Overview

The Computation and Cognition bachelor degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) provides a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum focused on the intersection of computer science and brain research. This joint initiative between the Departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Brain and Cognitive Sciences prepares students to bridge the gap between biological and artificial intelligence. Participants gain full membership in both departments, benefiting from a diverse academic community.

As technology increasingly replicates human capabilities, understanding the engineering of intelligence becomes essential. This programme addresses how the brain generates complex behaviour and how these processes can be modelled in machines.

Why Computation and Cognition at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)?

Students benefit from the combined expertise of two world-renowned departments, offering a unique perspective on both hardware and cognitive theory. The curriculum is highly flexible, allowing individuals to tailor their studies toward specific interests such as reverse-engineering neural circuits or developing advanced brain-machine interfaces. Access to the Building 46 facilities and core research centres ensures a high-standard learning environment.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 64310 per year
National fee: USD 64310 per year
Local fee: USD 64310 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in both computational methods and cognitive theory. Modules may include:

Neural Circuits
Artificial Intelligence
Algorithms
Signals and Systems
Circuits and Electronics
Brain and Cognitive Sciences
Machine Intelligence

Careers with Computation and Cognition

Graduates are exceptionally well-prepared for professional roles in the research and development of intelligent systems. The programme provides a robust foundation for careers in neuroengineering, where professionals design interfaces between biological neurons and artificial hardware. Many alumni also pursue advanced roles in the design of AI systems that aim to match or exceed human performance in complex tasks.

The degree also serves as an excellent pathway for those intending to pursue further graduate study in systems neuroscience or cognitive science. By mastering both the science of the mind and the engineering of computation, graduates are positioned at the forefront of the emerging machine learning and biotechnology industries.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Computer Science Programming in Python

Neuroscience

Mathematics for Computer Science

Inference

Machine Learning

Computational Psycholinguistics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-05 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

180 alternative credits

180 MIT units

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cambridge, United States

Disciplines

Computer Sciences Web Technologies & Cloud Computing Artificial Intelligence View 211 other Bachelors in Web Technologies & Cloud Computing in United States

This information is based on LinkedIn alumni data for graduates from 2018 to 2024 and may not fully represent all career outcomes

Total alumni

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

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

Essay

Two letters of recommendation

Secondary School Report (SSR), including high school transcript

For non-native English speakers, we strongly recommend providing the results of an English proficiency exam if you have been using English for fewer than 5 years or do not speak English at home or in school, so that we may consider that information alongside the rest of your application

We do not have cut off or recommended scores for the ACT or SAT as scores are evaluated within an applicant’s context

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

64310 USD / year

≈ 64310 USD / year
Out-of-State

64310 USD / year

≈ 64310 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

64310 USD / year

≈ 64310 USD / year

Living costs

Cambridge

United States

1814 - 3756 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 Computation and Cognition.

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 Computer Science & IT

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Cambridge

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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