Major in Cognitive Science

We conceive of cognitive science as a loose federation of six specific disciplines. The disciplines included are neuroscience, computer science (including computer engineering), linguistics, mathematics and statistics, philosophy, and cognitive psychology. To demonstrate the breadth, students majoring or minoring in cognitive science are required to complete credits in at least three of these six disciplines.

Special Major

Typically, the program for a special major in cognitive science involves fulfilling all requirements for the minor and then adding 4 or more cognitive science-related courses, bringing the total number of credits up to 10–12. Note that these additional credits may include courses not listed as eligible for the minor, subject to the approval of the program coordinator. Students who special major in cognitive science are normally required to do a 1-credit senior thesis (COGS 090), though other formats for completing the thesis requirement exist, and students may elect to complete a 2-credit thesis with the approval of a thesis advisor and the program coordinator.

Honors Special Major

An honors special major in cognitive science is possible. While fulfilling the requirements of the minor, students must take four 2-credit honors preparations. One of these preparations is a Senior Honors Thesis (COGS 180). The other three preparations must be distributed across two or more disciplines within cognitive science. The nature of these honors preparations will be determined by the standard practices of the relevant departments.

Since its founding in 1864 by the Religious Society of Friends (aka Quakers), Swarthmore College has given students the knowledge, insight, skills, and experience to become leaders for the common good.

With a curriculum unmatched among liberal arts colleges of its size, Swarthmore offers more than 600 courses and undergraduate research opportunities—from the humanities and performing arts to the social and natural sciences and engineering.

Swarthmore’s idyllic, 425-acre arboretum campus features rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails. It is located just 11 miles from Philadelphia.

The diversity of perspectives represented by Swarthmore students, faculty, and staff—including different viewpoints, identities, and histories—contributes to the community’s strong sense of open dialogue and engagement with ideas and issues.