Overview

The Cognitive Science programme at University of California, Santa Cruz offers students a rigorous scientific foundation for understanding the mechanisms of human thought and behaviour. This B.S. degree integrates diverse perspectives from the Social Sciences division to examine how the mind processes information and interacts with the world. Students benefit from a curriculum designed to bridge the gap between biological processes and mental functions.

Why Cognitive Science at University of California, Santa Cruz?

Studying at this institution provides access to a distinguished Department of Psychology known for its research impact and academic excellence. The university is consistently recognised in global rankings for its contributions to the social sciences, offering a vibrant community for aspiring researchers. Students are immersed in an environment that encourages critical inquiry and interdisciplinary collaboration across various scientific fields.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 37602 per year
National fee: USD 37602 per year
Local fee: USD 16785 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on the intersection of mental processes and behavioural outcomes. Modules may include:

Cognitive Psychology
Neuroscience
Artificial Intelligence
Linguistics
Psychology
Behavioral Sciences
Social Sciences

Careers with Cognitive Science

Graduates are well-prepared for diverse professional paths that require a deep understanding of human cognition and data analysis. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree supports careers in emerging technology sectors, particularly within artificial intelligence and user experience research. Additionally, the programme provides a strong foundation for those pursuing advanced roles in psychological research, linguistics, or healthcare-related fields.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

The World of Babies

Language Development

Children and Technology

Consciousness

Modeling Human Performance

Psychology and Evolutionary Theory

Conversations

Weird Science

Face Recognition

Illusions

Human-Robot Interaction

Natural and Artificial Intelligence

The Path to a Science of Dreaming

Perception

Cognitive Neuroscience

Psychology of Reading

The Psychology of Language

Computer Mediated Communication

Human Factors

Human Learning and Memory

Deception, Brain, and Behavior

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-07-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Cruz, United States

Disciplines

Cognitive Science View 131 other Bachelors in Cognitive Science in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the "a–g" courses.

Non-residents must earn a minimum GPA of 3.40.

Take the ACT Plus Writing or the SAT with Essay

The ACT Assessment plus the ACT Writing Test or the SAT with critical reading, mathematics, and writing scores from the same sitting.

Proof of English Proficiency

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Out-of-State

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16785 USD / year

≈ 16785 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Cruz

United States

1710 - 2560 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Cognitive Science.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Cruz

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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