Cognitive Science
Source: https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/cognitive-science/ Parent: https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/political-science/
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Cognitive Science
Uncover how the mind works and the brain makes meaning. In this interdisciplinary major, you study thought, behavior, language, and technology—gaining insights that connect science and society while developing skills to think critically and solve complex problems.
Available on the Common App beginning Fall 2027.
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Program Summary
This degree is an interdisciplinary program designed to explore the intricate workings of natural and engineered cognitive systems. Through a combination of philosophy, psychology, computer science, biology, linguistics, and behavioral economics, and more, this program offers students a unique opportunity to delve into the mechanisms underlying perception, learning, memory, decision-making, language, and problem-solving. This program offers a unique opportunity to explore the intricacies of human, animal, and artificial minds from multiple perspectives. By providing a rich blend of theory, practical experience, and interdisciplinary collaboration, students are empowered to become critical thinkers, innovative problem solvers, and contributors to the rapidly evolving landscape of cognitive science. \
Quick Facts
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts
- Location(s): West Lafayette
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College/School: Liberal Arts
Why Purdue?
73.4%
of Liberal Arts students complete an internship
Purdue Center for Career Opportunities, 2024
14
Straight Years of Frozen Tuition
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NOTE: Available on the Common App beginning Fall 2027
Understanding Undergraduate Degree Paths
The College of Liberal Arts offers multiple paths in select majors to accelerate degree completion and provide opportunities to earn multiple degrees simultaneously so you can make the most of your educational experience.
Degree in 3
Degree in 3 provides an accelerated pathway to complete your Liberal Arts degree in just three years — saving time and tuition. With focused planning and year-round support, you’ll be ready to start your career or pursue graduate school ahead of schedule, without missing out on the full Purdue experience.
Degree Plus
Earn two degrees in four years with Purdue’s Degree Plus program — combine Liberal Arts with STEM, business or any other major, all without extra time or tuition. Stand out with a multidimensional education that sets you apart.
Possible Careers
Graduates of the program will be well-prepared for diverse career paths in research institutions, tech companies, healthcare organizations, mental health professions, educational institutions and user experience (UX) design, or at graduate and professional schools.
- Instructional systems designer
- Clinical research coordinator
- Data analyst
- Interaction designer or user interface designer
- Computational linguist
- Product designer
Internships and Graduate Hires
The program encourages students to apply theoretical knowledge through hands-on projects, lab work, research initiatives (either as assistants or as independent researchers) and professional internships. These experiences prepare graduates to tackle emerging challenges in cognitive science.
**High School Course Recommendations****
You should pursue the most rigorous high school curriculum available to you. Succeeding in challenging courses will make you a stronger candidate for Purdue’s competitive admission process and better prepare you for college success.
Minimum high school coursework (many applicants exceed these minimums):
- Math – 4 years
- English – 4 years
- Lab science – 3 years
- Social studies – 3 years
- World language – 2 years
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College of Liberal Arts
Join a community of thinkers, doers and communicators. Explore our programs grounded in theory and driven by real-world impact.
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Undergraduate Recruitment Office\ (765) 494-6291\ newstudent@purdue.edu
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Experience for yourself all that Purdue has to offer with opportunities to explore in-person or virtually.
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Ready to take the next step? Apply to begin your journey at Purdue in the cognitive science program.
Meet Our Professors
Daniel Kelly
Daniel Kelly is Professor of Philosophy at Purdue University, where he is also the Director of the Cognition, Agency and Intelligence Center. His research focuses on issues at the intersection of philosophy of mind and cognitive science, moral theory and evolution. He is the author of Yuck! The Nature and Moral Significance of Disgust (MIT 2011) and co-author of Somebody Should Do Something: How Anyone Can Help Create Social Change (MIT 2025).
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**Transfer to**** Cognitive Science
Purdue admits to individual majors. Transfer students must meet Purdue’s overall transfer criteria, as well as any major-specific requirements. Before you apply, check the closed programs page to confirm this major is open to transfer students. If it is, refer to the information below for major-specific transfer criteria.
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Minimum 2.5 GPA
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