The Cognitive Science major at Avila
As the only program in the region, Avila’s cognitive science major will prepare you to understand how the mind processes information by investigating thinking, memory, and consciousness. An inherently interdisciplinary field, you’ll explore psychology, neuroscience, computer science, philosophy, and other disciplines to tailor the major to your interests.
Hands-on mentoring and cutting-edge technology will give you invaluable exposure to research opportunities in and out of the classroom. Specialized training in statistics and research methods mean you’ll be prepared to explore multiple disciplines and career paths, including data science, instructional design, policy, software development and many more.
Are you interested in cognitive science?
Be Prepared for Your Career
Incoming first-year students are guaranteed access to an internship or research experience before graduation. Avila students have completed hands-on learning experiences at:
- Cerner
- Burns & McDonnell
- Kansas City, Missouri Police Department
Avila Cognitive Science graduates are prepared to pursue careers as:
- Data Scientists
- Programmers
- Product Designers
Avila Cognitive Science graduates are prepared to work in a variety of fields:
- Artificial intelligence
- Data analysis
- User interface
- Game design
- Education
Choose your Concentration
Psychology
Designed for students interested in how emotion and motivations affect cognitive behavior, the Psychology concentration will give you a deeper understanding of the psychological foundations of Cognitive Science.Biology
For students who want to understand the interplay between cognitive behaviors and the human body, the Biology concentration will give you advanced coursework in evolution and genetics.Math/Computer Science
Designed for students interested in how statistics and data can help explain cognitive processes, the Math & Computer Science concentration features coursework in linear algebra and data analysis.Research
Designed for students interested in pursuing graduate school, the Research concentration features additional research experience coursework plus a senior thesis. Students must apply for acceptance into the Research Concentration after completing CG 262. Minimal requirements include: (a) completion of six hours of coursework at Avila, (b) a 3.25 cumulative grade point average, (c) a “B” grade or better in CG 261 and CG 262, and (d) recommendation of their advisor.What is Cognitive Science?
Cognitive science is the study of how the mind works, functions, and behaves. As a field of study, cognitive science encompasses ideas and concepts from multiple disciplines including philosophy, neuroscience, biology, psychology, computer science, linguistics and artificial intelligence. In order to understand how the brain makes decisions and performs tasks, students will take classes in a variety of program areas. Ultimately, cognitive science seeks to grasp intelligence and behavior in a way which can help improve human development and lives.
Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the degree, cognitive science majors have a wide range of career and advanced study opportunities. Students will graduate with strong writing, research, and analytical thinking skills. Many will pursue careers in software development, healthcare administration, research, game design, and education. Other graduates will further their knowledge and research interests in masters and doctoral programs in linguistics, neuroscience, and psychology. A cognitive science degree is also a path toward medical school, law school, or an MBA program.
Transferring to Avila?
We work with you to make the most of your transfer credits so you’re on track to graduate with a bachelor’s degree.
An Environment to Enhance your Education
“Increasingly, companies are seeking out employees who use a wide variety of tools and methods to critically address and solve problems. Because of its multidisciplinary nature, cognitive science is an excellent major to obtain this set of skills.”
Jared Branch / Department of Cognitive Science
Contact
Avila University Department of Psychology , Foyle Hall
11901 Wornall Road / Kansas City, MO 64145 / 816-501-3661
Dr. Jared Branch, Assistant Professor of Cognitive Science
P: 816-501-2447 / E: jared.branch@avila.edu