Cognitive
Science Program
at the University of Virginia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many classes do I need to take in order to declare my major?
A total of two classes is necessary to declare, and these classes must be in different areas of cognitive science. (For example, Psychology 215: Introduction to Cognition, which is a cognitive psychology course, and Computer Science 101.) Students must have a C+ or better in both courses to declare a CogSci major.
The credits for Cognitive Science classes taken as prerequisites will apply to the total of 30 credits required for the Cognitive Science major. While a calculus course is required for the major, Math does not qualify as one of the areas of Cognitive Science.
Do I need to have completed MATH 131 before I can declare my major?
While students must take an approved math class to complete the CogSci major, it is not a prerequisite for declaring. The math class will count towards the 30 credit hours you need to complete the major (if it is not transfer or AP credit).
Although MATH 131 is the preferred math course for Cognitive Science, there are other courses that can be subsituted. (Please see the Program Coordinator if you have an alternate math course you believe qualifies.)
Does research credit count for the major?
While getting research experience is very important to your education, it does not count towards your 30 credit hours. The coursework required for the major provides you with exposure to all of the areas of Cognitive Science, and it is felt that research credit should enhance that experience rather than replacing it.
Will my transfer or advanced placement credit apply towards the major?
Transfer or advanced placement credit may be used to satisfy certain area requirements. However, this will not count towards the 30 credit hours required for completion of the major.
May I have cognitive science as a minor?
No . Since we are an interdisciplinary program, a minor concentration would be too academically unfocused and superficial.
May I double major or minor in a related discipline and double count classes?
Yes, you may double major or minor in a related discipline, and you may be able to double count some of your classes. Here's how it works: You must have at least 18 credits that are applied only to Cognitive Science. The remaining 12 credits required for Cognitive Science may come from courses that are shared with another major or minor.
If you are double majoring, be aware that your other major will have the same requirement. When you are ready to declare your Cognitive Science major, the Program Coordinator will assist you in planning to meet these requirements.
I've changed my mind about what area I want to concentrate in. What do I need to do?
Simply take at least two 400+-level courses in the new area of concentration. When making changes to your planned coursework, always double check that you are still meeting the minimum requirements of the major. Please contact the Program Coordinator if you need assistance with this.
I've heard that concentrating in Computer Science can be difficult. Why?
Upper-level Computer Science courses (400+ level) tend to have many more prerequisites than courses in other areas of Cognitive Science. For this reason, students wishing to concentrate in Computer Science must complete an extra step in the major declaration process. After meeting with the Program Coordinator, they will be sent to meet with a faculty member in the CS department, who will review the planned coursework and make sure that the student will be able to complete all of the required prerequisites and the two 400+ courses in the remaining time before graduation. Students may then meet with the Cognitive Science Program Director to declare their majors.
Will I recieve a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S) in Cognitive Science?
Students graduating with a major in Cognitive Science receive a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). Only majors in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Physics receive Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees.
Will my major, minor, and concentraton all be specified on my diploma?
No. Only students who complete the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) have their majors listed on the diploma. Your transcript will document which courses you have taken, and it is up to you to explain your major, minor, and concentration during interviews or on applications, if you feel that it is important.
If a course is cross listed under two different areas, may I use it to satisfy both area requirements or one area requirement and one concentration requirement in different areas?
No. One class can be applied to only one area. Thus, a course that satisfies both Linguistics and Cognitive Psychology can be applied to only one of those areas. You will still need another course to satisfy the other area or concentration requirement.
I keep getting emails through the mailman list that don't apply to me. Why can't I unsubscribe?
Because the mailman list serves all Cognitive Science majors, you will occasionally get emails you may disregard. However, because some of the information will be very important to you (advisor changes, graduation information, degree audit information, and other announcements), we do not unsubscribe majors. Simply delete any messages that don't apply to you.
What is the Distinguished Majors Program, and is it available to Cognitive Science majors?
The Distinguished Majors Program (DMP) in Cognitive Science is designed for Cognitive Science majors who show exceptional promise. The DMP is a two-semester program completed during a student's fourth year. Upon successful completion of this program, most students receive a departmental recommendation for a baccalaureate award of Distinction, High Distinction, or Highest Distinction.
Please visit the Distinguished Majors Program section of the Academic Program Page on this website to learn more about the Distinguished Majors Program, or contact the Program Coordinator.
Will my Distinguished Majors Program credits count toward the 30 credit hours required for the CogSci major? No
Does UVA offer a graduate program in Cognitive Science?
UVA does not offer graduate studies in Cognitive Science, specifically. However, the University does offer several graduate programs in areas of Cognitive Science. These areas include Neuroscience, Philosophy, and Linguistics. Please review the complete graduate programs listing for more information. Also, there are links to some graduate programs in Cognitive Science here.
What do graduates do with a degree in Cognitive Science?
Please refer to the facts & figures on our alumni page for examples of graduate programs, employment, and comments from our graduates. To ask a UVa graduate, go to: