Online Undergraduate Certificate in Cognitive Archaeology Overview
Challenge yourself with a unique short-term learning opportunity.
The online Undergraduate Certificate in Cognitive Archaeology gives you the opportunity to study the evolutionary development of cognition in Homo sapiens and other primates through a variety of undergraduate-level courses in the UCCS departments of Anthropology, Psychology, and Philosophy.
Courses in this certificate are taught by subject-matter experts around the world, concentrating the expertise and experience of a small but vibrant research area into one rich learning experience. Because the courses are taught online, UCCS is able to offer the certificate to students throughout the world. This educational opportunity is invaluable to students majoring in a variety of disciplines, including anthropology, psychology, philosophy, linguistics, cognitive studies, and interdisciplinary studies.
Cognitive Archaeology Undergraduate Certificate
College of Letters, Arts & Sciences
100% Online
Delivery Method
$433*
Cost Per Credit
*Approximate In-state
$433*
Cost Per Credit
*Approximate Out-of-state
Priority Application Deadline
Rolling Admissions
Application Deadline
12
Credit Hours
2-3 Years
Average Completion Time
Cognitive Archaeology Course Overview
The Undergraduate Certificate in Cognitive Archaeology is offered fully online in an asynchronous format, meaning there are no set login times, and you can complete your coursework at the time and place most convenient for you. Course lengths vary, with both eight- and 16-week courses offered, and you can choose the pace of the program that works best for you. This undergraduate certificate can be completed in 1-4 semesters.
During the program, you will complete a written portfolio for review, consisting of one sample of written work from each class. Students must also maintain a 3.0 GPA. The program features small classes with a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
The Certificate in Cognitive Archaeology is facilitated by the Center for Cognitive Archaeology at UCCS. The mission of the Center for Cognitive Archaeology (CCA) is to provide graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) and throughout the world the opportunity to study the evolutionary development of cognition in Homo sapiens and other primates through the lenses of psychology, anthropology, and philosophy.
Two core courses are required for the Undergraduate Certificate in Cognitive Archaeology:
- ANTH 4310 Cognitive Evolution
- ANTH 4915 History of Cognitive Archaeology
Students will complete the remaining six credit hours of their certificate by choosing from the following elective courses:
- ANTH 4115 Evolution of Ritual and Religion
- ANTH 4105 Neurocognition of Art
- ANTH 4255 Embodied Cognition and Material Cultural
- ANTH 4125 Rock Art and Modern Cognition
- ANTH 4245 Evolution of Symbolic Behavior
- ANTH 4345 Paleoneurology
- ANTH 4355 Neandertal Cognition
- ANTH 4800 Advanced Topics in Linguistic Anthropology
- PHIL 4200 Consciousness
- PHIL 4330 Philosophy of Mind
- ANTH 4650 Evolutionary Neuropsychology
- ANTH 4345: Paleoneurology
- This course introduces topics and issues regarding the evolution of both primate and fossil hominid endocranial anatomy. An overview of neuroanatomy will present topics in comparative primate brain morphology. The course ends with a general overview of the computed tools currently used to reconstruct the endocranial anatomy in fossil specimens, namely computed tomography and digital morphology.
- ANTH 4650: Evolutionary Neuropsychology
- This course serves as an introduction to the evolution of the structures and the functions of the human brain.
- ANTH 4800: Advanced Topics in Anthropological Linguistics
- This course is an intensive study of selected topics in anthropological linguistics (e.g., morphological and syntactic typology, comparative phonetics/phonology, linguistic field methods, narrative analysis); in different semesters one specific topic will be addressed.
What Is Cognitive Archaeology?
Cognitive archaeology is a truly interdisciplinary field that applies and integrates the concepts, theories, and methods of cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, neuropsychology, anthropology, linguistics, the philosophy of mind, and the philosophy of consciousness to the tangible evidence for human evolution—non-human primate anatomy and behavior, human neuroanatomy, hominin paleontology, and archaeology.
Cognitive archaeology considers the origins and adaptive evolutionary purposes of cognitive processes and capabilities such as aesthetic cognition, causal cognition, cognitive control, cognitive fluidity, episodic memory, executive functions, expert retrieval structures, literacy, numerical cognition, praxis, prospective memory, skill, spatial cognition, Theory of Mind, visual attention, and working memory.
Take the First Step
Complete the form on this page to be contacted by an Enrollment Advisor.
Tuition and Fees
At UCCS Online, we strive to keep our tuition costs affordable so that you can get a world-class education that fits your budget. We know that affordability is an important factor, and that’s why we’re here to help you explore all of the options available to fund your education.
We’re here to answer your questions about tuition, help you take care of the logistics, and make sure you’re able to focus on reaching your goals. Please note: This graduate certificate program is considered a “Course of Study Certificate” and not a Gainful Employment (GE) program, which means it is not eligible for aid, including the College Opportunity Fund (COF).
Currently, the Undergraduate Certificate in Cognitive Archaeology has no application fee.
Complete the formComplete the form on this page to connect with our Enrollment Team and get more information about tuition, fees, and more.
In State Cost Per Credit:
$433
Approximate tuition per credit hour based on the number of credits taken
Out of State Cost Per Credit:
$433
Approximate tuition per credit hour based on the number of credits taken
Cognitive Archaeology Faculty Accolades
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Dr. Karenleigh A. Overmann, Director, was a Clarendon Scholar at the University of Oxford and was awarded a Marie Curie Fellowship from the EU for postdoctoral work.
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Prof. Frederick L. Coolidge, Co-director, is a three-time Fulbright Fellowship Award recipient. He has received the CU Presidential Teaching Scholar Award, UCCS Letters, Arts, and Sciences Annual Outstanding Research and Creative Works Award, and the UCCS Annual Faculty Award for Excellence in Research.
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Prof. Thomas Wynn, Emeritus Director, is a distinguished professor emeritus and recipient of the prestigious Werner-Grenn award.
Admissions Information
The undergraduate certificate program operates on a rolling admissions basis, meaning applications are reviewed year-round. Please allow approximately four weeks for an admissions decision. The program has three start dates per year.
Applications for the undergraduate certificate program should include the following:
- Completed admission application form
- Personal statement (maximum of 2 pages) describing interest in the program (i.e., objectives and goals for enrolling in the program, whether the certificate relates to current or future work plans, previous work or volunteer activities relevant to the certificate, educational background and experience as it relates to this certificate program)
- Current resume
- Official transcript(s) of previous education showing 15 semester hours of relevant undergraduate course work completed at an accredited university with a minimum 3.00 GPA
Once notified of acceptance in the certificate program, students will apply to the UCCS Extended Studies Program through LAS Extended Studies at: https://lases.uccs.edu/programs-a-l/cca
Start the application process by filling out the formfilling out the form on this page.
UCCS accepts applications throughout the year through a rolling admissions process. However, submitting your application by the preferred deadlines is advisable.
Our stated application deadlines are as follows, but we admit students up to a week before the semester starts. We have also started admitting students mid-semester before Session B begins.
- Fall Semester: August 1
- Spring Semester: January 1
- Summer Semester: May 1
- Summer 2025 – June 9, 2025
- Fall 2025 – August 25, 2025
- Spring 2026 – January 20, 2026
Cognitive Archaeology Success Stories
The opportunity to earn the certificate in cognitive archaeology has had lasting positive effects on my academic career, including my subsequent acceptance into the doctoral program in archaeology at the University of Oxford. The opportunity to work with world-renowned researchers focused on the study of cognitive evolution gave me unique insights into the depth and breadth of the subdiscipline of cognitive archaeology. I recommend both the Center and its unique certification to anyone interested in exploring the evolution of human cognition.
– James H., Alum, Online Cognitive Archaeology Certificate
Expand Your Opportunities
Earn an education that creates opportunity. Start the admissions process with an enrollment advisor by filling out the form on this page today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Students with a certificate in cognitive archaeology gain a professional credential in a unique interdisciplinary field with applications to disciplines such as anthropology, psychology, and philosophy.
Online learning will offer you the flexibility to study at the best place and time for you. You can choose a pace that is sustainable for your lifestyle, which can help you take into account your current career, family, and other commitments outside of school.
Additionally, at UCCS Online, our online programs are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus, which means you’re earning the same high quality degree as traditional students, and your certificate will not mention that it was earned online.
The Center for Cognitive Archaeology offers courses at both the senior (4000) and graduate (5000) level. Students should plan on spending a lot of time working on these classes. This time will include reviewing the material and completing assignments. Students should plan to spend at least 10 hours per week on average or 20 hours per week for the accelerated version.
- Students shall be currently enrolled at UCCS or concurrently enrolled at an accredited university.
- Students shall complete twelve (12) upper-division credit hours (two core and two elective courses) offered by the UCCS Departments of Anthropology, Psychology, and Philosophy, covering the core and elective courses listed under Curriculum.
- Students accepted into the certificate program shall maintain a 3.00 GPA once undergraduate courses are started.
- Students will complete a written portfolio for review, consisting of one sample of written work from each class.
- Students will complete an evaluation and provide suggestions for program development.