Overview

The Cognitive Science program of Northwestern University offers courses survey basic phenomena and approaches; basic methodology courses impart the required methods of cognitive science; core courses provide foundations of disciplines within cognitive science; and elective courses allow students to pursue more advanced study in particular disciplines. 

Program highlights

A proseminar focuses on ongoing research in the field by Northwestern faculty, and qualified seniors will be invited to take a senior honors seminar to engage in independent research under the guidance of department faculty and to write a senior thesis.

Cognitive science is the scientific study of the mind with the goal of understanding the nature of thought. Students learn the ways in which converging sources of evidence may be integrated to discover the mechanisms underlying the complex adaptive properties of human cognition. The minor can augment a major course of study by adding a broader perspective than one particular discipline can offer.

 The minor in cognitive science broadens the academic background of students majoring in related fields. The goal is to provide students with the methods and foundations for understanding cognitive issues in an interdisciplinary framework.