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How feasible is double majoring in CS and Cog Sci? What types of careers can you get from that double major?
#psychology #career #college-major #major #cogsci #cognitive #computer-science #cs
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Cindy’s Answer
Honestly, it depends on what school you go to and what options they have for cogsci. Some schools (like UC Davis) have the option to choose an emphasis within cogsci, like a computer science ("computational") emphasis, so you get the best of both worlds without double majoring. The workload for both CS and cogsci programs are quite heavy, and honestly I wouldn't advise double majoring.
"Why? Isn't it best to 'learn as much as I can, whenever I can?'" Well, if you double major, you won't have enough space to pursue extracurriculars (ex. clubs -- academic or social) or work/internship programs. Those two are extremely important to becoming a well-rounded student, and shows people who might hire you that you're more than your GPA or major. Instead of double majoring, you could major in one and pursue projects in the other. For example, I am majoring in cogsci and I have held design internships, allowing me to study cogsci, computer science, and design at the same time (and being paid for the latter!). If you're serious about something and you enjoy doing it, you will find more ways than just majoring in the subject to show it. You will also be able to find other networking opportunities beyond school if you're looking for them (ex. conferences, career fairs, clubs!!!).
As for your second question regarding careers, the double major opens up just as many careers as one of the two. It really just depends on what you want to emphasize on. If you love programming, major in computer science and show your passion for cogsci in another way (reading studies, participating in a relevant lab). If you like programming but you don't want to do it every quarter/semester for four years, major in cogsci and pursue personal programming projects in your free time or at coding clubs. People *love* seeing how you can apply what you learned in school (or at free online lessons) into projects! Cogsci is extremely broad, so you can pursue a career in just about anything with it: psychology research, linguistics research, software engineering, artificial intelligence/machine learning work, or even design work (UI/UX). The list goes on forever, but that's what I can think of right now.
Good luck!
Figure out what you want to spend four years doing -- CS, cogsci, or a mix of both?
Look at what colleges have programs that fit what you're looking for
Pursue personal projects in your free time that show your passion in the field you want to work in
"Why? Isn't it best to 'learn as much as I can, whenever I can?'" Well, if you double major, you won't have enough space to pursue extracurriculars (ex. clubs -- academic or social) or work/internship programs. Those two are extremely important to becoming a well-rounded student, and shows people who might hire you that you're more than your GPA or major. Instead of double majoring, you could major in one and pursue projects in the other. For example, I am majoring in cogsci and I have held design internships, allowing me to study cogsci, computer science, and design at the same time (and being paid for the latter!). If you're serious about something and you enjoy doing it, you will find more ways than just majoring in the subject to show it. You will also be able to find other networking opportunities beyond school if you're looking for them (ex. conferences, career fairs, clubs!!!).
As for your second question regarding careers, the double major opens up just as many careers as one of the two. It really just depends on what you want to emphasize on. If you love programming, major in computer science and show your passion for cogsci in another way (reading studies, participating in a relevant lab). If you like programming but you don't want to do it every quarter/semester for four years, major in cogsci and pursue personal programming projects in your free time or at coding clubs. People *love* seeing how you can apply what you learned in school (or at free online lessons) into projects! Cogsci is extremely broad, so you can pursue a career in just about anything with it: psychology research, linguistics research, software engineering, artificial intelligence/machine learning work, or even design work (UI/UX). The list goes on forever, but that's what I can think of right now.
Good luck!
Cindy recommends the following next steps:
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Natasha’s Answer
Consider a career in Artificial Intelligence (private industry or public sector), software development for telemedicine or research for NASA.
Happy 4th and stay well,
Natasha
Happy 4th and stay well,
Natasha
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Hi Janet,
CS and Cog Sci are hot skills. They are the building blocks for Data Science. This skills will be in demand for many years to come. Cog Sci is applicable to a wide array of industry from Consumer, to Industry Design, Medical and so on. Best of luck to you and your education.
CS and Cog Sci are hot skills. They are the building blocks for Data Science. This skills will be in demand for many years to come. Cog Sci is applicable to a wide array of industry from Consumer, to Industry Design, Medical and so on. Best of luck to you and your education.