Cognitive Science
Randolph College’s cognitive science major draws on concepts and methodology from psychology, philosophy, computer science, and linguistics, emphasizing how to think and engage in reasoning and constructive problem-solving.
Why Study Cognitive Science at Randolph?
Cognitive Science is the interdisciplinary study of the nature of human knowledge and how it is acquired and used.
Students will learn how information is represented and processed, examining memory, language, and thought from both a psychological and philosophical perspective, while also taking courses in computer science and statistical analysis.
Computer science is a significant component of the major. Recent cognitive science studies have used machine learning techniques for a variety of applications, from linking consumer behavior in spending with personality traits to using algorithms to predict risky decision-making behavior to developing models to predict early signs of depression and anxiety in speech patterns.
Students with cognitive science degrees have a wealth of career fields available to them, including user experience design, data analysis, artificial intelligence research, education, marketing, software development, research psychology, and even game design.
Degrees offered
Cognitive Science BA
Cognitive Science minor
Participating Programs
Curriculum and Courses
Consult the Academic Catalog for more information about major and minor requirements.
Cognitive Science Major
Students must complete 56 credit hours to earn the Bachelor of Arts degree in Cognitive Science.
See the courses list below for course descriptions
Required: (28 credit hours)
- PSYC 1105 Introduction to Psychology
- PSYC 2211 Cognitive Psychology
- PSYC 3338 Cognitive Neuroscience
- DSCI 2233 Machine Learning
- CSCI 1151-1151L Computer Programming I & Lab
- CSCI 1156-1156L Computer Programming II & Lab
- COGS 3335 Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence
One of the following: (4 credit hours)
- COGS 2221 Introduction to Linguistics
- CPHL 3352 Philosophy of Language
One of the following: (4 credit hours)
- PSYC 2227 Applied Statistical Analysis
- MATH 2227 Elementary Applied Statistics
Two of the following: (8 credit hours)
- PSYC 2209 Sensation and Perception
- PSYC 2210 Consciousness
- PSYC 2211 Emotion
- PSYC 2260 Language Acquisition and Development
- PSYC 3325 Psychology of Music
- PSYC 3353 Cognitive Development
Two of the following: (8 credit hours)
At least one at the 2000 level
- CPHL 1105 Contemplative Studies
- CPHL 1152 Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
- CPHL 2230 Logic
- CPHL 2237 Philosophy of Mind
Senior Program: (4 credit hours)
- COGS 4495 Research Capstone in Cognitive Science
Total for BA in Cognitive Science: 56 credit hours
Students may double major in Psychology and Cognitive Science or Comparative Philosophy and Cognitive Science but can only count a total of three courses towards both majors.
Cognitive Science Minor
Students must complete 28 credit hours to qualify for the Cognitive Science minor.
Required: (12 credit hours)
- PSYC 1105 Introduction to Psychology
- PSYC 2211 Cognitive Psychology
- PSYC 3338 Cognitive Neuroscience
One of the following: (4 credit hours)
- COGS 2221 Introduction to Linguistics
- CPHL 3352 Philosophy of Language
One of the following: (4 credit hours)
- DSCI 2233 Machine Learning
- CSCI 2225 Matlab and Labview
- CSCI 1151-1151L Computer Programming I & Lab
One of the following: (4 credit hours)
- PSYC 2209 Sensation and Perception
- PSYC 2210 Consciousness
- PSYC 2260 Language Acquisition and Development
- PSYC 3325 Psychology of Music
- PSYC 3353 Cognitive Development
- COGS 3335 Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence
One of the following: (4 credit hours)
- CPHL 1105 Contemplative Studies
- CPHL 1152 Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
- CPHL 2230 Logic
- CPHL 2237 Philosophy of Mind
Total for Minor in Cognitive Science: 28 credit hours
Students may double minor in Psychology and/or Cognitive Science or Comparative Philosophy and Cognitive Science but can only count 2 courses towards both minors.
A student can major in Psychology and complete a Cognitive Science minor and/or major in Comparative Philosophy and complete a Cognitive Science minor, but can only count 2 courses towards both the major and minor.
Courses
These are courses you may take as you pursue a major or minor in cognitive science.
COGS 2221 - Introduction to Linguistics
This course is an introduction to language as an object of study. It will examine core areas of linguistic analysis including phonetics/phonology (sound systems), morphology (word formation), syntax (sentence structure), and semantics (meaning). Students will analyze language data across diverse languages, exploring language variation, change, and acquisition. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of instructor.
COGS 3335 - Cognitive Science & Artificial Intelligence
This course explores the intersection of cognitive psychology and artificial intelligence, examining how human mental processes inform technological innovation. Students investigate pattern recognition, learning, problem-solving, and decision-making principles applied to modern AI systems. Topics include visual perception in computer vision, language processing in LLMs, cognitive architectures in applications, and human-like reasoning in autonomous vehicles. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of instructor.
COGS 4495 - Research Capstone in Cognitive Science
An intensive research seminar where students will identify a significant problem at the intersection of two of the following areas: philosophy, linguistics, computer science, and psychology, then develop a project proposal and then produce either a scholarly paper including a literature review or create an innovative product (e.g., computational model, experimental paradigm, or analytical tool). The course emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, research methodology, and professional communication skills. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: senior standing.
Top Ranked Professors
Randolph College’s faculty are consistently recognized as among the best in the nation. The Princeton Review ranked the College in the Top 25 for most accessible professors in the most recent edition of its flagship college guide, The Best 389 Colleges.
Randolph has been ranked in the top 25 for most accessible professors for more than a decade.
Faculty Coordinator
Elizabeth Blair Gross
Assistant Professor of Psychology, Chair of Psychology, Social and Behavioral Sciences Division Head
Read More... Elizabeth Blair GrossOpportunities for Experience
Summer Research Program
Spend the summer working closely with a professor on a focused aspect of a Cognitive Science topic of your choosing.
Randolph’s intensive eight-week Summer Research Program enables students to work with professors on a research of their own design; live in a residence hall on campus, participate in on-campus summer events, attend special seminars with guest speakers; and share the progress and results of their research.
Symposium of Artists and Scholars
Modeled after a traditional academic conference, the SAS brings together students of all disciplines to share the results and highlights of the best work being produced at the College – oral presentations, readings of creative works, performances, exhibitions of student artwork, and poster presentations.
Internships
Learn by doing – in the field and on the job. The Career Development Center will help place you in positions with leading companies and organizations in your field of study.
Resources and Equipment
Only at Randolph
Randolph students can take advantage of unique programs which give them a more enriching education than can be found anywhere else.
Randolph students work with faculty mentors to explore a broad range of disciplines as they chart their academic path.
Randolph graduates learn to think critically, solve problems and work well with others. They are prepared to succeed in all aspects of life.
Two courses per half-mester means you get to focus in and dig deep into your coursework while still having time for the rest of the college experience. Two classes. Seven weeks. Repeat.
The Randolph Innovative Student Experience (RISE) program provides every student a $2,000 grant to fund research, creative work, experiential learning or other scholarly pursuits.
