Cognitive Neuroscience and Evolutionary Psychology (formerly called Social and Cognitive Neuroscience) is a specialized track within the Psychology concentration, and is one of the major paths toward bridging the social and life sciences at Harvard. The track reflects the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of this mind science, emphasizing integration across the sub-disciplines within psychology (social psychology, cognitive psychology, development, psychopathology) as well as connections between psychology and the other life sciences. It is ideally suited for students who are interested in examining the interplay between traditional interests in psychology (e.g. vision, memory, language, emotion, intergroup relations, decision-making, psychological disorders, social and cognitive development, etc) and recent developments in evolutionary biology and evolutionary psychology and/or neuroscience.
Freshmen who are interested in Cognitive Neuroscience and Evolutionary Psychology (CNEP) typically enroll in one of: Life Sciences 1a or Life and Physical Sciences A (in fall, depending on placement) or Life Sciences 1b in spring. Students are required to take one of these courses, but may count more than one toward concentration requirements.
If possible, freshmen should also take SLS 20, Psychological Science, which is offered in fall and spring. Students with a score of 5 on the Psychology AP exam have met the SLS 20 prerequisite and may begin in Foundational Courses. See the full list of requirements here.
For more information, please contact us.
Please also visit the Psychology Undergraduate Program website.