Best schools for cognitive science majors?

I’m fascinated by brain sciences and thinking about majoring in cognitive science. Which schools are known for strong cognitive science programs? What should I look for when comparing these options?

When considering schools for cognitive science, you will want to look at the breadth and depth of courses offered, the research opportunities, the faculty in that department, and even the availability of related majors or minors, like psychology, computer science, or neurobiology, if you're interested in an interdisciplinary approach.

Several universities have reputable cognitive science programs:

1. University of California, San Diego (UCSD) - UCSD is highly regarded for their cognitive science program. They were the first in the world to establish a cognitive science department. They offer a broad array of classes and have numerous faculty doing research in cognitive science.

2. Stanford University – Stanford provides a solid program for cognitive science. It has a versatile curriculum with interdisciplinary exposure from psychology, computer science, philosophy, linguistics, and neuroscience.

3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – MIT’s Brain and Cognitive Sciences department is one of the best worldwide.

4. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) - UPenn offers a comprehensive program combining psychology, linguistics, neuroscience, philosophy, and computer science.

5. Yale University - Yale has a strong cognitive science program offering interdisciplinary training in five different tracks: psychology, linguistics, philosophy, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence.

6. Johns Hopkins University (JHU) - JHU also offers a top program in cognitive science focusing on five primary research areas: linguistics, psychology, philosophy, neuroscience, and machine learning.

For a deeper dive into each program's offerings, check out the course catalog and faculty list for each school's cognitive science department. This will give you an idea of who you might be learning from and what topics you might be able to study.

Also, research opportunities are crucial if you plan to go into academia or a field that requires a graduate degree, so you may want to see if there are any active research labs associated with the cognitive science departments at these universities.

Remember, different programs will have different focuses – for example, one might place a stronger emphasis on computer science and artificial intelligence, while another might lean towards neuroscience or philosophy. You should ultimately choose a program that aligns with your specific interests and career goals in the field of cognitive science.