Cognitive Science

Requirements for Major

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.

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: MATH 1310 or MATH 1220 or an approved equivalent; at least one Cognitive Science approved course in each of the five core areas; at least two Cognitive Science approved courses at the 4000 level or above (3000 level or above for Philosophy) concentrated in one of the five core areas. 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. 

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. In addition, students must register for two semesters of supervised research (COGS 4970 and COGS 4980). Students must complete a thesis based on their independent research at least one month prior to graduation.

Courses Approved for Major

Particular 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.

Additional Information

For more information, contact the Program Coordinator, 140A Gilmer Hall, P.O. Box 400400, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4400; (434) 982-3019; www.virginia.edu/cognitivescience.