BS in Cognitive Science of Language

The Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science of Language (CogSci-Language) is a cutting-edge degree program offered by the George Washington University Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences.

Cognitive science of language — also known as psycholinguistics — is the study of the interplay between language and the psychological/brain processes supporting it. CogSci-Language majors learn to use scientific thinking and research skills to generate hypotheses and test predictions about communication and language use, ranging from social habits (including social media) to individual differences in communication and language impairments.

Questions about the major or requirements? Please contact Francys Subiaul.

Cornerstones of the Program

Majors will acquire knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate a fundamental aspect of cultural learning: How we acquire, perceive and produce linguistic and non-verbal forms of communication to understand each other.

• Linguistics: The features that distinguish language from other modes of communication
• Social Cognition: How we understand others and make ourselves understood
• Language Processing: The mechanisms that make communicative signals meaningful
• Neuroscience: How language is produced and perceived by the brain
• Communication Disorders: The causes and treatments for communication breakdowns
• Development: How communication skills vary and are learned 

Related Fields

• Biology
• Psychology and Human Development
• Sociology and Anthropology
• Computer Science and Engineering
• Philosophy

Real-World Applications

Graduates will have a desirable set of highly marketable scientific and research skills, including research methods, data analysis/processing and science communication. Majors also gain knowledge in linguistics, neurosciences, psycholinguistics and communication disorders. 

This curriculum combines well with GW’s data science minor and digital technology certificate, opening up many career paths in science and data technology.

Example Career Paths

• MS and PhD programs in speech, language and hearing sciences, linguistics, psychology, neuroscience and/or biology
• Clinical programs in medicine, speech-language pathology, public health, nursing and clinical psychology
• Industries including social media companies, hospitals, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence

Faculty Expertise

The Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences faculty members have a range of multidisciplinary expertise that falls broadly under the cognitive, psycholinguistic and brain sciences. In addition to GW faculty members, the program relies on numerous clinical educators with expertise in communication disorders and differences.

Faculty by Research Area

Course Requirements