University Catalog 2024-2025

Cognitive Science (Minor)

The Department of Psychology and the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies offer an interdisciplinary minor in cognitive science. The minor offers the student the opportunity for in-depth study with the framework of the “computer model” of the mind. Students study such topics as the nature of human information processing, the acquisition and use of language, and machine intelligence. No courses for the minor may be taken for S/U credit.

Students completing the minor in Cognitive Science will:

  • Possess a background in logic, linguistics, psychology, philosophy, computer science and an appreciation and understanding of contemporary research in cognitive science.
  • Be acquainted with the range and nature of problems united under the tile “cognitive science”.
  • Have a general understanding of the computational model of the mind and of the ways in which the computer, together with other technical advances, has revolutionized contemporary thinking about the mind.
  • Have an in-depth understanding of at least 2 or 3 central empirical issues currently under investigation in the field of cognitive science.
  • Have become aware of both the value and difficulty of pursuing interdisciplinary approaches to research question.

Admissions and Certification of Minor

Students can complete the necessary forms online. The minor must be completed no later than the semester in which the student expects to graduate from their degree program. Certification should be completed no later than during the registration period for the student’s final semester at NC State.

Contact Person

Catherine Driscoll
434B Withers Hall
919.513.7846 
catherine_driscoll@ncsu.edu


Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies
Withers Hall 340
919.515.6100
philos_relstuds@ncsu.edu

SIS Code:  16CNM

  • A minimum of 15 hours is required for the minor in Cognitive Science.
  • Students must maintain a grade of ‘C-‘ or better in each course used toward the minor.
  • Cognitive Science minor courses must include at least 3 of the 5 primary disciplines: philosophy (including logic), psychology, computer science, linguistics, and neurobiology.
  • A maximum of TWO (2) courses may double-count between major departmental requirements and courses counting toward the minor.
  • A maximum of TWO (2) courses may double-count between courses counting toward this minor and additional minors.

The department will determine whether courses which have been transferred from other institutions qualify for the minor. No more than two courses from other institutions may count toward the minor.

Required Courses
Select two of the following:6
Introduction to Cognitive Science
Cognitive Processes
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Elective Courses
Select three of the following:9
Automata, Grammars, and Computability
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Introduction to Language and Linguistics
Modern English Syntax
Introduction to Linguistics
Variety In Language
Discourse Analysis
Symbolic Logic
Advanced Logic & Metamathematics
Varieties of Logic
Philosophy of Language
Philosophy of Psychology
Neuroscience and Philosophy
Introduction to Cognitive Science
Philosophy, Evolution and Human Nature
Human Factors Psychology
Perception
Cognitive Processes
Biological Psychology
Neurobiology
Total Hours15