Majors and Minors

Major / Minor Details

Cognitive Science (Major, Minor) | BA

  • Cognitive Science
  • School: SAS
  • Program Code: 185
  • Degree Type: BA
  • Program Type: Minor, Major
  • Program Summary: Cognitive Science is an interdisciplinary area of scholarship concerned with understanding the nature and development of perception, language, reasoning, planning, problem-solving, and related skills in biological or artificial systems. Cognitive Science was recently approved by the NJ Board of Governors as it's own major program. There are five possible tracks for the major (1) Cognitive Neuroscience, (2) Decision Making, (3) Language, (4) Mind, Machines & Computation, and (5) Perception. The interdisciplinary Cognitive Science major may be of interest to you if you like computer science, linguistics, philosophy, psychology, anthropology, biological sciences, mathematics, statistics, biomathematics, communication, or engineering.

  • Completion of 01:185:201; One Computational/Logical Reasoning Component Course (01:198:107,01:198:205,01:640:300,01:640:461,01:730:201,01:730:202); and One Statistical Reasoning Component Course (Calc I, Calc II, 01:185:320,01:198:206,01:830:200,01:960:211,01:960:285,01:960:401) ****Each with a grade of C or better***

  • None

  • We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.

    Your schedule will look something like this:

     

    Major Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Major or Minor Exploration course (3 credits)

    Major or Minor Exploration course (3 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

     Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit) 

     Total Credits: 15-16

     

  • Introductory courses recommended by faculty. Include at least one of these in your schedule:

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    Cognitive Science: A Multidisciplinary Introduction

    185:201

    3

     

  • Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page.

    Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester.

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    Subject on University Schedule of Classes
    Introduction to Logic 01:730:201 3 Philosophy (730)
    Computing for Math and the Sciences 01:198:107 4 Computer Science (198)
    Quantitative Methods in Psychology 01:830:200 4 Psychology (830)
    Calculus I for the Life and Social Sciences 01:640:135 4 Mathematics (640)
    General Psychology 01:830:101 3 Psychology (830)

     

  • The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects. 

    To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one:

    1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue.

    2. In the Search By box, click the "search multple subjects" link. Select the following departments:

    Biological Sciences (119)

    Philosophy (730)

    Psychology (830)

    Political Science (790) - Critical Intelligence Studies

    3. In Section Status, deselect Closed

    4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering. 

    Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters.
  • Program / Department Web Page
  • Major Web Page
  • Minor Web Page
  • Advising Page
  • View all Majors / Minors