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Cognitive Psychology Concentration in Psychology
A cognitive psychology concentration focuses on how people perceive, think, remember, and learn. It typically builds on the psychology program core and adds courses in memory, attention, language processing, and decision-making.
Quick Answers
What is a cognitive psychology concentration in psychology?
A cognitive psychology concentration is a focused set of courses within a psychology program that emphasizes mental processes including memory, perception, attention, and problem-solving.
What do you typically study in this concentration?
Coursework varies by school, but most programs cover cognitive neuroscience, memory and learning, language and thought, and experimental methods.
Is this concentration available online?
Many schools offer this concentration online, but availability depends on degree level and start-term scheduling.
Back to Psychology Concentrations
At a Glance
- Focus area: Memory, perception, attention, language, and decision-making
- Degree levels: Commonly available at bachelor’s and master’s level
- Career alignment: School Psychologist ($95,990 median, BLS May 2025)
- Growth outlook: Research and applied roles in education, tech, and healthcare
- Online availability: Available at many accredited programs
For an overview of all degree paths, see the Psychology Program Guide.
What you typically study
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Cognitive Neuroscience | Brain mechanisms underlying thought, memory, and perception |
| Memory & Learning | How information is encoded, stored, and retrieved |
| Language & Thought | How language shapes reasoning and communication |
| Attention & Perception | How we select, process, and interpret sensory information |
| Experimental Methods | Designing and running cognitive experiments |
| Applied Cognitive Psychology | Applications in education, technology, and human factors |
Questions to ask before choosing this concentration
- How many courses are required versus elective options?
- Are there prerequisite courses for this track?
- Does the concentration include a capstone or applied project?
- Is the concentration available online and in your desired term?
How psychology concentrations compare
| Concentration | Focus Area | Related BLS Career | Median Salary (May 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychology | Assessment, diagnosis, treatment | Clinical & Counseling Psychologist | $95,830 |
| Counseling Psychology | Therapeutic support, wellness | Marriage & Family Therapist | $63,780 |
| Cognitive Psychology | Memory, perception, cognition | School Psychologist | $86,930 |
| Developmental Psychology | Lifespan development | Educational & Career Counselor | $65,140 |
| Industrial-Organizational | Workplace behavior, HR | I-O Psychologist | $109,840 |
| Social Psychology | Group behavior, social influence | Mental Health Counselor | $59,190 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Next Steps
- Start with the psychology bachelor’s degree guide, where most cognitive coursework begins.
- Browse accredited online colleges offering psychology programs.
- Interested in applied learning settings? Explore the education degree guide.
Data verified: June 7, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.