BS Cognitive Sciences at University of California, Santa Cruz

Programme overview

Application of knowledge with critical thinking skills. Students should be able to use critical thinking to evaluate and interpret evidence, and to apply cognitive science concepts, theories, and research findings to individual, social, and cultural issues. Application of research methods with values and integrity.

Faculty: Social Sciences Division | Department: Psychology | Study mode: full-time | Location: Santa Cruz, CA, United States

What you will study

Required courses listed in the catalogue include Mathematical Methods for Economists I, Calculus with Applications, Mathematics for Life Sciences, Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics, Honors Calculus, Introduction to Psychological Statistics.

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Application information

Entry requirements

Catalogue preparation guidance for the major (admission to the university is separate): Students may petition to declare the cognitive science major once they have completed the lower-division requirements by the start of their 6th quarter or have no more than one requirement in progress during the 6th quarter (for students who enter as frosh) or their second quarter of enrollment (for transfer students). All courses must be passed with a grade of C (2.0) or higher and a cumulative GPA of 2.8 must be ob

Domestic applicants: USD 14,202 a year (2026-27). UC undergraduate Tuition for California residents first enrolled in 2026-27 (Tuition Stability Plan cohort rate); one rate for all undergraduate majors. Excludes Student Services Fee, campus fees, UC SHIP health insurance and records fee. Non-residents ad Source

Fall quarter entry (classes for fall 2026 began September 24, 2026); winter quarter entry (winter 2027 instruction begins January 4, 2027).

UC Application for fall 2027 opens October 1, 2026 and the filing deadline is November 30, 2026; the application is available online from August 1, 2026. Fall 2027 first-year decisions appear on the Admissions Portal late February to mid-March 2027; transfer decisions April 1-30, 2027. Transfer Academic Update due January 31, 2027; UCSC TAG filing period September 1-30, 2026.

UC Santa Cruz does not use ACT/SAT scores in its comprehensive review and selection process. Applications are made through the UC Application. Minimum GPA is 3.00 for California residents and 3.40 for non-residents and international applicants.

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