Case Western Reserve University

What you'll study

The Cognitive Science programme is built around an interdisciplinary core that introduces theories and methods for understanding perception, language, learning and decision‑making. You will take foundational courses in cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, computational modelling and formal approaches to language, alongside supporting courses from computer science, philosophy, linguistics, mathematics and statistics.

• Core modules: cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, research methods and experimental design, statistics for behavioural sciences, computational modelling.
• Disciplinary breadth: introductory and intermediate courses in computer science (algorithms, machine learning or AI-related electives), linguistics (syntax, semantics, psycholinguistics), and philosophy of mind and epistemology.
• Advanced and applied options: perception and attention, language acquisition, neuroimaging methods (EEG/fMRI introduction), decision neuroscience, human–computer interaction, cognitive development.
• Practical experience: laboratory courses, data analysis projects, programming practica, and opportunities to participate in faculty research labs.
• Capstone requirement: a senior seminar, honours thesis or practicum that emphasises independent research or an applied project integrating methods across disciplines.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a strong secondary school record with coursework in mathematics and at least one science (biology, chemistry, or physics) recommended. Successful applicants typically demonstrate analytical skills and written communication ability; prior exposure to psychology, computer science or statistics is advantageous but not essential.

• High school diploma or equivalent with competitive grades in relevant subjects.
• Standardised tests (where submitted) and academic references are considered as part of a holistic admissions process; specific testing policies may vary.
• International applicants must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements through recognised tests or equivalent qualifications.
• Transfer students should provide transcripts from previous post‑secondary institutions and may be asked to show preparation in quantitative coursework for placement in intermediate courses.

Career prospects

Graduates of Cognitive Science move into a wide range of roles across technology, health, education and research. The programme’s combination of experimental skill, quantitative methods and interdisciplinary thinking is valued by employers and graduate programmes alike.

• Industry roles: user experience (UX) research and design, human–computer interaction, product analytics, data science and machine learning engineering.
• Health and applied sciences: clinical research coordination, neurotechnology, rehabilitation technology, and roles in healthcare analytics.
• Research and academia: research assistantships, doctoral study in cognitive science, neuroscience, psychology, linguistics or computer science.
• Other pathways: education, policy analysis, consulting and roles in start‑ups that require strong problem‑solving and empirical research skills.

Why study at Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve offers a genuinely interdisciplinary Cognitive Science programme with direct links to strong departments in psychology, neuroscience, computer science, linguistics and philosophy. Undergraduate students benefit from hands‑on research opportunities in well‑equipped labs, interdisciplinary seminars and small class sizes that encourage close faculty mentorship.

• Proximity and collaborative partnerships with major clinical and research institutions in Cleveland provide access to practicum sites and applied research projects.
• Opportunities for paid or credit-bearing undergraduate research, summer research programmes and faculty-led lab placements that build practical skills and CVs for graduate study or employment.
• Curriculum flexibility allows students to tailor the major toward computational, experimental, or theoretical tracks and to combine it with minors or dual majors across STEM and the humanities.