cog. sci. Q (that looks a keyboard smash but it actually means something)

Just wondering, what’s the difference between Cognitive science as a bachelor of arts and as a bachelor of science? I read what it said on the UofT website but I’m still kind of confused. Is there one that’s more preferred over the other in terms of finding jobs? The stuff on the website is really general and I want a bit more in-depth information since I’m applying to university in pretty much a couple of weeks *EEK*.Also, when they say you “should” take a course, does that mean you have to take it? Is it detrimental for you not to? The thing is, I’m really interested in going into cog-sci but I don’t think computer programming is my strong suit (it’s not really any kind of suit for me, I know nothing about it).
Thanks in advance

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hey there,

this is gonna be frustrating for you, but there are no concrete answers to the things you’re asking. what can i say? life is horrible and uncertain. i’m sorry.

1) is there one degree that’s more preferable for finding jobs?

depends on the job, i guess. if you want to get an M.Sc. or go to med school or nursing or anything like that, it’s probably best to have a B.Sc.

however, the B.A. is not useless. it opens doors to a whole other range of graduate and professional schools. neither degree is inherently better than the other. you just have to figure ou

t what it is you want to do, and then you’ll know which one is best for you. this page may be helpful in elucidating the potential careers that can come from each degree.

OR, if you, like most people, have no idea what you want to do with your life because what kind of a decision is that to make in your teens, holy geez, then it’s always a safe bet to pick what you’re most comfortable with. if you’re nervous about comp. sci. and you can avoid it by going the arts route, then do that. it’s much better to be really good in a program you’re comfortable in, than poor to average in a program you think is “more practical” or whatever.

also remember that you only choose programs after first year, so you have first year to test out these different courses, and see which ones you’re most comfortable with. who knows, you may be a latent computer wizard.

2) should you take a recommended course?

maybe? it really depends. what i would do is call the cog. sci. department and ask them straight out about specific course(s), because they’ll know how essential that recommended prep. actually is.

good luck on your applications! and i know it’s easier said than done (like, a lot easier said than done), but try not to stress so much about them. it’s all going to work out for the best, and uoft can’t make or break your happiness, regardless of what it decides.

best,

aska