COURSE CURRICULUM

The Cognitive Science program comprises 120 units, combining core coursework in computing, mathematics, and cognitive theory with flexible options across related disciplines. The core begins with foundational studies in computing—CISC 102, 121, and 124—followed by either MATH 110 or MATH 112 to establish essential linear algebra skills. Students then take COGS 100 to gain an overview of cognitive science and COGS 201 to explore cognition and computation. Additional required courses include CISC 203, 204, 221, and 235, which develop knowledge in discrete structures, logic, computer architecture, and data structures. Students must also complete one statistics course from STAT 263, STAT 268, or approved STAT options, and take CISC 360 on programming paradigms. Nine units from artificial intelligence–related offerings, including CISC 352 and COGS 400, support deeper study of computational models of cognition. CISC 497 addresses social, ethical, and legal issues in computing. The option component requires 30 units from two areas—Linguistics, Philosophy, or Psychology—plus 9 units from COGS-computing courses and 6 units chosen from lists spanning computing, linguistics, philosophy, psychology, or neuroscience. The remaining 27 units are open electives, allowing students to broaden or tailor their academic path within the degree structure.