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Brain and Cognitive Science

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

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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

Insufficient survey data is available for employment information.

Insufficient survey data is available for grad school attendance.

$127,000 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Insufficient survey data is available for sample employer destinations.

Sample grad school destinations: Insufficient survey data is available for sample grad school destinations.

Program Resources

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Calculus preferred (if available at high school)
  • Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention2

Years to degree: N/A

92% first-year retention rate

Four-year graduation rate: N/A

Six-year graduation rate: N/A

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $12,992
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $18,884
  • Total: $36,930

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $33,344
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses:$19,224
  • Total: $57,622

International

  • Tuition: $35,872
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $19,224
  • Total: $60,150

Related Majors

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.

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