What can I do with this degree?
Lots of things.
With technical training in data analysis, programming:
Telecommunications
Medical analysis
Data representation and retrieval
Intelligence analysis
Human factors engineering
Computer-human interaction
Artificial intelligence
Human performance testing
Speech synthesis and voice recognition
Multimedia design
Linguistic analysis
With less technical training:
Education
Marketing representative
Technical writer
Consultant
Career possibilities with an MA or PhD
You’ll be a more competitive candidate for all of the above if you have a masters or doctoral degree, and your starting salary will be higher. Many management and industrial research positions and all college-level academic research and teaching positions require a graduate degree. In a MA or PhD program, you’ll get specialized training. If your interest is in web-related information processing, for example, you’ll work on your programming skills.
Why cognitive science is a good choice
A BA in cognitive science will allow you to apply for jobs in any of the fields that are part of cognitive science (provided you have the skills being sought, of course!). For example, you can apply for jobs in both psychology and computer science.
A BA in cognitive science will also allow you to apply to a variety of different graduate and professional programs. For example, you might decide your interest within cognitive science is language, and get advanced training in speech pathology in a Communications department. A BA in cognitive science is also suitable for pre-medicine, pre-law, and pre-management students.
Employers will be pleased to see that your training is broader than that of other candidates. A degree in cognitive science says something about you: “I have multiple interests and skills and can think about problems in a variety of ways. I’ve been exposed to a lot of different things, and have a substantial knowledge base.”
Can you be more specific?
Information on where our graduates go is available via the First Destinations Survey conducted by Office of Post-Grad Planning and Experiential Education. You can get a snapshot with this flyer: cogsgrads.
You can also get the same info for a larger program, via the Berkeley Report:
What Can I Do With A Degree In Cognitive Science?
Can you just make me laugh?
Watch the Cognitive Science Song: “Only one solution comes to my mind: Go study Cognitive Science.”
Want to learn more?
Try entering “cognitive science” as a keyword into a job search site like Indeed.com. This is a great way to get a sense of specific positions that are available with a degree in cognitive science. You can also set up a meeting with one of our faculty advisors by emailing cogsci@case.edu. We’re happy to talk!