Majors at the University of Connecticut
Cognitive Science
Cognitive science is an interdisciplinary field that has arisen as the result of intersection of a number of existing disciplines, including Psychology, Linguistics, Philosophy, Anthropology, Computer Science and Neuroscience. It combines the application of approaches from all of these disciplines with the study of language processing, perception, action, learning, concept formation, and inference. Also included are other activities of the mind, applications of the resulting theories to Information Technology, and the study of Artificial Intelligence. The shared interest that has produced this coalition is the understanding of the nature of the mind.
Academic Department
Nature of Work
This major prepares students for careers in research and academics. The nature of a job related to cognitive science focuses on answering such questions as: How does the brain work? If and how computers can think? What the nature of language is? What is memory? How do we acquire language? In addition, such topics that can be explored include perception, memory, reasoning, and language. Cognitive science is expected to play a large role in the development of the technologies, training, and intervention programs of the twenty-first century.
Sample Job Titles
- Human Interface Analyst
- Cognitive-Behavior Researcher
- Cognitive Engineering
- Research Psychologist
- Teacher
- Technology Coordinator
- Technology Services Manager
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- Public Opinion Surveyor
- Social Scientist
- Psychiatrist
- Linguist
- Intelligence Specialist
- Mental Health Clinician
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Potential Employers
The most frequent job placements for Cognitive Science graduates are in the computer industry in the areas of cognitive engineering (human factors), human-computer interface design, artificial intelligence, neural network applications, and software design and development. There is a growing demand in the research industry, particularly in biotechnical and pharmaceutical companies, because students also take courses in biology and chemistry.
In addition, the major provides an excellent background for many professional fields including medicine, clinical psychology, design, and information technology.
Useful Skills
In general, the undergraduate cognitive science curriculum equips students with the ability to communicate clearly, critically evaluate evidence and data, program and use computers, and apply conceptual, analytical, and interpersonal skills to a variety of situations. In addition, it is helpful for students to have a background in research as well as knowledge of the computer. Certainly, the type of skills depends on what area of the field the student pursues.
Getting Experience
Cognitive science students who conduct research projects, complete internship assignments, work part-time, or volunteer can develop knowledge and skills that will improve their candidacy for professional opportunities and/or admission to graduate school.
Employment Opportunities
Cognitive Science graduates are generally unique in that they bring with them a wide range of knowledge from different disciplines, including computers. Many employers find this attractive and therefore, there are a lot of employment opportunities available. Depending on the discipline, employment opportunities are available in healthcare companies, colleges and universities, computer and information technology, consulting firms, marketing/sales firms, as well as research and development.
Internet Links
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