Cognitive Science at University of Utah

Program Description

How does the mind work? What kind of a thing is a mind? How do our thoughts tell us about the world around us? Are these thoughts accurate? Cognitive scientists attempt to answer these questions and others as they try to discover how the mind works. Cognitive science today is a richly interdisciplinary pursuit of knowledge, involving anthropologists, computer scientists, engineers, linguists, philosophers, psychologists, roboticists, and others. Because research in this field is so young, not only will you learn the latest developments, you will have the rare opportunity to contribute to those developments yourself. The program curriculum includes a variety of courses from each of the field’s contributing disciplines—computer science, linguistics, philosophy, and psychology—and students can also take electives in these and other areas, including anthropology and management.

Academic and Career Opportunities

The Cognitive Sciences minor is offered by the Department of Philosophy, allowing students to participate in the Philosophy Club to meet like-minded peers. Upon graduation, a minor in cognitive science can prepare you for graduate programs in cognitive science, cognitive psychology, or cognitive neuroscience, or other areas such as medical or law school. Career possibilities include becoming a computer programmer, counselor, teacher, psychologist, or health science administrator.