I'm considering applying for the Cognitive Science major at USC. Can you provide some insights into the pros and cons of this program?
I’m a senior in Cognitive Science and love my major! Check out https://dornsife.usc.edu/cognitive-science/ to learn more our program.
Pros:
You can choose courses from philosophy, psychology, computer science, biology, linguistics, and more. Focus on one area or explore them all! I focused on psychology and linguistics. Our program is like a choose-you-own-adventure.
Passionate, top-notch professors. Shoutout to Prof. Zevin and Prof. Kaiser!
Cog sci makes you learn neuroscience, statistics, and experiment design, which are useful for a job.
We just added a research for credit class and a honors program.
Because of our relatively low unit requirements, it’s super easy to add a minor. I added a minor and will graduate a semester early!
Cons:
Our program isn't as strong in UX/Human-Computer Interaction as UCSD’s, but you can join clubs or add an ITP or design minor to supplement.
It’s hard to meet other Cog Sci students since we're spread across different classes and disciplines, but joining the honor society Omega Psi helps.
No BS option.
I was attracted to this major because of the different research opportunities—from clinical psych to AI to linguistics. I got to be a part of 2 research labs, an educational psych lab and a comp. psychology lab. The psych advisors send a newsletter every so often with professors seeking RAs. Occasionally, there are RA and internship postings on https://dornsife.usc.edu/cognitive-science/. Very accessible!As for courses, I didn’t have any courses that specifically attracted me before USC BUT I ended up loving Foundations of Cognitive Neuroscience, Cognitive Processes, and Language and Technology.If you want to talk more about cog sci (as the cool kids call it), reach out to me on Linkedin and lets chat. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-cheng6
-Kelsey Cheng ‘25
