Cognitive science is a multidisciplinary field that includes psychology, neuroscience, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy, among others. As a result, depending on which area or areas of study they focus on, cognitive science programs can be equally diverse. Programs in cognitive science can be found at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Many cognitive science programs combine courses from various departments, allowing students to specialize in their chosen field. Others, on the other hand, are more focused within a single department. What areas of cognitive science are emphasized at that school can be determined by the types of courses offered within the department and the degree awarded upon completion of the program.
For example, psychology programs may conduct experiments in a controlled environment to see how humans respond to various learning challenges. Cognitive science programs based on neuroscience may have similar goals, but they focus on the biological workings of the brain. They could use neural imaging or other technologies to track how the brain performs specific tasks.
Artificial intelligence is emphasized in some cognitive science programs. Researchers study how the mind processes information in this branch of cognitive science in order to develop computer models that can mimic human intelligence. This field of study assumes that human mental connections are analogous to computer logical rules. Cognitive linguistics programs may map out grammar rules in English or another language in order to “teach” computers to produce speech or text that sounds like human language.
While practical and experimental courses are common in the types of cognitive science programs described above, some programs focus more on philosophical aspects of cognition. These are more theoretical than experimental in nature. They may talk about the mind’s relationship with the body, as well as other issues.
Cognitive science programs differ in terms of the types of degrees they award, in addition to differences in methodology and approach. Some schools only offer master’s or doctoral programs, while others only offer undergraduate degrees, and still others offer both. At the undergraduate level, there are likely to be more classroom-based courses and fewer research-based courses in cognitive science. Graduate programs, on the other hand, are the polar opposite.