Neuroscience

Career - what can you do with a neuroscience degree?

Neuroscience graduates work in settings from research labs to clinical settings and beyond. Their work helps shape the future of medicine, technology, education and more.  

• A neuroscience degree is a great start for students interested in studying medicine or research – though graduates aren’t limited to those fields. Employment in neuroscience-related fields, such as medicine and brain research, is expected to grow significantly over the next decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The biotechnology sector alone is forecasted to expand by 7% annually, with neuroscientific applications leading the charge. 
• Colleges, universities and government education departments value neuroscience graduates for their unique insights into learning processes. Some go on to careers in special education and curriculum development. 
• Law and public policy fields benefit from neuroscience expertise as well, particularly in light of ethical concerns regarding neurotechnology and criminal justice reform.  

Financially, a neuroscience degree is a sound investment. Even entry-level graduates report earning competitive salaries. Those who pursue advanced degrees – clinical neuropsychologists and pharmaceutical researchers – command salaries well into six figures.  

A neuroscience minor may be ideal for those ultimately pursuing careers in health and medicine, psychiatry, criminal justice, veterinary medicine, applied behavior analysis (BCBA), occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, audiology, education and more.

Curriculum

The bachelor of science in neuroscience consists principally of biology and psychology courses. The degree program also incorporates studies in communication disorders, chemistry and philosophy.  

Neuroscience majors are strongly encouraged to take independent research courses with neuroscience faculty along with their structured coursework.

A minor is required for a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience. Students may opt for a conventional minor (usually 21 credit hours) or a “general science” minor.  

Graduates of the BGSU neuroscience program are able to:

• Understand the scientific process, design and implementation of experiments.
• Evaluate evidence and differences between scientific fact and unscientific arguments. 
• Present scientific information in oral and written formats appropriate to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Understand the basic principles of neuroscience, behavior and integration of the two fields.
• Be prepared for graduate studies in psychology, biology, neuroscience or medical school, or to enter the private sector in areas related to their training.
  

Required courses