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Those with a Cognitive Science degree, what is your career now?
I am slightly interested in Cognitive Science, however, I am not to sure about the job opening s for those with Cognitive Science degrees? Like what do you do now after graduating and getting you BA/BS in Cognitive Science? #career-development #career #STEM #stem #cognitive-science #cog-sci
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Eric’s Answer
Hi Shan,
Thanks for your question. I studied Cognitive Science at UC San Diego and did a B.S. specialization in Human Computer Interaction (now called Design and Interaction). Upon graduating I wasn't immediately sure what I wanted to do but discovered that I was well prepared for a job as a user researcher. I decided to pursue a M.S. in Human Factors and one of my professors led a group of researchers at NASA so I interned there while getting my degree and then transitioned into a full time corporate role as a user researcher. Since then I've moved into a management position and hired many people who have studied Cognitive Science (and other behavioral science degrees) and have loved having a career in user research.
I agree with those who commented above about the versatility of the degree and the opportunity to further specialize should you decide to attend graduate school (which isn't absolutely necessary to earn a job as a researcher). I'd encourage you to take classes, intern and reach for the roles that make you happy!
Eric
Thanks for your question. I studied Cognitive Science at UC San Diego and did a B.S. specialization in Human Computer Interaction (now called Design and Interaction). Upon graduating I wasn't immediately sure what I wanted to do but discovered that I was well prepared for a job as a user researcher. I decided to pursue a M.S. in Human Factors and one of my professors led a group of researchers at NASA so I interned there while getting my degree and then transitioned into a full time corporate role as a user researcher. Since then I've moved into a management position and hired many people who have studied Cognitive Science (and other behavioral science degrees) and have loved having a career in user research.
I agree with those who commented above about the versatility of the degree and the opportunity to further specialize should you decide to attend graduate school (which isn't absolutely necessary to earn a job as a researcher). I'd encourage you to take classes, intern and reach for the roles that make you happy!
Eric
Josilynn Wank
Pre-Physician Assistant Student/Registered Behavior Technician
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Josilynn’s Answer
Hello!
Those that I know obtaining degrees in cognitive science have a desire to go into research or into speech language pathology. After you get your BA/BS or even during, you may be able to work as a research lab assistant. I will say that cognitive science tends to be a field that requires a master's degree or even PhD should you want to run your own research lab or work more on the clinical side with patients. But there are many skills learned in getting this degree (such as statistics and analytics) that may be transferable to other careers such as data analysis and work in artificial intelligence. While the direct use of the degree is slightly more narrow, there are many opportunities that come with a degree in cognitive science and if that's something that really interests you, go for it! I hope that helps and let me know if I can provide any more assistance!
Josie
Those that I know obtaining degrees in cognitive science have a desire to go into research or into speech language pathology. After you get your BA/BS or even during, you may be able to work as a research lab assistant. I will say that cognitive science tends to be a field that requires a master's degree or even PhD should you want to run your own research lab or work more on the clinical side with patients. But there are many skills learned in getting this degree (such as statistics and analytics) that may be transferable to other careers such as data analysis and work in artificial intelligence. While the direct use of the degree is slightly more narrow, there are many opportunities that come with a degree in cognitive science and if that's something that really interests you, go for it! I hope that helps and let me know if I can provide any more assistance!
Josie
Updated
Collin’s Answer
Cognitive science is a pretty versatile degree given that you'll study psychology, linguistics, computer science, neuroscience, and philosophy. Especially if you make a point of developing additional practical skills (statistics, programming, design) you can find a variety of careers are options, particularly in technology.
A graduate degree will help open up research careers to you. As Thomas noted above, Cognitive Science can be a great basis for application to graduate school in many fields so as you explore Cog Sci, you can refine your interests and assess whether a graduate degree might be a good choice for you.
A graduate degree will help open up research careers to you. As Thomas noted above, Cognitive Science can be a great basis for application to graduate school in many fields so as you explore Cog Sci, you can refine your interests and assess whether a graduate degree might be a good choice for you.
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
"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.”
Source: https://cognitivescience.case.edu/undergraduate/careers/
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.”
Source: https://cognitivescience.case.edu/undergraduate/careers/
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