Cognitive Science
The Cognitive Science Bachelor of Arts program at Pennsylvania University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to provide students with an interdisciplinary understanding of the mind, brain, and intelligent behavior. The curriculum integrates psychology, neuroscience, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy, enabling students to explore cognitive processes such as perception, memory, learning, and decision-making. Students engage in research projects, laboratory experiments, and computational modeling, developing the analytical and technical skills necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying human thought, behavior, and artificial intelligence.
Throughout the program, students participate in seminars, collaborative projects, and experiential learning guided by faculty experts in cognitive science, neuroscience, and computational modeling. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research proficiency, and interdisciplinary problem-solving, preparing graduates to investigate complex cognitive phenomena and apply insights in fields such as AI, education, human-computer interaction, and neuroscience. Students leave the program with research competence, analytical skills, technical proficiency, and critical reasoning, fully prepared for professional roles or advanced study in cognitive science, psychology, computer science, or related disciplines.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Cognitive Science
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Cognitive Science
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Cognitive Science
- Introduction to Cognitive Science
- Principles of Psychology
- Introduction to Neuroscience
- Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis
Year 2 – Intermediate Study in Mind and Brain
- Cognitive Psychology and Perception
- Computational Modeling and Artificial Intelligence
- Linguistics and Language Processing
- Philosophy of Mind and Ethics
Year 3 – Advanced Cognitive Processes
- Learning, Memory, and Decision-Making
- Neurobiology of Cognition
- Applied Cognitive Research Projects
- Electives: Human-Computer Interaction, Data Science, or Cognitive Neuroscience
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Integration
- Senior Thesis or Independent Research Project
- Seminar in Contemporary Cognitive Science
- Professional Portfolio Development
- Applied Research or Internship in Cognitive Science
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Cognitive Science program are prepared for careers in research, human-computer interaction, data analysis, AI development, psychology, neuroscience, and technology consulting. Alumni may work as cognitive researchers, UX specialists, AI developers, data analysts, or pursue graduate studies in cognitive science, neuroscience, psychology, or computer science. The program equips graduates to design experiments, analyze complex behavioral and computational data, and apply interdisciplinary knowledge to solve problems. With strong research, analytical, and technical skills, graduates are highly competitive in professional and academic environments that study cognition, behavior, and intelligent systems.
Why Choose This Program
This program is distinguished by its integration of cognitive theory, neuroscience, computational modeling, and interdisciplinary research within a four-year curriculum. Students benefit from mentorship, laboratory access, and applied projects that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical problem-solving in cognition and intelligent systems. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and applied research, preparing graduates to investigate cognitive phenomena, develop innovative solutions, and contribute to scientific and technological advancements. For students passionate about understanding the mind, behavior, and intelligence, and applying interdisciplinary methods to real-world challenges, this program offers a rigorous, immersive, and career-focused pathway to professional and academic success.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
