neuroscience students in EEG lab

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Minor 

Neuroscience

The study of neuroscience is key to our future as thinkers, healers and innovators. Bowling Green State University is one of the best colleges for neuroscience in the Midwest.

Brain health is increasingly recognized as fundamental to a person’s overall well-being. Whether you’re drawn to mental health advocacy, clinical research of conditions like autism or Alzheimer’s disease or developing biotechnology for brain injuries, the BGSU Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience degree program puts you on track to any number of interesting and impactful careers.

As a dynamic and evolving field, neuroscience blends biology, chemistry, psychology and even computer science. It’s especially useful for those interested in medicine or research. This versatility is one of the most compelling aspects of a neuroscience degree.  

At BGSU, our interdisciplinary curriculum incorporates those diverse fields. We also heavily emphasize research and experiential learning components. After graduation, some students enter the workforce immediately, while others pursue advanced degrees in medicine, education and research. 

Why study neuroscience at BGSU in Ohio?

  • Meeting of the minds. At the Center for Neuroscience, Mind and Behavior, students connect and learn under an interdisciplinary umbrella. Five departments come together for collaborative neuroscience analysis at all levels. Gather for lectures, discussions and chances to play an active role in groundbreaking neuroscience studies. 
  • Learn from the best. Our faculty is composed of internationally renowned scientists specializing in cognitive, affective and sensory neuroscience. Many of them have a strong record of grant support. 
  • A setup for long-term success. Transition with ease to graduate programs in related fields.
  • State-of-the-art laboratories. The bulk of BGSU neuroscience labs are housed in the Psychology and Life Sciences Buildings. Access the latest technology in biochemistry, animal surgery, molecular biology, microscopy, image analysis, electrophysiology and behavioral analysis. 
  • Undergraduate research opportunities. Research is the bedrock of neuroscience. Undergraduate participation is encouraged within ongoing research projects in psychology, biological sciences, communication disorders and philosophy. 
  • Supportive community. The BGSU Student Neuroscience Association meets regularly and provides information about research and expanded educational opportunities. 
  • Public outreach. The BGSU neuroscience program is committed to making a difference – on campus and in the community. You can get involved in our diverse outreach events.

The J.P. Scott Center for Neuroscience, Mind and Behavior is an interdisciplinary research and teaching center that serves as a unique hub for collaborative discovery and learning.

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.

Career paths

  • Education
  • Medical researcher
  • Medicine
  • Pharmaceutical industry
  • Public health
  • Psychology
  • Veterinary medicine
  • Neuroscience

Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

View average salaries

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

neuroscience researchers in University Animal Facility

Sample courses

  • Neurophysiology
  • Psychopharmacology
  • Animal Behavior
  • Cognitive Neuroscience

BGSU College of Arts and Sciences

The Bachelor of Science in neuroscience is an interdisciplinary program between the Biological Sciences and Psychology departments in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.

Updated: 01/09/2025 10:07AM