Jul 02, 2024  
Undergraduate Record 2024-2025 
    
Undergraduate Record 2024-2025

Interdisciplinary Major - Cognitive Science


Universal Curriculum Requirements


To be awarded a degree from the College of Arts and Sciences, students are required to complete universal curriculum requirements in addition to the program requirements provided below. The school universal curriculum requirements can be found on the school Degree Programs page .

Prerequisites


Prospective majors must have completed and obtained grades of C+ or better in two designated Cognitive Science courses. These courses must come from two different core areas: Cognitive Psychology, Computer Science, Linguistics, Neuroscience, and Philosophy. Refer to the program website for a list of approved courses.

Program Requirements


Completion requirements: Thirty credits are required for the major in Cognitive Science. Majors must have a cumulative GPA of 2.000 or better for all Cognitive Science courses completed at the University. A minimum grade of C is required for all courses to be applied to the major.

Required courses: The courses below or higher can fulfill the Calculus requirement; at least one Cognitive Science approved course in each of the five core areas; at least two Cognitive Science approved courses in one concentration area at the 4000 level or above (for Psychology and Neuroscience or 3000 level or above (for Computer Science, Linguistics, and Philosophy). Math 1220, MATH 1310, or higher, or APMA 1090 or higher can fulfill the Calculus requirement. Higher level math courses taken after the calculus requirement is satisfied will NOT count for major credit. Directed readings, research, and internship courses may not be taken for major credit. Courses counted in the 30 credits may not be taken on a credit/no credit basis. 

Courses Approved for Major


Courses within relevant departments are designated as being Cognitive Science courses. Courses from other departments, such as Mathematics or Systems Engineering, may be designated as Cognitive Science courses if their content is judged to be appropriate by the undergraduate committee that oversees the curriculum. The following is a list of courses offered on a regular basis and included in the Cognitive Science Approved Courses in previous semesters. There are also numerous Cognitive Science courses that are offered more infrequently; thus, the following list is not exhaustive. Further restrictions for applying individual courses to major requirements may exist.

Cognitive Psychology


Computer Science


Most CS courses are acceptable for the COGS major EXCEPT CS 1010, CS 1020, and CS 1501 Special Topics courses. CS 1501 courses are CR/NC grading which within the College of Arts and Sciences means they cannot be used to fulfill major credit hours. CS 3501 and 4501 Special Topics courses should only be taken for 3 credit hours if majors hope to fulfill one or both of the COGS concentration with these classes. ECE 2066 counts for credit but does not fill the CS area requirement. The list below is not comprehensive but does include courses typically taken by majors.

Linguistics


Neuroscience


Philosophy


Elective Credit Only


Distinguished Majors Program in Cognitive Science


General Information: Outstanding Cognitive Science majors who have completed 18 credits toward their major and who have a cumulative GPA of 3.400 or better may apply by the third semester before graduating to the Distinguished Majors Program. Students who are accepted will complete a thesis based on two semesters of empirical or theoretical research. Upon successful completion of the program, students will likely be recommended for a baccalaureate award of Distinction, High Distinction or Highest Distinction.

Requirements: Students applying to the Distinguished Majors Program must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.400 and have completed 18 credits towards their Cognitive Science major by the end of the semester in which they apply. Students must complete a thesis based on their independent research. In addition, students must register for two semesters of supervised research:

Additional Information


For more information, contact the Program Coordinator, P.O. Box 400400, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4400; (434) 982-3019; www.virginia.edu/cognitivescience.