Neuroscience
Overview
Neuroscience programs teach people how the brain and nervous system work.Neuroscience programs teach people about the central nervous sytem. Students learn about cells, molecules, and the role they play in thinking. They study the biology of nervous disorders. They learn how to apply the science to biomedical engineering.
Neuroscience programs include topics such as:
- Molecular and cellular neuroscience
- Brain science
- Anatomy and physiology of the central nervous system
- Brain and body communication
- Effect of medicine, drugs, and alcohol on brain function
- Specific diseases including depression, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s
- Neural systems and circuits
Concentrations
In neurosciences programs, students may be able to specialize in:
- Neurobiology and anatomy
- Neurobiology and behavior
Schools
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in neuroscience. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
Many universities offer graduate degrees in neuroscience. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Biochemistry
- Biological Sciences, General
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biomedical Sciences, General
- Biopsychology
- Cell Biology
- Cognitive Science
- Electroneurodiagnostic Technology
- Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Pharmacology
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Allergists and Immunologists
- Dermatologists
- Family and General Practitioners
- Psychologists
- Radiologists
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
For this program, schools recommend that you know how to use a computer and the Internet.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Advanced Biology courses
- Advanced Chemistry courses
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pre-Calculus
- Probability and Statistics
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Undergraduate degree in a science-related field that includes significant course work in inorganic and organic chemistry, biology, physics, and anatomy
- Undergraduate courses in calculus and statistics
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Anatomy of the Brain
- Biodiversity and Evolution
- Cell Biology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Experimental Psychology
- Human Behavior
- Molecular Genetics
- Neurobiology
- Neuropsychology
- Neuroscience and Drug Use
- Physiology of the Brain
- Psychology of Learning
- Psychopharmacology
- Sensation and Perception
- Systems Neuroscience
Most of your courses will require significant laboratory and research time.
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate programs that lead to a master's or doctoral degree typically include:
- Required courses
- Clinical practicum
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
With a bachelor's degree in neuroscience, you can usually work as a researcher or lab assistant. You can work for medical centers, universities, or drug companies.
Some people with a bachelor's degree in neuroscience choose to go to graduate school in psychology or counseling.
A background in neuroscience is considered good preparation for medical school or graduate school in physiological psychology, pharmacology, and additional study in neuroscience.
Most people with doctoral degrees in neuroscience become professors or researchers.
Schools
East Side Area
Washington State University - Pullman
- Neuroscience
King-Snohomish Area
University of Washington - Seattle
- Biomolecular Structure & Design
- Medical Scientist
- Neurobiology and Behavior
- Neuroscience
Vancouver Area
Washington State University - Vancouver
- Neuroscience
West Side Area
Western Washington University
- Behavioral Neuroscience