Brain and Cognitive Science

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What is Brain and Cognitive Science?

Brain and Cognitive Science investigates the brain and behavior of people. Thinking of the brain as a kind of computer, you’ll explore how brains and computers work. You’ll also learn how they explain mental functions like perception, learning, memory, and language. This major provides fundamental training in psychology, neuroscience, and computation. It allows for a great deal of flexibility in advanced courses. You’ll create a plan of study that best meets your career goals.

Career Options

Behavioral Medicine
Cognitive Engineering
Computer Interface Development
Hospital Administration
Pharmaceutical Research
Speech Language Pathology
Teaching

Post-Graduation Success¹

98% employed or continuing education

61% employed after graduation

37% attending graduate school

$80,420 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Epic Systems, RSM US, University of Illinois, Interdisciplinary Lab for Social Development, OSM Worldwide, Panacea Allergy, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, SunZi Products, Caterpillar, AbbVie View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Pennsylvania, California Institute of Technology, University of Illinois Chicago View All

Program Resources

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

Strong math and science coursework and performance
Calculus preferred (if available at high school)
4 years of science
Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

3.7 years to degree

93% returned for second year

80% graduated within 4 years

88% graduated within 6 years

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $13,252
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $37,992

Non-Resident

Tuition: $35,928
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $61,008

International

Tuition: $38,576
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $63,656

Related Majors

Anthropology - LAS

Computer Science - ENG

Computer Science and Linguistics - LAS

Linguistics - LAS

Psychology - LAS

¹ Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

² Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

³ "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.