Computer/Cognitive Science Dual Degree

[jayron123]

<p>Hello,
I was recently accepted to the computer science and cognitive science dual degree program. However, the information online about it is quite scarce. I was wondering if anyone here could give me a little more information about how it works, such as:
-How structured is it?
-What is the workload like?
-How are the classes?
-How many people participate?</p>

<p>Any information is welcome!
Thanks</p>

[steve1sterling]

<p>Bump! Who knows about this?</p>

[stupiddorkyidiot]

<p>I was just going to post here about this! I’m applying RD, and I think the program sounds really cool. I’d love some more insight on it.</p>

[steve1sterling]

<p>Anyone, please tell us about this awesome-sounding program!</p>

[stupiddorkyidiot]

<p>Bump? I’ve not been able to find much info on the program, so it’d really be appreciated.</p>

[steve1sterling]

<p>Hey guys! So after emailing a few people at Penn, I got in touch with [Mitch</a> Marcus](<a href=“http://www.cis.upenn.edu/~mitch/]Mitch”>Mitch Marcus - Penn Computer Science) who answered all the questions I had about the program. I will tell you what I learned. </p>

<p>If someone doesn’t get into the program can they still be reevaluated in either the School of Arts and Sciences or the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences?</p>

<p>

Yes. I believe you check a box indicating which of the two schools you would like to be considered in. Also, I believe you can only pick one. (The faculty don’t have anything to do with admissions, hence the “I believe”. But this is clear on the application form.

</p>

<p>Upon completion of the program, one receives a B.S.E. in Computer Science and a B.A. in Psychology? Or instead do they choose if their B.A. is in Psychology, Linguistics, or another subject relevant to the program?</p>

<p>

The latter. In general, we’re beginning to insist that the second degree makes sense for a cognitive science degree. But Philosophy is also possible, as is Biological Basis of Behavior, and, of course, the BA in Cognitive Science in the College.

</p>

<p>How many people are accepted into the program?</p>

<p>

We don’t have limits on admissions. The crucial thing is that both schools are willing to admit you.

</p>

<p>How structured is it, and does one have the ability to take courses, for example, in Psychology that are not directly related to cognitive science?</p>

<p>

It’s been pretty unstructured, and has depended on a student’s interests to pull it together, but this has worked pretty well in almost all cases. We intend to provide some guidance as to reasonable structures, but will always allow folks to take courses relevant to their broader interests. There are core requirements in all fields, including computer science, that might not qualify as “cognitive science”, and that’s just fine.

</p>