Your degree in Cognitive Systems

This page is for Bachelor of Arts students specializing in Cognitive Systems.  If you are a Bachelor of Science student, visit Your degree in Cognitive Systems.

Skills you’ll develop

While studying in a Bachelor of Arts specialization of the Cognitive Systems Program, you’ll become familiar with some of the twenty first century’s most commercially and socially consequential technologies, and will gain expertise in thinking, with several methods and from several diverse perspectives, about their importance. You’ll also be developing important interdisciplinary skills that can be applied to the study of cognition, language, and computation, as these occur in a variety of natural and artificial systems.

These skills may include:

• Research, data collection, and analysis
• Synthesis and presentation of findings and theories from diverse disciplines
• Evaluation of the connections between computer science, linguistics, philosophy, and psychology
• Application of principles and techniques used by natural and artificial intelligence systems in various real world contexts
• Observation and evaluation of technical and philosophical issues through diverse theory-grounded perspectives
• Critical thinking, and the ability to debate different sides of an argument while considering its ethical implications and social significance
• Principles and processes for the design of new interfaces
• Communication and collaboration with those from different disciplinary backgrounds to innovate systems accounting for human-centred designs

Explore career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including research and development, technology, finance, public health, education, consulting, manufacturing, transportation, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas.

Visit the Job Bank Canada website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field. Some career options may require further education or training.

Make the most of your program

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities, develop your skillset, and help you clarify your values and interests.

• UBC Cognitive Systems Society
  Meet students interested in neuroscience, artificial intelligence, human-computer interfaces, and more.
• Departmental research opportunities
  Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions.
• entrepreneurship@UBC
  Get the resources and mentorship support you need to take your startup idea to the next level.
• UBC Brain, Attention, and Reality Lab
  Apply to volunteer as a research assistant.
• Centre for Artificial Intelligence Decision-making and Action
  Volunteer your time in a research role focused on the development, analysis, and application of AI systems.
• UBC Neuroscience Club
  Learn about neuroscience research through weekly journal club meetings, student-led seminars, and an annual conference.
• UBC Computer Science Student Society
  Find volunteer opportunities, socialize with your peers, and network with industry members at events.
• UBC Speech and Linguistics Student Association
  Access peer tutoring services, attend career panel talks or social events, and learn about volunteer opportunities.
• UBC Philosophy Students’ Association
  Attend guest lectures and the annual undergraduate conference.
• UBC Psychology Students’ Association
  Sign up for resume and CV workshops, meet your Psychology professor, and attend fun events.
• Visual Cognition Lab
  Find opportunities to learn about, and contribute to, scientific research.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

• Association for Computing Machinery
• Association of Canadian Ergonomics
• Biotech Network
• Canadian Artificial Intelligence Association
• Canada’s Association of IT Professionals
• Canadian Association for Neuroscience
• Canadian Human-Computer Communications Society
• Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR)
• Canadian Society for Brain, Behavior, and Cognitive Science
• Canadian Undergraduate Journal of Cognitive Science
• Cognitive Development Society
• Cognitive Neuroscience Society
• Cognitive Science Society
• Computer-Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing
• Computing Research Association
• IEEE Computational Intelligence Society
• IEEE Robotics and Automation Society
• International Association for Cognitive Education and Psychology
• Psychonomic Society
• Society for Applied Research in Memory and Cognition
• Society for Music Perception and Cognition
• Special Interest Group on Human-Computer Interaction
• Women in Cognitive Science

Connect with alumni

Learn about possible career paths by browsing alumni stories or viewing the profiles of UBC Cognitive Systems graduates on LinkedIn.

As you read, take note of interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences you may want to explore. If a particular story or profile aligns with your goals, consider reaching out for an informational interview.

More information

Throughout your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.

Cognitive Systems is also a UBC Science specialization. Check out what you can do with a UBC Science degree or learn about other Science specializations.