Cognitive Science, an area of psychology, examines the mind and its functions, including emotion, memory, creativity, and language. Linguistics is the study of language in all of its forms, including natural language development, organization, and use. At McMaster, they come together to form a unique undergraduate program: Cognitive Science of Language.

This program looks at how language is represented and processed, from both functional neurobiological perspectives, investigating speech production, speech perception, and reading and writing across all age groups, in both first and second languages.

We also examine cases of normal and impaired language, including developmental disorders and those acquired through strokes or other brain injuries.

Students wishing to enter into a Cognitive Science of Language major will apply at the end of their first year. Application for Admission to Level II will occur in mid-March on the Mosaic student information system. Visit the ‘Choosing Your Program’ guide for more information.