students and recruiters in the gym for career fair

Can I really do ANYTHING with a degree in Cognitive Science?

The Human Mind and Technology

What can I do with a degree in Cognitive Science? Often students hear that they can do anything with a degree in Cognitive Science. Or conversely, since Cognitive Science is a relatively new field, you may feel limited in your career search. Either way, if you're feeling stuck, you're not alone!

The broad truth—many jobs and careers require a degree, but not necessarily in a specific field. Many employers are seeking candidates with any degree, because any bachelor's degree shows that a candidate:

  1.   Can read with good comprehension,
  2.   Can write effectively,
  3.   Has experience with public speaking,
  4.   Has worked in a team or group,
  5.   Can follow instructions and processes, and
  6.   Knows something about worldviews and perspectives different than their own.

Your choice of major can lead to a wide variety of jobs where your experience and connections are what set you apart. This is why you might have heard people tell you to "get involved" and to "network" while in college—because those things are really important!

Sometimes, it's up to you to explain how your major applies to the job you want. Luckily, Cognitive Science is a far-reaching field that can encompass competencies in computer science, linguistics, neuroscience, philosophy, and psychology, depending on where you focus in the major.