Applications will open for the 2027-2028 academic year!
Our brand new Bachelor of Arts degree in Cognitive Science is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary program designed to explore the intricate workings of the human mind and intelligence. Through a combination of philosophy, psychology, computer science, biology, linguistics, behavioral economics, and more, this program offers students a unique opportunity to delve into the mechanisms underlying perception, learning, memory, decision-making, language, and problem-solving.
The curriculum covers foundational topics such as cognitive development, philosophy of mind, cognitive psychology, neural networks, and language acquisition. This core knowledge equips students with a strong basis for advanced exploration. Our faculty consists of experts from diverse fields, ensuring that students receive guidance from professionals actively engaged in research and innovation in multiple disciplines. The program encourages students to apply theoretical knowledge through hands-on projects, lab work, research initiatives (either as assistants or as independent researchers), and professional internships. These experiences prepare graduates to tackle emerging challenges in cognitive science.
Graduates of the program will be well-prepared for diverse career paths. They can pursue roles in research institutions, tech companies, healthcare organizations, mental health professions, educational institutions, and user experience (UX) design. Additionally, the program serves as a solid foundation for further studies in cognitive science or related fields at graduate and professional schools.
This program offers a unique opportunity to explore the intricacies of the human mind from multiple perspectives. By providing a rich blend of theory, practical experience, and interdisciplinary collaboration, we empower students to become critical thinkers, innovative problem solvers, and contributors to the rapidly evolving landscape of cognitive science.
Please reach out to our Academic Program Manager, Samantha Ooley at swalker@purdue.edu, in the meantime with any questions and to get more information or to plan a visit!
**This program has been approved by the Indiana Commission on Higher Education on July 30th, 2025. It will not be accepting new students until the 2027-2028 academic year. Current students may CODO into the program beginning Fall 2026.