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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.

High tech virtual reality equipment is available for psychology studies and experiments.

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 Gross

Opportunities 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.

Learn more about the Summer Research Program.

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.

Learn more about the Symposium of Artists and Scholars.

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.

Learn more about internship opportunities.

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.

The Liberal Arts Advantage

Randolph graduates learn to think critically, solve problems and work well with others. They are prepared to succeed in all aspects of life.

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TAKE2

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.

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The Randolph Plan

Randolph students work with faculty mentors to explore a broad range of disciplines as they chart their academic path.

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Money for Your Research

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.

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News

Randolph announces three new undergraduate programs

Cybersecurity, cognitive science, and mechanical engineering will launch next fall.

Read More

Beck writes blog about benefits of active music-making

Psychology professor Sara Beck published a blog for the Center for Scholars & Storytellers, a youth-centered organization that bridges the […]

Read More

Randolph’s Blair Gross published in ‘Frontiers in Psychology’

Blair Gross, a Randolph psychology professor, published the article, “Cognitive Processes Unfold in a Social Context: A Review and Extension […]

Read More

Beck writes about music cognition for "Child Art Magazine"

In the article, How Do Scientists Study Music?, Beck and co-author Miriam Lense wrote about the intersection of music, psychology, neuroscience, education, and health

Read More

Randolph announces three new undergraduate programs

Cybersecurity, cognitive science, and mechanical engineering will launch next fall.

Read More

Beck writes blog about benefits of active music-making

Psychology professor Sara Beck published a blog for the Center for Scholars & Storytellers, a youth-centered organization that bridges the […]

Read More

Randolph’s Blair Gross published in ‘Frontiers in Psychology’

Blair Gross, a Randolph psychology professor, published the article, “Cognitive Processes Unfold in a Social Context: A Review and Extension […]

Read More

Beck writes about music cognition for "Child Art Magazine"

In the article, How Do Scientists Study Music?, Beck and co-author Miriam Lense wrote about the intersection of music, psychology, neuroscience, education, and health

Read More
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Department Chair

Elizabeth Blair Gross

Assistant Professor of Psychology, Chair of Psychology, Social and Behavioral Sciences Division Head

Credentials:B.A., University of Virginia
M.A., University of Virginia
Ph.D., University of Virginia
Associated Departments:Psychology, Cognitive Science
Office:Psychology 1
Phone:4349478548
Email:egross@randolphcollege.edu

News Headlines

What excites me the most about the Psychology program at Randolph College is how closely I get to work with undergraduate students. I am passionate about teaching psychology, and I love the small, intimate, and supportive classrooms that enable me to not only teach but mentor my students as well. I currently teach Introduction to Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Research Methods, and Myths and Controversies in Psychology. Most of all, I try to incorporate research into all of my classes, either by emphasizing rigorous evaluation of scientific studies and their conclusions or having students design and conduct their own research studies. I find students really are the creative engine in the field!

As much as I love teaching, I also love being a scientist. In research, I am primarily interested in how our social environments shape basic cognitive processes, and how individuals incur costs and benefits in social relationships. I find it fascinating that our visual systems reconstruct the world around us, but it is not always accurate. For example, the steepest paved road in Lynchburg, VA is, by law, 9 degrees, yet it looks drastically steeper! In fact, there is good evidence that what we see is shaped by both our ability to act in the world and, more surprisingly, who surrounds us. Distances look farther and hills look steeper when we are physically exhausted, and thinking about a supportive friend literally makes us see the world as easier to navigate. My research has found that even an abstract social resource, imagining supportive others, provides physiological benefits and alters visual perception. I am excited to continue this work with students in an effort to directly quantify how individuals perceive and relate to their social network in an effort to establish what aspects of the social environment are responsible for these direct changes in physiology and cognitive processes.

When I’m not working, you will often find me training for long distance runs, catching up on my reading list, or watching football.

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