<p>How much math is needed for cognitive science? So far in high school I've struggled quite a bit in math (although this year was okay) and I'm wondering how math-intensive the science is. I'm okay with stuff like analysis and statistics, but not so sure about the hard math. </p>
<p>You should be able to see the major requirements on universities’ websites, which would include their math requirements. Take a look at this for some of the schools you are considering and see what types of courses they require.</p>
<p>Rochester, which has a top grad program in Cognitive Science, appears to offer a BA in Cognitive Science that requires nothing beyond Applied Statistics. The BS requires at least one calculus class plus the stats class. The BS in neuroscience is a lot more hardcore, with the math and general science courses ramped up considerably. </p>
<p>So depending on the individual program, you can probably find the level of math you’re comfortable with, but know that as a general rule, the more math required, the more highly regarded are the graduates in any field.</p>
<p>Most cognitive science programs are hybrids of psychology, neuroscience, and perhaps some biology. Given that, the most math most of them will require will be a statistics class. At most places it’ll probably be non-calculus based; at some programs calculus I and II and statistics might be required (probably at more technical schools or places where cog sci leans more towards the natural sciences than psych). But that’s usually the extent of it.</p>
<p>HOWEVER. If you want to go into cognitive science as a researcher, it may be very useful to get more mathematical experience. Computational cognitive science is a booming field, and most cognitive scientists are going to need a grasp of sophisticated analysis techniques. I have to say, though, that applied math and statistics can feel very different (and be a lot more interesting) than the basic pure math you learn in college. I fall asleep when my husband describes his pure math work and I hate proofs, but I love statistics.</p>