Cognitive Science vs Comptuer Science

College Majors
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<p>I've been interested in computers from a young age and enjoy working with them and solving problems, troubleshooting, building etc... However, recently psychology has also sparked a new interest in me. I'm interested in understanding why people interact the way they do. Unfortunately, I've never taken a psychology class.</p>

<p>Computer Science is not EXACTLY what I want to do because it is more software oriented, and I'm more interested in straight IT (hardware, IT support for a company)</p>

<p>I did some research and found out that you can somewhat focus in computer science as a cognitive science major (the major being interdisciplinary), however a cognitive science major's average pay is usually lower than a comp sci major (software developer). </p>

<p>I was also looking at cognitive science with a minor in computer science.</p>

<p>I sent in my applications to University of California: Berkely, Los Angeles, San Diego, Irvine, Davis, Santa Cruz. On all of them I choose computer science as my primary major, but now I feel like switching, or at least making my alternative major cognitive science. Also, only Berk, LA, SD and Irvine have cognitive science programs. </p>

<p>Are there any cognitive science majors here, anyone with similar interests that can give me some advice on what I should or can do?</p>

<p>btw i made the 1338 thread in this forum =P</p>

2

<p>apply to RPI! they have a predesigned dual major program with the department of computer science and the department of cognitive science for people with your exact interests. they have two major programs like that: computer science & psychology and computer science & philosophy. even if you don't do those you have the option of any combination of a major/minor in comp sci, a major/minor in psychology, and a major/minor in IT.</p>

3

<p>hmm, yea i looked at RPI already. but i would like to stay in California.</p>

<p>i was wondering about the job availability straight out of college for a cognitive science major. also the pay is generally less for a cog sci major vs a comp sci major.</p>

<p>=/ I dunno</p>