Program Overview
Explore the nature of knowledge, thinking, and learning in brains and artificial systems with cognitive science.
As a field, cognitive science combines perspectives from neuroscience, psychology, computer science, philosophy, linguistics, and anthropology to illuminate the workings of the mind and to inform the design of new technologies. The cognitive science minor makes a fitting companion to any of these majors or to fields like economics, political science, or music theory.
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Student Perspective
“Pursuing a self-designed major in Cognitive Science at Lawrence gave me the freedom and agency I couldn’t find anywhere else. The flexibility to combine diverse courses and work closely with my professors helped me discover who I am and where my passions lie.”
Wenjia Hu ’20, Ph.D. Student at Carnegie Mellon
Cognitive Science
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Advising
At Lawrence, academic advising helps you shape an educational experience that reflects your interests, goals, and aspirations. Your faculty advisor will support you as you plan your path, connect with campus resources and communities, and make informed decisions that prepare you for a meaningful and fulfilling future.
Faculty
Engage deeply and collaboratively with professors who are experts in their field and committed to supporting your education.
Chairs
Mark Phelan
Professor of Philosophy
Areas of Research and Teaching: Epistemology, Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Language (Production and Comprehension), Cognitive Science, and Social Philosophy. Recent Publications: "Attribution functionalism" Mind and Language (2026); "Norm manipulation as…
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Mark Phelan
Professor of Philosophy
Areas of Research and Teaching: Epistemology, Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Language (Production and Comprehension), Cognitive Science, and Social Philosophy. Recent Publications: "Attribution functionalism" Mind and Language (2026); "Norm manipulation as…
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Chunyue Teng (she/her/hers)
Dennis and Charlot Nelson Singleton Assistant Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience
My lab explores the cognitive neuroscience of visual cognitive functions, focusing on areas such as visual attention, visual working memory, and cognitive control.Our research program addresses three fundamental questions:How do…
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Bob Williams
Professor of Education, Director of Teacher Education, Director of the Linguistics Program
robert.f.williams@lawrence.edu
I'm a cognitive scientist who studies how people construct meaning in interaction, with a focus on how we use our hands to express thoughts and guide the thinking of others. …
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