Learning To Understand The Nature of The Mind And Brain: Cognitive Studies Degree

Cognitive Studies Degree Information

Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Studies Degree

The Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Studies degree generally consists of 120 credits and can take up to four years to complete. Some institutions also allow students to transfer a certain number of approved credits from other college coursework or community collages toward this degree. The major course requirements for the cognitive studies degree draws on courses from fields such as education, special education, psychology and early childhood education. These courses may include Language Development in Young Children, Intelligence Assessment, Issues in Education, Learning and The Brain, Introduction to Psychology as well as Cognitive Functioning in the Elderly, and Human Development and Learning.

Master of Arts in Cognitive Studies Degree

The Master of Arts in Cognitive Studies degree can take up to one year to complete if studied full-time or two years part-time. The core modules for this degree usually consist of a cognitive studies seminar as well as a dissertation. Other modules may include Philosophy and Psychology, Language and Linguistics, Computational Neuroscience, and Fundamentals of Cognitive Neuroscience.

Cognitive Studies Degree FAQ

Is It Possible To Earn a Degree In Cognitive Studies Online?

There are numerous campus based cognitive studies degree programs, but it is also possible to earn this degree fully online. Typically, all students need to participate in online classrooms is a computer, tablet, laptop or even smartphone with an internet connection. This is ideal for people who are constantly on the go or have other obligations that make it difficult to attend classes full-time. Most online classes also ensure that you get all the support you need with access to faculty as well as classmates via a number of online communication methods. Some institutions even provide access to career services specialists and writing assistants for those in need of assistance. Typically, all coursework can be accessed online and assignments can also be submitted this way. Some online courses for this degree may also require students to complete introductory course requirements in order to help acclimate them to the online classroom format.

Who Is An Ideal Candidate To Enroll For A Cognitive Studies Degree?

Generally, a high school diploma or its equivalent is all that is required for enrollment in a cognitive studies degree program. However, certain programs may have additional requirements. These may include prior courses in relevant programs, such as education, counseling or psychology. Students should be good at goal setting and prioritizing, especially when enrolling in an online degree program. General research skills will be invaluable as well as organization and time management skills. Since many of the careers in this field require you to work with other people, it is also important to have good people skills.

What Type of Career Options May Be Available After Obtaining A Cognitive Studies Degree?

A cognitive studies degree can provide you with a broad understanding of social and behavioral science, which can be applicable for a number of career paths. People with this type of degree often end up working in non-clinical and non-managerial positions. The types of jobs range from patient care specialist and mental health assistant to behavioral health technician, social and human services assistant, developmental delay specialist, rehabilitation specialist and instructional assistant. Cognitive studies is also a great choice for combining with other majors to open even more doors in the fields of technology, advertising as well as medicine and healthcare. Students with a bachelor’s degree in cognitive studies often go on to obtain master’s degrees in psychology or education in order to work in these fields.

How Much Can I Potentially Earn After Earning A Degree In Cognitive Studies?

Your potential income after earning a degree in cognitive studies will depend on what type of career path you choose to follow in the field. For example, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that behavioral health technicians, also known as psychiatric technicians, earned about $32,020 per year during 2019. On the other hand, social and human service assistants earned a median pay of $35,060 per year during the same period. Of course, there are other factors, such as your geographical location and level of experience that can also have a significant influence on your income potential in this field.

What Type of Duties Might I Have When Working In This Field?

Once again, the type of career path that you choose after completing a degree in cognitive studies will determine what type of duties you might have. In the case of mental behavioral health technicians, duties might include observing the behavior of patients and recording their condition. When working as a behavioral health technician your duties will generally depend on the type of patients that you are dealing with. Those working as social and human service assistants often have to assist people with disabilities or mental illness with a variety of tasks.

What Are The Other Advantages To Studying Cognitive Studies?

Cognitive studies is a field where a lot of emphasis is placed on thinking and inquiry. This means that it is a useful degree for people who want to go on to study other fields, such as law or medicine where these skills are very important. Most cognitive studies courses also teach students problem solving and complex decision making skills, both of which are vital in all areas of life. This type of degree is of particular interest to educators who work with special needs students or even those who employed to assist people with mental illness.