Neuroscience Major

Our neuroscience curriculum allows you to choose nine credits of neuroscience core electives which offer an in-depth study of the nervous system from a specific disciplinary approach. You’ll also choose 18 credits of more broadly applicable elective courses across three neuroscience-related tracks: molecular and medicinal neuroscience, clinical health neuroscience and theoretical neuroscience.

You’ll have the opportunity to conduct independent research starting your first year. You’ll work with renowned faculty and have access to state-of-the-art microscopy, model animal systems, EEG technology and modeling software and simulations.

You’ll get to work closely with faculty whose expertise extends across math, physics and statistics as well as biological, clinical, psychological, behavioral, pharmaceutical and theoretical areas.

Our interdisciplinary neuroscience degree program prepares you for the full spectrum of careers in a quickly growing field. You’ll also be ready for advanced education at graduate, medical and health professional schools.

The interdisciplinary nature of the neuroscience major requires familiarity with multiple disciplines. The curriculum begins with core science and mathematics courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and calculus and an orientation course in neuroscience that serves as a common starting point for all of our majors. 

In the second and third year, students begin to complete a series of core neuroscience courses that provide our majors with a deep understanding of how the components of the nervous system work together to coordinate physiological and cognitive functions and how changes in regulation can impact thought and action.  Neuroscience students add breadth to their major by exploring electives within multiple fields of study (e.g., biology, computer science, data science, pharmacology, physics, psychology), that extend beyond disciplinary boundaries and provide opportunities to explore areas of interest. A series of introductory and advanced research core courses, labs, and elective experiences “cap” the program, enabling students to demonstrate expertise with techniques and topics. 

Neuroscience Tracks

As a neuroscience major, you’ll take at least one course from each track — molecular and medicinal, clinical  and theoretical — and then specialize in a track or tailor your electives to gain equal exposure to each area.

Double Majors and Minors

Here at Saint Joseph’s, we encourage you to double major or add a minor to make your experience rewarding and unique. The following majors or minors can complement your neuroscience degree:

• Psychology
• Health Sciences
• Biology
• Biomedical Sciences
• Medical Laboratory Science

The tuition for a neuroscience major entering fall 2022 is $27,500/year*. *Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our Tuition & Fees page for a detailed cost breakdown.

Financial aid in the form of scholarships, federal and state grants, loans and discount eligibility may be available to you to help offset the cost of your degree. Explore your options on our Financial Aid page.

The field of neuroscience explores the nervous system’s structure and function — and how it regulates almost all aspects of organisms, including our thoughts, behavior, sense of self and response to environments. By studying the nervous system, neuroscientists unlock the secrets behind what we do, how we think and what affects us.

The focus of neuroscientists’ work ranges. Some study how specific functions work in relation to the nervous system, while others research cellular processes, the underlying causes of drug addiction, brain activity during seizures, novel drug discovery, treatment methods for neurological disorders or new clinical approaches.