I’m heavily considering studying artificial intelligence. Would it be wise to major in B.S. Cognitive Science or B.S. Computer Science? Why?
Also, my cognitive science includes several computer science classes along with linguistics. That’s the good part; however, I’ve heard that artificial intelligence is mostly algorithms, which equate computer science. BUT, my computer science department isn’t strong in psychology/cognitive science.
i’d go with the cs degree because if you got a cognitive science degree you won’t be able to do the computer end of the work and thats the most important….a
If your Cognitive Science program incorporates Computer Science as well, I would think that would be the way to go, myself.
I strongly recommend a firm grounding a mathematics, as well. Designing said algorithms will largely be, I expect, interpreting human intelligence into mathematical constructs. Once you have the algorithm planned, the rest is just syntax to execute it programatically. Perhaps that sounds a bit dismissive, that step is certainly non-trivial, but hopefully you get the idea there.
One thing to consider is the focus of your Computer Science program as well. Some programs focus primarily on business applications and frameworks which may be less useful in a theory-heavy field like AI.
Finally, sounds a bit like you’ve already made your decision. AI is a complex field, and I’m sure there is a need for many different fields of expertise. I’d certainly suspect the field calls for experts in all the fields your listed, and you aren’t going to be the global authority on all of them. You’re not going to make Skynet all on your lonesome, after all.
BOTH. With Computer Science as a major and a minor in Cognitive Science (or psychology, or anthropology, or physical therapy). For NOW the AI field is tending to hire CompSci people but its a long line of applicants for the best jobs. So definitely Id say go with CompSci.
But to improve your position in that job line, put some serious thought into your minor. It doesnt have to be anything you would have to work extra to wade thru. What else are you interested in? Some creative mix-matching can go far. It could be graphics, programming, language, cognitive thought, body language, etc. Any number of things can be mixed in so pick something fun for your minor that you and picture a crossover with one of the many areas of AI. If you have trouble coming up with a mix for your interests, ask again. Something like Computer Science plus xxxxxxxxx equals AI…. how?