

The Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science at the University of Michigan provides a rigorous program for students interested in understanding the mind, behavior, and intelligent systems. The curriculum emphasizes neuroscience, psychology, linguistics, computer modeling, and philosophy of mind, preparing students to analyze cognitive processes, design experiments, and interpret complex data. Students participate in research projects, computational modeling, and applied studies, developing skills necessary to investigate perception, learning, memory, and decision making. This program cultivates both analytical proficiency and research expertise, equipping graduates for careers in cognitive research, technology, and applied psychology.
Learners explore interdisciplinary connections between cognitive science, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and linguistics. The curriculum offers opportunities for lab research, experimental design, and collaborative projects, allowing students to study human cognition, neural mechanisms, and computational modeling. Through mentorship, practical research experience, and applied practice, students refine experimental design, data analysis, and critical thinking skills. With a focus on applied cognition and scientific inquiry, the program prepares graduates to contribute to academic research, cognitive technology, and evidence based applications in professional and societal contexts.
Year 1 - Foundations in Cognitive Science
• Introduction to Cognitive Science
• Neuroscience Fundamentals
• Psychology and Human Behavior
• Computational Thinking and Modeling
Year 2 - Core Cognitive Studies
• Cognitive Psychology
• Philosophy of Mind
• Linguistics and Language Processing
• Research Methods in Cognitive Science
Year 3 - Applied Cognitive Research
• Experimental Design and Data Analysis
• Neural Basis of Cognition
• Computational Modeling of Cognition
• Elective Modules in Specialized Cognitive Topics
Year 4 - Capstone and Professional Integration
• Senior Research Project / Thesis
• Seminar in Cognitive Science
• Internship in Research or Applied Settings
• Professional Skills and Portfolio Development
Graduates of this program acquire advanced analytical, research, and applied skills that prepare them for careers in cognitive research, neuroscience labs, human factors analysis, artificial intelligence, and educational technology. They develop expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and cognitive modeling, enabling them to investigate brain function, design interventions, and develop technology informed by human behavior. The program also prepares graduates for roles in research institutions, technology companies, healthcare, and educational settings, equipping them to apply evidence based approaches in professional and societal contexts. Graduates leave ready to contribute to research, innovation, and applied cognitive projects.
This program is ideal for students seeking a curriculum that integrates applied cognition with research, computational modeling, and interdisciplinary study, offering mentorship, laboratory experience, and hands on projects. Learners benefit from faculty expertise, applied research opportunities, and interdisciplinary coursework that strengthen analytical, experimental, and communication skills. The curriculum emphasizes evidence based research, experimental methodology, and cognitive modeling, preparing graduates to study human behavior, develop intelligent systems, and contribute to applied research. With its focus on research proficiency and analytical excellence, the program provides a dynamic academic environment for students aspiring to careers in cognitive science, neuroscience, and applied psychology.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: 734-764-8129
Email: rackadmis@umich.edu
Address: Graduate Admissions Office, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA