According to Handshake (SIS), the Cognitive Brain Sciences major at Tufts currently has over 150 declared undergraduates, making it a popular academic course of study, but what kinds of jobs do Tufts graduates who major in CBS go into? The overwhelming CBS faculty response when our Tufts Career Center asked them is EVERYTHING!
Perhaps because of its interdisciplinary nature, Tufts students will find that there are several different industry areas in which Cognitive Brain Sciences’ interns and graduates can work, which are:
- Technology and Artificial Intelligence
- Research and Academia
- Education and Learning Development
- Marketing and Consumer Behavior Analysis
- Healthcare and Medicine
- Rehabilitation and Mental Health Services
- Government and Public Policy
Similarly, as you ponder the variety of fields once can apply their CBS knowledge to, students might also be curious about some of the actual career paths that we found when researching Tufts alumni in these industries.
To assist you in learning about these career options, below are several job titles for which a degree in Cognitive Brain Sciences prepares students to pursue. For more information about each career option, suggested resources are provided
- Clinical Research Coordinator: Oversee clinical trials and research projects focused on brain and cognitive functions. This remains a VERY popular role for new grads after Tufts and is a job title found most often in Handshake. For general information, click on Clinical Research Coordinators to browse for necessary skills, work environments, and links to opportunities. Also look in Handshake for this popular job title and your research area of interest.
- Cognitive Psychologist: Study mental processes to understand how people think, learn, and remember. For more information, read All About Brain Science and Cognition
- Data Scientist / Analyst: Use statistical analysis and machine learning techniques to interpret data, often in technology or healthcare settings. Occupational Outlook on Data Scientist
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Specialist: Design and evaluate user interfaces to optimize how people interact with technology. Research User Experience and Design resources at Tufts
- Instructional Technology / Consultant: Develop learning strategies or educational tools based on an understanding of cognitive processes. Learn more about Curriculum Design and similar roles
- Neuropsychologist: Assess and treat cognitive and behavioral effects of brain injury or neurological conditions. What Does a Neuropsychologist do?
- Neuroscientist: Conduct research to understand the nervous system and its impact on behavior and cognitive processes. Major Branches of Research and Applied Neuroscience
- Software Developer (AI/ Machine Learning): Work on developing algorithms and AI technologies that mimic human cognitive abilities. Careers in Software Development and Testing
- Speech-Language Pathologist: Diagnose and treat communication disorders that involve speech and language processing. How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist
NEXT STEPS?
- Research a few of these job titles in Handshake to see what further experience or skills are required for an internship or entry level role.
- Find a Tufts alumni working in any of these roles using the Tufts Alumni Mentoring Database called the HERD. Set up a 1:1 mentoring conversation for advice on a number of topics.
- Look at organizations that hire CBS grads in our First Destinations dashboard – Where Do Tufts Grads Work or Intern?
