It is highly recommended that students take COGS 01 before declaring a major in Cognitive Science.

Note that core courses *cannot* be NRO'd and no course can count as contributing to the major with a NR.

Step by step instructions to declare a major: After reading this step by step tutorial, e-mail or meet with the major advisor: Samantha.C.Wray@dartmouth.edu (2025-2026)

Step 1: Download the COGS Major Requirement Worksheet and look at the required courses.
 
Step 2: For all required courses indicate the term that you have or will take each course on the left

Step 3:  Determine your focus area- and type it into Dartworks

• Remember- intro level courses are not allowed for focus area
• You must also have courses from at least two departments
• Not all departments list when courses will be offered next. Recurring courses are often offered on the same term each year.  In case of doubt you can also email the department administrator and ask

Step 4: Choose your culminating experience

• COGS 80: Major seminar in Cognitive Science is required of all majors
• Additionally choose one: COGS 85 : independent study, COGS 86,87: Honors Thesis, COGS 81: Major Seminar in Cogs II

Step 5: Once you are ready to declare your major, submit your plan into the Dartworks in Banner. 

Step 6: Once your plan is submitted in Dartworks, it will be reviewed. Edits might be required before approving your plan. 

Step 7: Once your plan is approved, it is your responsibility to review and resubmit it every term to reflect any change based on the courses you actually take.

For further information on how to fill out the Dartworks major plan, course timing and COGS 80 please watch the following video:

Course Timing

COGS 80: Major Seminar in Cognitive Science

Approved Focus Areas:

• Cognitive Science of Design
• Consciousness
• Decision Making
• Foundations of Intelligence
• Human AI Interaction
• Language and Thought
• Social Interaction Networks