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First, some facts. Of the Cognitive Science graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 148 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 59%, Cognitive Science graduates have a lower likelihood (-8%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 39% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Cognitive Science graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 42% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2023 from University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Cognitive Science. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONIntern Hachette Book Group Jun 2023 - Aug 2023 Administrative Assistant, Orbit  Hachette Book Group Sep 2023 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When analyzing the career paths of individuals with degrees in Cognitive Science, it’s interesting to see how varied their job choices can be and how often these roles align with their educational background. Most of the roles fall into a few common categories: data analysis, UX/UI design, behavioral health, research positions, and some roles in teaching or education. While many of these positions utilize skills and knowledge gained through a Cognitive Science degree, a significant number do not leverage core cognitive principles as part of their daily responsibilities.
Positions like UX/UI Designers, Research Assistants, and various data-related roles stand out as being directly tied to cognitive science concepts. These jobs commonly require an understanding of human behavior, cognition, and decision-making processes, which are essential to fields like user experience and market research. For instance, roles in user experience design assess how users interact with products to enhance usability, showcasing a clear application of cognitive science principles. However, many graduates also find themselves in roles that are less relevant, such as administrative positions or customer service jobs, which often rely more on general skills like communication and organization rather than in-depth knowledge of cognitive science.
In summary, while many Cognitive Science graduates secure positions where their education directly informs their work, there is also a notable portion of the workforce that takes on roles that do not require specialized knowledge from their degree. There’s a strong demand for skills in data analysis and user experience within tech and health-related fields, but it's important to be aware that many degrees don't lead to jobs exclusively designed for that field. As such, Cognitive Science graduates should be flexible and open to diverse job opportunities that might not always align perfectly with their studies but still allow them to apply their analytical and interpersonal skills in meaningful ways.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Cognitive Science graduates:
The career trajectories of recent Cognitive Science graduates reveal a complex and varied landscape. Upon graduating, many of these individuals often land roles that are potentially tangential to their studies, especially in the early stages of their careers. For instance, those who graduated from various institutions, such as UC Merced and UC Santa Cruz, began with positions like administrative assistants, research assistants, and customer service roles. These first jobs tend to be on the softer side, often involving data collection, administrative duties, or support roles, which might not directly align with their Cognitive Science education but can provide foundational skills. For many, these starting positions may feel a bit removed from their major focus on cognitive processes and behavior, but they can still offer valuable experience in professional settings.
Fast forward five to ten years, we can see a more encouraging trend as many graduates transition into positions that are worth mentioning. A good number have shifted into roles that closely connect to Cognitive Science. Alumni from prestigious universities like Johns Hopkins and USC are moving into research-oriented roles in psychology, and health-related fields, which exhibit a stronger alignment with their studies. Those who have pursued advanced roles—including UX/UI design, clinical research, and occupational therapy—demonstrate the versatility of a Cognitive Science education. However, it’s worth noting that some graduates still find themselves in unrelated fields, like bartending or administrative work, raising questions about job market saturation and the ability to convert education into meaningful employment.
Overall, while the early careers of Cognitive Science graduates often seem to deviate from what you’d expect, there’s a notable transition over time where many end up in fields that genuinely relate to their degree. Some develop into experts in UX design, clinical research, or even health practitioners, emphasizing how flexible the cognitive skills are across different industries. On the flip side, it’s clear that succeeding in this field requires some perseverance and creativity in navigating career pathways, often demanding further specialization or skill-building through experience. So while many do find success, it’s a journey filled with diverse starting points and varying degrees of relevance to their formal education.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science can be on the challenging side, but it really depends on your strengths and interests. Since it combines elements of psychology, neuroscience, computer science, and philosophy, you’ll be exposed to a diverse range of topics that can get heavy at times. If you enjoy critical thinking, problem-solving, and a bit of math or statistics, you might find it manageable, but it can definitely feel overwhelming for some students who aren't as into those areas. Overall, it's a bit tougher than a lot of traditional degrees, but if you find the subject matter fascinating, it can also be super rewarding!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Cognitive Science.
Looking at the job histories of these recent graduates, it seems like the monetary success really varies depending on their field and the positions they've held. For example, many individuals from engineering or data science backgrounds, particularly those from schools like UC Berkeley and UC San Diego, seem to have snagged higher-paying roles quickly, often landing jobs at major tech companies or in specialized fields like finance. In contrast, those in social work or more entry-level positions, like many from UC Merced or lower-ranked institutions, appear to be starting off in less lucrative jobs, such as baristas or administrative assistants, which typically don't offer a high salary. Overall, while some of these graduates may be doing pretty well financially, others might still be working their way up in lower-paying roles.
It's also worth noting that graduates working in healthcare or specialized research roles often find themselves in positions that can offer more stability and decent pay as they gain experience. Overall, it's clear that where you studied, what you studied, and the connections you made can really shape your earning potential right out of college. So if you're aiming for a solid paycheck after graduation, it might be smart to consider those factors when choosing a major or university!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Cognitive Science. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Cognitive Science (ordered by the average relevance score of their Cognitive Science graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 University of California, Berkeley
|
70 | 19 |
 UC San Diego
|
66 | 10 |
 University of California San Diego
|
60 | 13 |
 University of California, Merced
|
58 | 10 |