Research is at the heart of Cognitive Science. Because the field draws on psychology, neuroscience, computer science, linguistics, philosophy, education, and related disciplines, our students have access to a broad range of research opportunities across the University of Virginia.
Students consistently describe research as one of the most rewarding aspects of their time at UVA. Beyond strengthening graduate and professional school applications, research provides opportunities to ask meaningful questions, develop analytical and technical skills, collaborate with faculty and graduate students, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.
Whether you are interested in joining a faculty research lab, completing an independent honors thesis, participating in course-based research, or working alongside graduate student mentors, the Cognitive Science Program offers multiple pathways to become involved in research throughout your experience.
Expanding Access to Undergraduate Research
Beginning in Spring 2026, the Cognitive Science Program launched two initiatives designed to broaden access to meaningful undergraduate research experiences. These initiatives were created in response to a common challenge: many students are interested in research but have limited opportunities to become involved early in their academic careers, particularly before establishing connections with faculty research labs. The initiatives aim to create additional entry points into research while building the skills and confidence needed for more advanced opportunities.
Graduate Student Mentoring (COGS 3960)
Students enrolled in COGS 3960: Research in Cognitive Science work closely with funded graduate student mentors in small research groups. Each graduate mentor supervises up to five undergraduate research assistants through weekly meetings, individualized guidance, and ongoing project support.
This initiative provides students with:
- Hands-on research experience
- Structured mentorship throughout the research process
- Exposure to graduate-level research environments
- A pathway toward faculty-led research and the Distinguished Majors Program (DMP)
The program bridges classroom learning with authentic research practice while also providing graduate students with valuable mentoring and leadership experience.
Experiential Research Methods Courses
Several Research Methods courses within Cognitive Science and Psychology have been redesigned as course-based undergraduate research experiences.
Rather than simply learning about research methods, students complete an entire research project from beginning to end. Throughout the semester, students:
- Identify an original research question
- Review the scientific literature
- Design an empirical study
- Collect and analyze data
- Interpret findings
- Communicate their work through APA-style research papers and research presentations
Current participating courses include: Research Methods in Cognitive Psychology, Research Methods in Developmental Psychology, and Research Methods in Social Psychology.
These courses provide an accessible way for students to gain meaningful research experience while developing skills in scientific thinking, data analysis, collaboration, and communication.
Learn How to Get Involved
Each semester, the Cognitive Science Program hosts an Undergraduate Research Information Session for students interested in exploring research opportunities.
These sessions introduce students to:
- Strategies for finding research opportunities across UVA
- How to contact potential faculty mentors
- The Distinguished Majors Program (DMP)
- Expectations for undergraduate research
- The Graduate Student Mentoring initiative
- Research Methods course opportunities
- Tips for preparing competitive research applications
Students considering research are strongly encouraged to attend one of these sessions early in their undergraduate career. Announcements are distributed through the Cognitive Science Program email list and other program communications.
Testimonials
I entered UVA with broad interests and found a perfect fit in Cognitive Science. The major's interdisciplinary structure has completely transformed my understanding of the mind, challenging me to connect diverse fields like philosophical logic and linguistic analysis. As someone pursuing research after graduation, the major provided me with an extensive theoretical background and hands-on experience, offering opportunities to work as a Research Assistant, Teaching Assistant, and Distinguished Majors student. While my path is research-focused, I highly recommend Cognitive Science to any student fascinated by mental systems who wants to keep their options open. The major's flexibility provides a strong foundation for a wide variety of fields, from healthcare and law to UI/UX design and data science.
- Mia Tan, Cognitive Science, Class of 2026
Ready to Get Involved?
Whether you're exploring research for the first time or preparing for graduate school, we encourage you to attend one of our Undergraduate Research Information Sessions and begin building your research experience early. If you have questions, contact the Cognitive Science Program at cogsci@virginia.edu.