Explore the human mind from an interdisciplinary perspective.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Cognitive Science in the College of Letters & Science offers undergraduates the opportunity to draw on psychology, linguistics, computer science, philosophy, neuroscience, and anthropology, and other fields to illuminate how the human mind works and why it works the way it does.
UC Berkeley is one of relatively few institutions to offer an undergraduate major in Cognitive Science, and our program is unique in terms of the scope of our approach to the field. The program features over forty affiliated faculty from a variety of departments, and is closely integrated with cognitive science research efforts across the campus.
Highlights
- Get involved with the Cognitive Science Students Association.
- Help other students as a Cognitive Science Peer Advisor.
- Teach your own Cognitive Science course through the DeCal program.
- Do a deep dive into a research topic with the Cognitive Science Honors Program.
Curriculum
Students in the Cognitive Science undergraduate program are expected to approach problems of knowledge using the tools of several different disciplines: philosophy, psychology, linguistics, computer science, neuroscience, and various social sciences. This expectation is reflected in a demanding curriculum that begins with a broad introductory survey course (COG SCI 1) and moves to a six-course distribution requirement covering the philosophy of mind, cognitive psychology, linguistics, computational modeling and artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and various social sciences. After fulfilling the distribution requirements, you can choose to explore the distributions further or expand your learning in additional areas. Students who do research and meet the GPA requirements can choose to pursue an honors thesis.
Learn more at cogsci.berkeley.edu/undergraduate/
Summer Minor
Cognitive Science and the Future of Tech explores technology’s connection with learning, decision-making, problem-solving, and creativity. All students are encouraged to participate, especially those interested in AI and medicine, human rights, UX design, and business. Courses include:
COG SCI C100 Basic Issues in Cognition
COG SCI 110 Practical Applications for Artificial Intelligence
COG SCI 112 Cognitive Science Behind the User Interface
COG SCI 139 Art, Geometry, and the Brain
COG SCI 173 Brain-Computer Interfaces
Declaring the Major
Upon acceptance to UC Berkeley, you are admitted to the College of Letters & Science as an undeclared student. To declare the Cognitive Science major, complete the major prerequisites in statistical thinking, calculus, and computer programming, and submit a declaration to the program once your grades appear on CalCentral. Cognitive Science staff will evaluate all applications on a rolling basis.
There is no limit to what you can do with a BA in Cognitive Science. The interdisciplinary nature of the Cognitive Science degree makes graduates in demand in many industries. Program alumni work in fields such as machine learning, human-centered design, and software design/development. They also pursue advanced degrees in cognitive science, neuroscience, and computer science, while others attain professional degrees to practice medicine or law.
UC Berkeley offers a number of career resources for Cognitive Science students. The Cognitive Science Program hosts information on career exploration and graduate school. The Social Sciences Career Readiness Internship Program helps prepare students for internships and the job market. The College of Letters & Science offers advising for undergraduates pursuing medical or health professions programs, law school, or masters and PhD programs. Additionally, Berkeley Career Engagement provides career and graduate school advising, job and internship listings, and events such as career and graduate school fairs.
Employment
Alumni find employment in a variety of fields and industries after graduation. Examples include:
- Application Programmer
- Computational Linguist
- Data Analyst
- Designer
- Front End Developer
- Linguistic Analyst
- Logistics Manager
- Product Manager
- QA Engineer
- Research Analyst
- Software Engineer
- Startup Founder
- Teacher
- Therapist
- UI/UX Designer
- Web Developer
Graduate Study
Alumni pursue graduate education to gain more depth of knowledge in their field as well as prepare for jobs that require advanced degrees. Examples include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Biostatistics
- Cognitive Psychology
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Education
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Linguistics
- Neurobiology
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
- Visual and Performing Arts
Michelle, class of 2025
Michelle Tran graduated with a BA in Cognitive Science and minor in Disability Studies. She helped conduct research for the School of Information, taught a DeCal on Photography Principles, and led the design team for BerkeleyTime. Michelle credits Cognitive Science with not only helping her professional pursuits but also providing personal insight into better understanding herself.
“On one level, Cognitive Science is great for my career, but the reason why I ultimately wanted to pursue it is because...I’ve learned a lot about myself and that’s the highlight of the Cognitive Science major for me. It’s helped me with self-improvement and how to be a happier person.”
First Year
Plan Your Studies
- Start exploring with L&S 1 and the L&S New Freshman Student Guide.
- Visit L&S Advising for help with major exploration and degree requirements.
- Familiarize yourself with the Cognitive Science major; check out sample program plans.
- Enroll in COG SCI 1 and prerequisite courses in statistical thinking, calculus, and computer programming.
- Join Berkeley Connect for 1:1 mentoring and to meet peers with shared interests.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Get involved with a student organization like the Cognitive Science Students Association.
- Visit Berkeley Discovery to get started with research, entrepreneurship, public service, and creative projects.
- Learn how to prepare for office hours and build relationships with faculty.
- Join the Cognitive Science Q&A Forum on Edstem.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Visit UHS Career Counseling and Berkeley Career Engagement.
- Start exploring career paths for the major; check out career resources on the Cognitive Science website.
- Begin making a plan to get career ready.
- Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Use Handshake to start connecting with career events and opportunities.
Second Year
Plan Your Studies
- Satisfy major requirements in neuroscience, philosophy, and computational modeling.
- Meet with your major and college advisor to discuss your academic plans.
- Look into study abroad and learning a foreign language; see guidelines from the department.
- Enrich your studies with a minor, course thread, or certificate such as Design Innovation.
- Verify you have completed the major prerequisites and declare the major.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Attend events such as the annual California Cognitive Science Conference.
- Develop your skills in the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy.
- Explore research opportunities on the OURS and Cognitive Science websites; apply to URAP to work on a faculty research project.
- Check out the Public Service Internship, College Corps, and Haas Public Service Leaders Program.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Meet with a BCE career educator to discuss career options and goals.
- Build your network and explore career fields via job shadowing and informational interviews.
- Pursue an internship to build skills and explore fields; look into the Social Sciences Career Readiness Internship Program.
- Considering graduate school? Explore resources from Cognitive Science, Graduate Division, L&S Advising, and BCE; look into the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship.
Third Year
Plan Your Studies
- Complete major requirements in linguistics, cognitive neuroscience, society, culture and recognition, and cognitive psychology.
- Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor.
- Develop your writing and critical thinking in an Art of Writing seminar.
- Spend a term off-campus through UCDC or the Intercampus Visitor Program.
- Consider applying to the Cognitive Science Honors Program; look into the Haas Scholars and SURF programs.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Help other students as a Cognitive Science Peer Advisor.
- Browse grants from the Center for Race and Gender and Institute for the Study of Societal Issues.
- Welcome new students to Berkeley as a Golden Bear Orientation Leader.
- Explore the Institute of Cognitive and Brain Sciences.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Speak with faculty, advisors, and career educators about post-graduate options.
- Join a professional association such as the Cognitive Science Society.
- Interested in public service careers? Consider applying to the John Gardner Fellowship, Huntington Award, or Truman Scholarship.
- Attend career events hosted by the Cognitive Science Students Association.
Fourth Year
Plan Your Studies
- Enroll in elective courses for the major.
- Finish all upper division requirements and electives.
- Join a thesis writing workshop at the Student Learning Center.
- Complete any remaining degree requirements and prepare for graduation.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Interested in teaching? Give it a try by teaching your own DeCal course.
- Submit a course research project for the Library Prize, American Cultures Student Prize, or other awards.
- Get published! Submit your thesis or research paper to the Berkeley Undergraduate Journal.
- Pursue a special project after graduation with the Stronach Prize.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Check in with a BCE career educator.
- Start connecting with alumni groups such as the CogSci Alumni Network.
- Apply to graduate school or post-graduate programs.
- Meet employers at info sessions, on-campus recruiting, and career fairs.
- Utilize job search tools from BCE and apply for job opportunities.
- Learn about alumni career services.
Summer
- Make progress on degree requirements with a Summer Sessions course like MATH 55 or COMP SCI 70.
- Go abroad through Berkeley Study Abroad or UCEAP.
- Look into a summer internship with Cal in the Capital, Cal in Sacramento, or Berkeley Global Internships; apply for a CogSci Internship Grant.
- Pursue a summer minor or certificate—check out programs in Data Science and Education.
- Apply to the GiGS program to learn about graduate school.
First Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Get your bearings with L&S 198 Transitioning to Cal and the L&S New Transfer Student Guide.
- See info for transfer students and check out sample program plans; meet with your major and college advisor to discuss your academic plans.
- Complete major prerequisites in statistical thinking and calculus (if needed) and declare the major; satisfy the neuroscience requirement.
- Join Berkeley Connect for 1:1 mentoring and to meet peers with shared interests.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Get involved with a student organization like the Cognitive Science Students Association.
- Find support at the Transfer Student Center or Re-entry Student Program.
- Visit Berkeley Discovery to get started with research, entrepreneurship, public service, and creative projects.
- Learn how to prepare for office hours and build relationships with faculty.
- Join the Cognitive Science Q&A Forum on Edstem.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Visit UHS Career Counseling and Berkeley Career Engagement.
- Start exploring career paths for the major; check out career resources on the Cognitive Science website.
- Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Use Handshake to start connecting with career events and opportunities.
- Meet with a BCE career educator to discuss career options and goals.
- Apply to the Social Sciences Career Readiness Internship Program.
Second Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Complete major requirements in computer programming (if needed), and philosophy and linguistics.
- Look into study abroad and learning a foreign language; see guidelines from the department.
- Explore new interests in a Berkeley Changemaker or DeCal course.
- Enrich your studies with a minor, course thread, or certificate such as Design Innovation.
- Consider applying to the Cognitive Science Honors Program; look into the Haas Scholars and SURF programs.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Attend events such as the annual California Cognitive Science Conference.
- Check out the Public Service Internship, College Corps, and Haas Public Service Leaders Program.
- Explore research opportunities on the OURS and Cognitive Science websites; apply to URAP to work on a faculty research project.
- Browse grants from the Center for Race and Gender and Institute for the Study of Societal Issues.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Build your network and explore career fields via job shadowing and informational interviews.
- Pursue an internship to build skills and explore fields.
- Considering graduate school? Explore resources from Cognitive Science, Graduate Division, L&S Advising, and BCE; look into the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship.
- Speak with faculty, advisors, and career educators about post-graduate options.
Third Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Enroll in COG SCI 1 if you haven’t done so yet; complete major requirements in computational modeling, society, culture, and cognition, and cognitive psychology.
- Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor.
- Develop your writing and critical thinking in an Art of Writing seminar.
- Spend a term off-campus through UCDC or the Intercampus Visitor Program.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Help other students as a Cognitive Science Peer Advisor or Transfer Peer Advocate.
- Develop your skills in the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy.
- Interested in teaching? Give it a try by teaching your own DeCal course.
- Welcome new students to Berkeley as a Golden Bear Orientation Leader.
- Explore the Institute of Cognitive and Brain Sciences.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Check in with a BCE career educator.
- Join a professional association such as the Cognitive Science Society.
- Interested in public service careers? Consider applying to the John Gardner Fellowship, Huntington Award, or Truman Scholarship.
- Apply to graduate school or post-graduate programs.
- Attend career events hosted by the Cognitive Science Students Association.
Fourth Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Satisfy the major requirement in cognitive neuroscience; enroll in elective courses for the major.
- Finish all upper division requirements and electives.
- Join a thesis writing workshop at the Student Learning Center.
- Complete any remaining degree requirements and prepare for graduation.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Submit a course research project for the Library Prize, American Cultures Student Prize, or other awards.
- Get published! Submit your thesis or research paper to the Berkeley Undergraduate Journal.
- Pursue a special project after graduation with the Stronach Prize.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Meet employers at info sessions, on-campus recruiting, and career fairs.
- Utilize job search tools from BCE and apply for job opportunities.
- Start connecting with alumni groups such as the CogSci Alumni Network.
- Learn about alumni career services.
Summer
- Get ready for Berkeley with RHETOR 100 Writing at the University.
- Thinking about a PhD? Apply to the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship before your first semester.
- Make progress on degree requirements with a Summer Sessions course like COMP SCI 188 or LINGUIS 100.
- Go abroad through Berkeley Study Abroad or UCEAP
- Look into a summer internship with Cal in the Capital, Cal in Sacramento, or Berkeley Global Internships; apply for a CogSci Internship Grant.
- Pursue a summer minor or certificate—check out programs in Data Science and Education.
- Apply to the GiGS program to learn about graduate school.
Undergraduate Advising
Have questions about Cognitive Science or choosing a major?
The Cognitive Science Program offers undergraduate advising for students interested in the Cognitive Science major or summer minor. Cognitive Science Peer Advisors offer guidance on course recommendations, research opportunities, and why to choose the major. Cognitive Science Major Advisors are available for all major-related questions. For more information, visit cogsci.berkeley.edu or email askcogsci@berkeley.edu.
The College of Letters & Science helps students with non-major-specific academic topics, including major exploration, general program planning, and finding campus resources. L&S College Advisors are available for in-person and virtual meetings. Visit lsadvising.berkeley.edu or email asklns@berkeley.edu.
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