognitive Science major at Swarthmore, students must complete credits in at least three of the six disciplines that they have designated to fall under the “CS” umbrella: neuroscience, computer science (including computer engineering), linguistics, mathematics and statistics, philosophy, and cognitive psychology. Swarthmore places significant weight on robotics and technology as being an emerging epicenter within cognitive science to which students should allocate specific and dedicated attention.
Rice University
Unlike many other science-based programs, Cognitive Science majors at Rice aren’t required to take introductory courses in a specific topic. True to its interdisciplinary nature, Rice encourages students interested in majoring in CS to take at least 1 introductory course in either linguistics, philosophy, or psychology. The courses do link these disciplines to cognitive science, but students can choose which they want to take depending on their interests or career goals.
Occidental College
Cognitive Science students fulfill Occidental’s second-stage writing requirement, which requires all students to complete and pass both a Research Proposal and Research Paper, by enrolling in COGS 201: Empirical Methods in Cognitive Science. All majors also must complete a Senior Comprehensive, which are senior theses that demonstrate mastery of a subject. “Comps” are often required of PhD students in psychology programs, so experience completing and presenting this type of research is great preparation for further degrees. All students must also complete Occidental’s signature liberal arts “core” program—the most unique aspect being the freshman year “Cultural Studies Program,”: small-group seminars that introduce students to rigorous and high-level academic discourse through writing, discussion, and reading.
Beloit College
We don’t often write about this small liberal arts institution in Beloit, Wisconsin. It’s important to include on this list given the rigor of and concentrations within the major. Students are required to choose from three concentrations and complete 6-course units within that concentration: philosophy, psychology, and computer science. Most cognitive science majors end up wanting to concentrate in one area and Beloit makes it quite straightforward to do so. The college offers a robust variety of summer opportunities (many of which are funded by the National Science Foundation) for students who want professional training and research experience.
Let us know if you have any questions or if we can help you find a school or program that specifically addresses your unique interests. We’d be happy to help.