Individualized Major in Cognitive Science

The individualized major in Cognitive Science that is administered through the Rutgers Center for Cognitive Science (RuCCS), offers an opportunity for exceptional, creative, self-motivated students to explore innovative and multi-disciplinary approaches to the study of the foundational and computational workings of the mind. The Director (s) help students choose a Cognitive Science faculty member with whom to work and consider the line-up of courses that is most suitable for a student's interest. Currently, there are 22 jointly appointed faculty advisors and an additional 37 faculty affiliates housed in various departments. Most play an active role in the life of the Center.

If interested in Cognitive Science, Students are encouraged to take our fall Intro to Cognitive Science course (01:185:201) and/or our spring Advanced Topics in Cognitive Science course (01:185:411). The Cognitive Science 201 is a lecture course taught by a single instructor. This course introduces students to the diverse set of concepts and formal and experimental techniques used in cognitive science. The Cognitive Science 411 is a seminar course team-taught by faculty affiliated with the cognitive science center. Faculty from computer science, linguistics, philosophy, and cognitive science will give single seminars in which they show how these techniques are used to address a particular problem within cognitive science. Both courses have an accompanying recitation/discussion session.

General Description:

An individualized major option is available to students who wish to pursue a specialized area of study in the liberal arts and science’s that is not normally available.

(See Individualized Major Form)

Satisfactory completion of this individualized major leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree.

The following requirements apply to all individualized majors:

• The major must consist of at least 36 credits.
• Two thirds of the credits (at least 24) must be from courses offered by the School of Arts and Sciences.
• Three fourths of the credits (at least 27) must be at the 300 level or above.
• At least one course must be taken as an independent study directed by the primary faculty advisor. This course substitutes for a senior seminar and should provide a coherent view of the program of study.

Additional requirements for students doing an individualized major in cognitive science under the auspices of the Rutgers University Center for Cognitive Science:

• Students must take 01:185:201 (Cognitive Science:  A Multi-disciplinary Introduction) and/or 01:185:411 (Topics in Cognitive Science)
• Students must take at least one course that fulfills the cognitive science minor formal/analytic requirement
• The director of undergraduate programs in cognitive science must be one of the faculty sponsors, currently Rochel Gelman or Ernie Lepore.
• At least 2 of the 3 faculty sponsors must be affiliated with the Center for Cognitive Science

How to Apply:

Students must submit a written application no later than the first term of the junior year, part-time and transfer students may extend this deadline to the completion of 75 credits.

Application must include:

• A 1-page Statement of Purpose and Learning goals describing the student’s academic objectives and clearly explaining why they cannot be accomplished within the current structure of majors, minors, and electives open to SAS students.
• A proposed individualized program listing the courses student intends to complete and the semester when the student intends to take the courses. Students may include short lists of “elective courses” within the major from which they will choose a set number. For example, a student may list six specific courses and indicate that s/he will take a minimum of four courses from that list. The total number of minimums must equal no less than 36 credits. The curriculum will be binding once approved. Students should consult with the faculty regarding the availability of the courses they are considering including.
  In creating your individualized program listing of courses, you can use these sample tracks, or simply use them as a guide.
  (If you need any assistance with the completion of this list, please email  Sue Cosentino at:   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )
• The approval and signature of the primary faculty advisor and two additional faculty sponsors.  Of these three, at least two must be members of the School of Arts and Sciences.
• The approval and signature of the SAS Dean for Educational Initiatives and the Core Curriculum (Susan Lawrence) or the Vice Dean for Undergraduate Education (Michael Beals). Both are located at:  35 College Avenue

Advising Centers:

Busch Campus
Busch Campus Center, Rm. 172
732-445-0163

College Avenue Campus
Milledoler Hall, Rm. 103
732-932-7731

Douglass Campus
College Hall, Rm. 104
732-932-9729

Livingston Campus
Lucy Stone Hall, Rm. A-216
732-445-2050