<p>I got into UCSD as a Computer Science major, but my 2nd choice on the application was Cognitive Science. I chose it after I did some research on it, and I thought it sounded cool.
I'm just curious, how is it actually different than/similar to Computer Science? I've heard its a good major to take here at UCSD and I might want to switch to it.</p>
<p>I'm still debating a few different colleges, but they don't have this major, so it might prompt me to choose UCSD. (:</p>
<p>Hi Rachel, </p>
<p>I’m a CS alumnus who almost minored in Cogsci (was a couple courses off), so perhaps I can provide some insight here.</p>
<p>As majors, CS and Cogsci are significantly different. In CS, you’ll be learning a lot of abstraction/theory whereas in Cogsci you’ll learn a lot about the brain, psychology, etc. However, what you choose to specialize in either major can end up crossing over into the other major. You can be a CS major who takes Cogsci classes as electives or a Cogsci major who takes CS classes. Or if you’re really ambitious, you could be a CS-Cogsci double major, which I know has been done. </p>
<p>From a career perspective, Cogsci majors who specialize in the HCI track, generally go into research or UX design. CS majors will generally either go into research or software engineering. </p>
<p>Also both majors have some pretty famous people on faculty who do teach undergrads. </p>
<p>Feel free to ask me any more questions.</p>