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2023 Cognitive Science Degree Guide

Discover how people think and why they act the way they do with a major in Cognitive Science. Students will take classes in a variety of subjects in order to fully understand the human mind. Learn how the fields connect and work together in order to make discoveries through different theories and methods. This is a fascinating major that will reveal the way people think, solve problems and reason.

Classes will be in topics such as psychology, computer science, math, philosophy, linguistics, neuroscience, chemistry, language acquisition, logic, and biology.

Cognitive Science Degrees Growing in Popularity

#172 Most Popular Major
2.8k Degrees Awarded
1.9% Increase in Graduates

Cognitive Science was the 172nd most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 2,776 degrees in this year alone. This is a difference of 53 over the prior year, a growth of 1.9%.

This year's Best Cognitive Science Schools ranking compares 34 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of cognitive science programs later in this article.

2023 Best Colleges for Cognitive Science
2023 Overall Best Cognitive Science Colleges >

Best Cognitive Science Schools by Degree

Bachelor's Degrees in Cognitive Science
Master's Degrees in Cognitive Science
Doctorate Degrees in Cognitive Science

Requirements for Getting a Degree in Cognitive Science

Cognitive Science is an interdisciplinary major that requires organization and time management. Be ready to work through difficult mathematics problems and complicated labs. Students need to memorize terminology and theories and apply them to different subject areas. Learn to work cooperatively with others and listen to new opinions and perspectives.

This major encourages the development of research and problem solving skills. You should have a flexible mind and be open to new methods. Be ready listen and communicate your own findings. Your coursework will involve both written and oral presentations.

Cognitive Science Degree Program Entry Requirements

cognitive science degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Once you obtain your degree, additional cognitive science certifications required to pursue a career in this field.

Types of Cognitive Science Degrees

There are various different levels of cognitive science degrees. You can get anything from a in cognitive science to the highest cognitive science degree, a . The time it takes to complete a cognitive science degree varies depending on the program.

Degree Credit Requirements Typical Program Length
Associate Degree 60-70 credits 2 years
Bachelor’s Degree 120 credits 4 years
Master’s Degree 50-70 credits 1-3 years
Doctorate Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation At least 4 years

Career Opportunities for Cognitive Science Majors

$39.2k Average Starting Salary

A Cognitive Science degree will prepare you to pursue further education in the behavioral sciences fields as well as different directions such as law or medicine. Graduates who wish to go straight into a career can find work in the computer industry working with artificial intelligence, software design and development, human-computer interface design, or cognitive engineering. Those interested in medicine can become neuroscientists, bio-technicians, or pharmacists, although these careers may need additional education.

How Much Money Do People With a Cognitive Science Degree Make?

Recently graduated cognitive science students earned an average of $39,216 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $20,134 to as high as $62,295. As you might expect, salaries for cognitive science graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.

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One of 44 majors within the Multi / Interdisciplinary Studies area of study, Cognitive Science has other similar majors worth exploring.

Cognitive Science Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
Cognitive Science 2,768
Contemplative Studies/Inquiry 8

View All Cognitive Science Focus Areas >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Other Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies 34,975
Biological & Physical Science 30,075
Interdisciplinary Studies 9,074
International Studies 7,368
Nutrition Science 5,330

View All Cognitive Science Related Majors >

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