BA Cognitive Science at University of California, Davis

Programme overview

The Cognitive Science major is designed to provide a broad interdisciplinary approach to the study of mind that includes courses from different departments and attracts students with a variety of interests. It emphasizes a multifaceted approach to the study of the mind integrating concepts and techniques from psychology, artificial intelligence, linguistics, neuroscience, philosophy and other relevant fields. For students interested in the liberal arts the Cognitive Science major can be pursued as a Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) program.

Faculty: College of Letters & Science | Department: Cognitive Science | Duration: 72 units (quarter system) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Davis, CA, United States

What you will study

The major requires a minimum of 72 units. Requirements are organised into preparatory subject matter, depth subject matter, electives, breadth components. Required courses include LIN 001 Introduction to Linguistics; LIN 001Y Introduction to Linguistics Philosophy; PSC 001 General Psychology; PSC 001V General Psychology; PSC 001Y General Psychology Research Methods.

Career pathways

A degree in Cognitive Science provides broad intellectual foundations useful for careers in a variety of areas, including teaching, business, social work/counseling and the information technology industry. Undergraduate education in cognitive science also prepares the student for graduate study in appropriate subfields of psychology, linguistics, philosophy and informatics.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is to UC Davis and the College of Letters & Science; the catalogue entry gives no major-specific admission requirement beyond the major requirements below.

Domestic applicants: USD 14,202 a year (2026-27). Systemwide UC undergraduate Tuition for California residents, cohort first enrolled in 2026-27 (annual, quarter system); rate is the same for all undergraduate majors. Excludes Student Services Fee, campus-based fees, and Nonresident Supplemental Tuition. Source

First-year and transfer students enter in the fall term (quarter system); the UC application opens Aug. 1 and the filing period is Oct. 1 to Nov. 30 for admission the following year.

The UC application filing period is Oct. 1 to Nov. 30 for admission the following year, and a single application covers all UC campuses.

The UC application filing fee is $80 per campus for domestic applicants and $95 per campus for international applicants, payable by credit card or mail; fee waivers are available for up to four campuses.

Transfer applicants submit the UC application by Nov. 30; Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) applications are due Sept. 1-30; the priority deadline for the Transfer Academic Update is Jan. 31.

Apply through the official page: https://www.ucdavis.edu/admissions

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