认知科学是一个跨学科领域，在过去的几十年中出现在许多现有学科的交汇处，包括心理学，语言学，计算机科学，哲学和神经科学。可以将其定义为思维，感知和智能行为的跨学科研究，由环境的性质以及智能主体（无论是人，动物还是机器）的内部体系结构共同决定。以前，每个学科都试图从自己的角度理解智力，而在其他领域的进步却无济于事。然而，随着认知科学的到来，各学科之间已经共享了理论见解和方法论，跨学科的相互作用已成为该领域的标志。这是一个基于以下原则的领域：应该在各学科之间的交叉点开发新知识，并且合作将有助于保护和加强所有参与
The University of California, Santa Barbara offers a PhD Emphasis in Cognitive Science. Doctoral students from twelve affiliated departments (Anthropology, Communication, Comparative Literature, Computer Science, Education, English, Geography, Linguistics, Media Arts & Technology, Music, Philosophy, and Psychological and Brain Sciences) may choose to participate in the emphasis program by completing extra coursework, presenting their research, and taking cognitive science-related questions as central to their studies.<br><br>The Cognitive Science Program reflects the intersecting, interdisciplinary interests of affiliated faculty and students in the College of Letters & Sciences, Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, and the College of Engineering from the departments listed above, as well as participating faculty from several additional departments (incl. Electrical & Computer Engineering, Sociology, and Counseling Clinical & School Psychology). The Program provides an organizational structure that facilitates sharing of research interests and collaboration among faculty, departments, and students.