BS Cognitive Sciences at University of California, Irvine

Programme overview

Interdisciplinary B.S. exposing students to the theoretical foundations and experimental and computational methods of cognitive science and neuroscience, drawing on cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, mathematics, statistics, computer science and natural sciences.

Faculty: School of Social Sciences | Department: Department of Cognitive Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Irvine, CA, United States

What you will study

Psychology fundamentals (COGS 9A-9B), data analysis and statistics (COGS 10A-10C), calculus, a cognitive sciences core, three research methods courses, six science background courses, seven upper-division electives and the COGS 109W research seminar.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UC Irvine freshman admission (applies to all majors without a separate major-specific rule): complete 15 yearlong UC-approved a-g college-preparatory courses (history 2, English 4, mathematics 3, science 2, language other than English 2, visual and performing arts 1, college-preparatory elective 1), with at least 11 finished before the last year of high school and a C or better in each. Minimum GPA in these courses is 3.0 for California residents and 3.4 for nonresidents. SAT and ACT scores are not considered for admission. International applicants whose secondary instruction was not in English need one of: TOEFL iBT 80+, IELTS 6.5+, Duolingo English Test 115+, SAT Writing and Language 31+, ACT English Language Arts 24+, AP English Language or Literature 3-5, IB English A SL 6-7 or HL 5-7, or a C or better in a UC-transferable English composition course. Major-level: Honors Program: Cognitive Sciences or Psychology major, psychology fundamentals series completed, junior standing, minimum 3.2 GPA in the major, application form, analytical writing sample, one-page research plan and faculty recommendation letter.

Requirements published at program group level.

Domestic applicants: USD 14,202 a year (2026-27). Undergraduate tuition for California residents entering Fall 2026 (Tuition Stability Plan, held flat for that entering class). Tuition line only; excludes Student Services Fee, campus fees and health insurance. Applies to all undergraduate majors. Nonresi Source

UCI operates on a quarter system (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer quarters). First-year and transfer applicants apply for Fall entry; the UC Application for fall 2027 admission is open for submission from October 1 to November 30.

UC Application submission period for fall 2027 admission and scholarships: October 1 to November 30 (application opens August 1). Application fee is $80 for domestic applicants and $95 for international and non-immigrant applicants, payable by credit card or by mail; fee waivers are available for up to four campuses for qualified students. UC Irvine does not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarship purposes.

Dance, B.Mus. and Arts applicants complete an audition/portfolio process, December 1 to January 31; Drama applicants may submit an optional portfolio or audition. Priority deadline for transfer and second baccalaureate applicants to submit the Transfer Academic Update (TAU) is January 31.

Graduate applications are submitted online through the UCI graduate application portal; the non-refundable application fee is $135 for U.S. citizens and lawful U.S. permanent residents and $155 for all other applicants. Deadlines are set by each programme. GRE is required by some programmes only; TOEFL or IELTS English proficiency is required of graduate applicants unless waived.

Apply through the official page: https://uci.edu/admissions/

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