Students studying

Neuroscience

Neuroscience is the scientific study of the brain and the nervous system. A branch of biology, it combines physiology, anatomy, molecular biology, developmental biology, cytology, mathematical modeling, and psychology to further understand learning, memory, behavior, perception, and consciousness. Neuroscience degrees are offered at baccalaureate, master, and doctoral levels, and most careers within neuroscience will require, at minimum, a master’s degree.

Baccalaureate

A bachelor’s degree in neuroscience is geared towards providing a rigorous academic platform for graduates intending to continue into a research or medical profession. Coursework will include both hard and social sciences, as well as a number of advanced courses in areas such as developmental biology, behavioral and cognitive neurobiology, cell and molecular biology, as well as neurobiology laboratory. Entry to neuroscience programs can be competitive, and also may be separate from admission to the institution in general.

Graduates with a bachelor’s in neurobiology may be able to obtain positions as a research assistant or technician, work in pharmaceutical sales, or as a technical writer.

Master Level

Master’s programs in neuroscience are largely research-driven and can be earned as either terminal or pre-doctoral degrees. Concentrations become a large, driving force during graduate degrees in this field, often culminating in a thesis that determines completion of the degree. The major branches of neuroscience include neural engineering, neuroanatomy, neurogastronomy, cellular neuroscience, affective neuroscience, clinical neuroscience, neurogenetics, computational neuroscience, and much more.

Career opportunities for graduates with a master’s in neuroscience include: Nurse Practitioner, Physician’s Assistant, Genetic Counselor, Occupational Therapist, Orthotist/Prosthetist, Neural Engineer, Neuroimaging Technician, Speech-Language Pathologist, Biostatistician.

Doctoral Level

Doctorates in neurobiology come in two forms: a PhD or a Medical Degree. As is typical, a PhD often indicates the intention to remain in academia or research, while a medical degree indicates working in the field. A PhD in Neuroscience largely leads to careers within universities and their research departments as a neuroscientist, though obtaining this type of job is incredibly competitive. Other options include working for a government facility or in a private research industry to develop pharmaceuticals. Careers largely depend on specialization.

An MD or DO is required for any sort of clinical work. With an MD/DO, the neuroscience degrees translate directly into becoming a licensed neurosurgeon or neurologist. Some institutions offer combine PhD and MD programs, broadening the scope of work for graduates. Neuroscience doctorate graduates receive an average salary between $82,000 and $104,000, depending on type of degree and industry.

Create a free account to find, finance and attend the college that's right for you.

Colleges

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is the largest medical center in the world. UT Health is home to several research institutions, including the Center of Excellence in Mood Disorders, the Consortium on Aging, and the...

“…

UTHSC - Houston is a well known, highly regarded school for students seeking a career in the medical field. The school is located in the Texas Medical Center, which is the largest medical center in the world. The school is dedicated to educating and...

” – Jennifer from Rowlett, TX
College placeholder image

Established in 1860, SUNY Downstate Medical Center is a private, medical education institution and urban service center established in Brooklyn, New York. The college offers over 30 health-centric degree programs through the colleges of Medicine...

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans

The Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans is a public, medical education institution. LSU Health New Orleans’ degree catalog consists primarily of Masters and Doctoral degrees, though the college does offer a few associate and...

“…

LSUHSC-NO provides top-notch quality education. Faculty members are knowledgeable experts in their field. School has many opportunities to get involved in your educational experience.

” – Megan from New Orleans, LA
College placeholder image

The University of New Hampshire at Manchester is a regional UNH campus in the heart of the largest city in the state. UNH Manchester is home to 33 undergrad and graduate degree programs and its facilities house 16 labs and studios. In addition, the...

“…

This is a beautiful school in downtown Manchester. The class size is small and intimate. Because it is a commuter campus I will live at home and save money on room and board.

” – Laina from Weare, NH
College placeholder image

Parker University is a private, 4-year health education institution established in Dallas, Texas. The college offers academic programs in the Health Sciences that award both certificates and degrees ranging from associate to doctoral-level. Students...

College placeholder image

The Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is a research institution specializing in training doctors and medical scientists on three campuses in Phoenix, Jacksonville, and Rochester, Minnesota. US News & World Report ranks The Mayo Clinic Alix School...

Drew University

Drew University is more than a place to earn your degree—it is the beginning of a successful, purpose-driven life.

 

Choose from 40+ majors, 60+ minors, 18 Dual-Degree programs and 17 pre-professional programs. Every student graduates with a purpose...

“…

There is no doubt in my mind that I am learning a lot at Drew. This college is on the Princeton Review's list of top universities and top liberal arts colleges for a reason! The topics are very engaging and intense, and although I've had a couple of...

” – Eve from North Bergen, NJ
College placeholder image

Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine is a medical teaching institution established in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The college puts emphasis on research, and all students in either the Master’s programs or PhD programs are required to complete...

“…

Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a renowned tertiary care center, a level I trauma center (the region's only such center for adults and children), a teaching hospital and a medical school (with the first Humanities Department in the...

” – Krista from Mechanicsburg, PA
College placeholder image

Named for the doctor who discovered the structure of DNA, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is a graduate school of health care in the north Chicagoland area. RFU offers over 30 health science programs through its colleges of...

“…

Unlike other schools that you are going to apply to in hopes of furthering your medical education, Rosalind Franklin is a school that is dedicated to the medical profession. Every single student at this school is enrolled in a program in the medical...

” – Candace from Scott Air Force Base, IL
College placeholder image

The University of Texas Medical Branch is a health institution in the UT system located in the southeast part of the state. UTMB is comprised of four schools specializing in Nursing, Medicine, Health Professions, and the Graduate School of Biomedical...

College placeholder image

Originally founded to serve the educational needs of a large group of returning World War II veterans, Ohio University Eastern is a regional campus in the OU system. OUE grants 13 bachelor’s and two associate degree programs entirely on campus as...

College placeholder image

Ohio University-Chillicothe is the original regional campus in the OU system and the first regional campus in the state. Ohio Chillicothe is home to more than 20 academic programs and foundational courses for degrees offered at other OU campuses. For...

College placeholder image

Originally founded by the Dominican Order, Universidad Central de Bayamón is a Catholic university in northern Puerto Rico. UCB is home to four colleges of Health Sciences, Liberal Arts, Business Development and Education offering 25 bachelor’s...

College placeholder image

Just a few blocks from the Ohio River, Ohio University-Southern Campus is a regional campus in the OU system. OU Southern offers 30 degree and certificate programs available entirely on campus as well as the opportunity to begin classes in other OU...

“…

I am learning a lot in all of my classes so far, but I would have to say that the classes that I've learned the most in were General Psychology 101 and Math 102. The instructors made sure that EVERY student understood a topic before they progressed...

” – Brittany from Ironton, OH
College placeholder image

The Universidad Central del Caribe is an institution of healthcare studies in northeast Puerto Rico. UCC features graduate programs in healthcare fields of Chiropractic and Biomedical Sciences as well as a School of Medicine. Additionally, UCC offers...

College placeholder image

Ohio University Lancaster is a regional campus in the OU system located southeast of Columbus. OUL offers 12 bachelor’s degree programs on campus including Sport and Lifestyle Studies and Middle Childhood Education as well as the option to begin...

“…

I think the small class size is a great learning environment. I believe student will succeed in a room where they can speak one on one with their professor. The academic, as well as, athletic programs are very strong and are a great place for...

” – Mason from Pickerington, OH
College placeholder image

Established in 1946, Ohio University in Zanesville is a public, 4-year institution located in Muskingum County and is one of seven Ohio University campuses and centers. OU Zanesville offers five associate degree programs, 13 bachelor’s degree...

College placeholder image

The Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is a graduate-level medical school with three locations in Rochester, MN, Phoenix, and Jacksonville. The Mayo Clinic Graduate School offers PhD programs in seven areas of medicine as well as an...

Hope College

Hope College is a 4-year liberal arts institute located in downtown Holland. Hope partners with the Reformed Church in America but welcomes students of all faiths, as well as those of no faith. The liberal arts curriculum at Hope is threaded through...

“…

The academics at Hope are outstanding. Yes, that means the classes can be difficult and a lot of work, but the professors are all excellent; supportive, encouraging, and willing to help you out at virtually any time. They genuinely want you to...

” – Dale from Grandville, MI
College placeholder image

Located just a few blocks from Manhattan’s 59th Street Bridge, Weill Cornell Medical College is affiliated with Cornell University and partnered with New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Weill Cornell combines the renowned academic reputation of an Ivy...

Concordia University-Montreal

Concordia University in Montreal is the best university in Canada under 50 years old, according to the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings, and among the largest, with 50,000 students. Montreal is the number one student city in North...

Imperial College London

Imperial is one of the world’s 10 top universities (QS World University Rankings 2024), in one of its most iconic cities – London, UK. With students from more than 140 countries (including a growing number of US students), and a specialist community...

College placeholder image
College placeholder image

As one of six campuses of the Washington State University system, WSU Vancouver offers big-school resources in a small-school environment and provides baccalaureate- and graduate-level education to benefit the people, communities and economy of...