Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree with a Major in Cognitive Sciences

Rice University

Program Learning Outcomes for the BA Degree with a Major in Cognitive Sciences Upon completing the BA degree with a major in Cognitive Sciences, students will be able to:Understand cognitive science as an interdisciplinary field and demonstrate the ability to synthesize key knowledge, theories, methods, research, and other elements from many related disciplines and bring these interdisciplinary elements to bear on problems or questions in the cognitive sciences. Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge of the key issues, questions, and perspectives at stake in the multiple disciplines that contribute to the study of the cognitive sciences. Achieve a depth of knowledge in one core area of the cognitive sciences – linguistics, neuroscience, philosophy, or psychology – and develop a knowledge base in that discipline, as well as an understanding of the theories, methods, and research approaches in that discipline. Demonstrate the advanced critical thinking skills necessary to evaluate multiple theories or methods from a variety of related disciplines and choose which to apply to a particular problem or question in the cognitive sciences, as well as the advanced critical thinking ability necessary to evaluate the validity of research results that purport to address the same problem or question, but with different results. Demonstrate the ability to communicate original research or research by other scholars effectively and at a college level in written and oral formats. Students pursuing the BA degree with a major in Cognitive Sciences must complete: A minimum of 14 courses (42-46 credit hours, depending on course selection) to satisfy major requirements.A minimum of 120 credit hours to satisfy degree requirements.A minimum of 60 credit hours outside of major requirements. A minimum of 6 courses (18 credit hours) taken at the 300-level or above.A maximum of 4 courses (12 credit hours) from study abroad or transfer credit. For additional program guidelines regarding transfer credit, see the Policies tab. The requirements for one area of specialization (see below for areas of specialization). When students declare the major in Cognitive Sciences, students must additionally identify and declare one of four areas of specialization, either in:Linguistics, or Neuroscience, or Philosophy, or Psychology.

School of Social Sciences