BS Cognitive Science at University of California, Los Angeles

Programme overview

The Cognitive Science major focuses on the study of intelligent systems, both real and artificial. While including a strong foundation in the traditional areas of psychology, the major is interdisciplinary in nature and emphasizes subject matter within cognitive psychology, computer science, mathematics, and related disciplines. The requirements described below include sufficient preparation if students plan to pursue graduate work in cognitive science or related fields;

Faculty: College of Letters and Science | Department: Psychology | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Summer | Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

Preparation for the Major: Complete 12 or 13 courses as follows: (Chemistry or Linguistics or Physics; Life Sciences or Physiological Science; Mathematics; Philosophy; Program in Computing). The Major (Required Psychology Courses; Additional Required Course; Upper-Division Electives; Capstone). Computing Specialization: Majors may select a specialization in Computing by satisfying all the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in the specified major and completing the following course requirements. A grade of C or better is required in each course.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applies to students entering the major (college-level admission to UCLA is separate): First-Year Students: Students may declare the Cognitive Science pre-major once they have established a 2.9 grade-point average (GPA) in at least one preparation for the major course. Students must petition to declare the Cognitive Science major and can do so once they complete all preparation for the major courses and submit an application to enter the major by the end of the fall quarter of their third year at UCLA. Admission into the major is based on student academic performance in the preparation courses. Students must have a minimum 2.9 GPA in preparation coursework and submit the application by the above deadline in order to be admitted to the major. A minimum 3.2 GPA is required for guaranteed admittance to the major.

Fall quarter only; UCLA does not offer early action or early decision.

Transfer students are admitted for fall quarter only.

Most graduate departments and schools have deadlines in November and early December for the following fall term.

Fall 2027 first-year and transfer: UC application opens August 1, accepts submissions October 1-November 30 (deadline November 30) via the UC application. First-year decisions late March; transfer decisions late April. UCLA is test-free and does not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarships. Application fees can be waived for up to four campuses for eligible students.

Transfer applicants must submit the Transfer Academic Update by the January 31 priority deadline; Statement of Intent to Register due June 1. First-year Statement of Intent to Register due May 1.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.ucla.edu/apply

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