Neuroscience

SciencesBachelor's4 Years

Brain function, neural systems, cognition, and behavioral neurobiology.

Who It's For

Good Fit

You are fascinated by the brain and how it creates thoughts, emotions, and behavior. If you enjoy both biology and psychology, are comfortable with lab work and data analysis, and want to understand cognition at a biological level, neuroscience is a perfect intersection. Students who are curious about mental health, perception, or artificial intelligence from a brain-science angle thrive here.

×Consider Alternatives

If you are primarily interested in helping people through therapy or counseling, a psychology or social work degree may be more direct. Students who dislike lab science, memorizing neuroanatomy, or statistics may find the curriculum challenging.

How Your High School Classes Connect

How much each subject matters in this degree

Biology
Core
Chemistry
Important
Math
Important
Physics
Helpful
Computer Science
Minor

Common Coursework

General Chemistry I & II
DemandingReq

Study atoms, bonding, reactions, stoichiometry, equilibrium, and thermodynamics at the molecular level.

Calculus I
DemandingReq

Master derivatives and integrals — the math of rates of change and areas under curves.

General Biology I & II
ModerateReq

Survey life from molecules to ecosystems — cells, genetics, evolution, ecology, and organ systems.

General Psychology
IntroReq

Survey the major topics in psychology — perception, memory, development, personality, and disorders.

Organic Chemistry I
NotoriousReq

Study carbon-based molecules, reaction mechanisms, and how to build simple organic compounds.

Biostatistics
ModerateReq

Apply statistical methods to biological and health data for experiments and clinical studies.

Neuroanatomy
DemandingReq

Map the brain's structures — cortex, cerebellum, brainstem — and trace their neural pathways.

Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience
NotoriousReq

Study how neurons signal using ion channels, neurotransmitters, and synaptic transmission.

Behavioral Neuroscience
DemandingReq

Examine how brain circuits produce behaviors like learning, fear, addiction, and sleep.

Cognitive Neuroscience
DemandingReq

Investigate how the brain creates perception, attention, memory, and decision-making.

Research Methods in Neuroscience
ModerateReq

Design brain research experiments using imaging, electrophysiology, and behavioral testing techniques.

Physics I
DemandingReq

Cover mechanics, energy, waves, and thermodynamics through problems and hands-on lab experiments.

Neuropharmacology
ToughElec

Study how drugs and chemicals alter brain function by targeting receptors and neurotransmitter systems.

Common Next Steps

Medical SchoolPhD in NeuroscienceMaster's in Public Health

Brightest = most common path

Job Market Outlook

7/9related careers have positive growth outlook
Moderate Growth×4Strong Growth×3Declining×1Stable×1

Is Neuroscience right for you?

Take our free 20-minute assessment to find out if neuroscience matches your personality, interests, and strengths.

Take the Free Assessment