Cognitive Science


Cognitive Science is the scientific study of the mind and its processes. It seeks to understand how the mind works through interdisciplinary studies in psychology, computer science, and philosophy.

Overview

Cognitive Science is the scientific study of the mind and its processes. It seeks to understand how the mind works through interdisciplinary studies in psychology, computer science, and philosophy.

Cognitive Science investigates how information is represented, processed, and transformed in both humans and machines.

The Cognitive Science program at Mount Allison is one-of-a-kind in Atlantic Canada — incorporating perspectives from a variety of fields.

At a Glance

Degree options
Bachelor of Arts (BA), major or honours
Bachelor of Science (BSc), major or honours

Curriculum

Within the Department of Psychology, the Cognitive Science program incorporates perspectives from a variety of fields.

In first and second year you'll take introductory courses, plus courses such as:

  • cognitive processes
  • biopsychology
  • systems programming
  • philosophy of science

In third and fourth year you'll add courses in linguistics, while pursuing courses such as:

  • sensation and perception
  • behavioural neuroscience
  • philosophy of mind
  • artificial intelligence
  • medical physics

You'll also be encouraged to pursue independent summer research projects, directed studies projects, or to contribute to faculty research projects as a research assistant.

 

Biopsychology class

Related programs:


Degree options

At Mount Allison, there are different degree options in Cognitive Science depending on your interests and career goals.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Cognitive Science

As a Bachelor of Arts student with a major in Cognitive Science (60 credits), you'll combine core courses in psychology and computer science with complementary courses in philosophy.

BA honours (75 credits) is also available.

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Cognitive Science

As a Bachelor of Science student with a major in Cognitive Science (60 credits), you'll combine core courses in psychology and computer science with complementary courses in philosophy, mathematics, and other sciences.

BSc honours (75 credits) is also available.

Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?

 Social Neuroscience class 

Careers

Whether you're entering the job market or continuing your education, your Mount Allison degree will stand out.

Mount Allison has been recognized by Maclean's as the top primarily undergraduate university in Canada more times than any other university.

With experiential learning and career development opportunities available in every degree, you'll also graduate with hands-on learning and real-world experience.

Our graduates also boast extraordinarily high acceptance rates to top graduate programs and professional schools such as law and medicine.

Popular career paths for Cognitive Science graduates include:

  • artificial intelligence/robotics specialist
  • human-computer interface specialist
  • software developer
  • speech pathologist
  • marketing representative
  • web application developer
  • product usability tester
  • business analyst
  • training development
  • language processing specialist/linguistics adviser
  • cognitive neuroscientist
  • occupational therapist

Testimonials

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Working closely with professors of Psychology, Computer Science and Philosophy in small class sizes throughout the Cognitive Science degree complements the interdisciplinary nature of the field perfectly. My experience with the program was full of exciting work and unprecedented academic growth that has guided who I am as a scientist and as a person. For someone who has a variety of scientific interests and a curiosity about questions of the brain and the mind I would highly recommend the Cognitive Science degree program.


Logan
Doyle
'18
BSc Cognitive Science, minors in Computer Science and Psychology
North Rustico, PEI
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I've always been intrigued by the mysteries of the mind, so when I came across the Cognitive Science program at MtA, studying here was a no-brainer. The interdisciplinary nature is the heart of the program: from courses such a biopsychology, to philosophy of the mind, and artificial intelligence, I integrated notions from various fields towards a broader understanding of cognition. Professors are passionate about their fields and dedicated to students' success. Further, getting involved in research complemented my theoretical background with applied practical skills.


Olivia
Bizimungu
'21
Honours Cognitive Science and Computer Science, minor in Psychology
Fredericton, NB

Extras

Undergraduate research

Faculty members in the Psychology department all have active research programs in their own area of specializations.

Students are able to participate in the research process in a number of ways:

  • faculty members supervise research projects for honours and directed studies students
  • students can apply for research awards which allow them to work with faculty members over the summer term
  • students can work or volunteer in faculty research laboratories
  • students in our introductory psychology classes are given the opportunity to experience the research process by participating in our 'psychology participant pool' and becoming a participant in the many studies conducted each year in the department

Facilities

Facilities in the Department of Psychology include computers for professional database searches and statistical data analysis, a human interaction observation laboratory, and laboratories for demonstration and research with humans and animals.

Psychology labs include:

  • Psychobiology of Stress and Health (PSHL) Lab
  • Mount Allison Sexual Health Research Lab (MASHLab)
  • MtA Personality Lab
  • Cognition Education Lab
  • Neuroscience Lab

/current-students/department-psychology

Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science

Admission Requirements

Our admissions decisions are based on your academic record, leadership skills, a high level of commitment, and the potential for personal growth. The drop down menu below will help you find information on what pre-requisites are recommended for either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science.

Academic Awards

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Mount A is #2 in student awards


Maclean’s ranks Mount Allison second in student and faculty awards in its latest University Rankings. To date, 56 Mount Allison students have become Rhodes Scholars — one of the best per capita records in Canada.

Next Steps

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