Undergraduate Education

Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
in Cognitive Science

The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Computer and Cognitive Science is available to students in the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and is administered through the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.

This program applies theoretical insights from Computer Science, Linguistics, Neuroscience, Philosophy, and Psychology to the formal study of intelligence, perception, reasoning, and other properties of mind, and their application in the service of Information Technology. It combines a firm grounding in relevant aspects of Computer Science, from programming to algorithms to artificial intelligence, with a concentration in specific courses from the contingent disciplines. The non-computer science courses have been selected for formal rigor and scientific relevance. The Computer and Cognitive Science program trains computer scientists who have sufficient understanding of these other disciplines to be able to solve the many open problems in applications, research, and development that must be addressed if we are to realize the full potential of information processing technologies in these domains. It is an alternative to the engineering-oriented training offered in Penn Engineering via the BSE in Computer Science and Engineering.

The degree prepares students for a wide variety of careers in a number of distinct academic, industrial, and professional arenas relating to psychology, philosophy and linguistics. In particular, these careers pertain to the impact of knowledge and information technology on the professions, including those in Media and Communications, Software Development, and Education (among many others), in which a broad background in computer science must be combined with a deep understanding of the human mind. Employment opportunities for students going through such a program are excellent at major information technology companies, software houses, and research labs, as well as in the standard career structures in the areas identified above.

The minimum requirements for the BAS degree in Computer and Cognitive Science are:
Five Mathematics courses
Five Natural Science courses
Ten Engineering courses
Seven Concentration courses (with the option of including a minor)
Seven Social Science, Humanities, or Technology in Business and Society courses
Three Free Elective courses

See also the Course Planning Guide (CPG) for this program.

For undergraduate application information, please visit Penn's Admissions Office.