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NeuroscienceMajor

Neuroscience is one of the hottest fields of science that combines molecular and genetic, cellular, network and behavioral levels of analysis. This program will propel you into rewarding and lucrative careers in science, medicine, government and private industry, either with or without an additional advanced degree.

Overview

What is Neuroscience at WVU like?

Description

Neuroscience is a rapidly growing STEM field that focuses on the biology and function of the brain.

A BS in Neuroscience at WVU provides you with a foundation across the broad range of research areas within neuroscience and gives you an appreciation of the nature of neurons, neural networks and how the nervous system takes in sensory information about the external world, compares it with prior knowledge and formulates adaptive behavioral responses.

You can choose from one of two areas of emphasis: behavioral neuroscience or cellular neuroscience.

Neuroscience program highlights:

At a Glance

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here are some suggested next steps:

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Areas of Emphasis

Tailor this major to your interests by taking courses in one of these areas:

  • Behavioral Neuroscience
    Focuses on the role the nervous system plays in generating behaviors
  • Cellular, Molecular, Systems Neuroscience
    Focuses on the cellular and molecular basis of nervous system function and development

Fast Facts

What makes Neuroscience at WVU unique?

Research and Academic Opportunities

Research Experience

Through faculty in the Departments of Biology and Psychology, the Neuroscience program and the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, students can conduct original basic and/or clinical research with individual faculty mentorship.

Courses

After completing the initial five-semester core sequence of introductory neuroscience courses, students are required to take at least two courses from each of the two advanced neuroscience course blocks to ensure an advanced, broad-based knowledge of neuroscience, and a minimum of one semester of Neuroscience Capstone (NRSC 320).

Students will experience a wide variety of classroom environments from large lecture sections to small group discussions and intensive laboratory-oriented courses.

Laboratory courses include the Neuroscience Independent Research (NRSC 486) in one of the several neuroscience laboratories across campus, the Neuroscience Capstone (NRSC 320) as well as a host of internship opportunities.

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Student Organizations

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Professional Organizations

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Many students with a BS in Neuroscience are interested in pursuing a medical degree or an advanced research degree. We provide students with superior training, which makes them highly competitive for medical school or an advanced degree in neuroscience.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts massive growth across the fields of employment for which students with a BS in neuroscience or with a BS plus an advanced degree will be qualified. Specifically, it is predicted that over the next decade the field of neuroscience, will experience a 19% increase in academic jobs (i.e., graduate assistantships, postdoctoral fellowships and professorships).

In addition, significant growth is predicted in the following career fields that students with a BS in Neuroscience will commonly find employment: physical therapy, 28%; lab tech, 10%; medical health services management, 20%; nursing, psychiatric and home health aides that are specifically trained to care for Alzheimer’s and other age-related dementias, 24%; community health, 16%; audiology, 21%; and finally, home health aides and personal care aides generally is expected to grow by 1,208,800 jobs, representing a 41% increase in growth.

Students graduating from WVU with a BS in neuroscience will be competitive for those jobs, or the advanced training programs needed to be competitive for those jobs.

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Neuroscience major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Courses

What are the courses like in Neuroscience at WVU?

BIOL 339:
Animal Communication

Communication mediates most interactions between individuals and the brain dedicates much of its resources to generating and processing these signals. This course examines why and how animals communicate, the physiological mechanisms involved in generating / sensing communication signals, how evolution shapes communication, and how communication signals can influence decision making.

BIOL 439:
Neuroethology

Explores the way sensory systems process information to mediate behavior in a wide variety of animals in order to understand similarities and differences in neural mechanisms.

BIOL 475:
Neurobiological Diseases

The physiological mechanisms of neurobiological diseases. Impact of neurobiological diseases on society. Standard and experimental treatments. Current research.

BIOL 478:
Sensory Neural Systems and Behavior

This course explores how brains acquire information about the external world and process this information to produce sensory perceptions. Students gain a deep understanding of sensory transduction and neural processing at the cellular, network and systems levels. Additionally the class is aimed at enhancing science communication.

BIOL 479:
Current Topics in Neuroscience

Fundamental principles of nervous system organization with an emphasis on interactions between neurons and the consequences for behavior. There will be a focus on recent advances in our understanding of each organizational principle.

PSYC 302:
Behavior Principles

Principles of behavior and learning and the significance of these principles for psychological theory and application; laboratory exercises and demonstrations.

PSYC 425:
Perception

Survey of the structure and function of human sensory systems (primarily visual and auditory), perceptual issues and theories.

Cost and Aid

How much does Neuroscience at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

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Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

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Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

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Ways to Save

Here is a way for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Neuroscience at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's Neuroscience major, you must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2024-25 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Related Majors and Minors

What minors could I consider?

Related Pathways

What majors share similar career interests with this major at WVU?

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

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Request Information

Want to know more about Neuroscience at WVU? Fill out the Request Information form to receive more information about the program and life at WVU.

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Visit WVU

It's the next-best thing to being here – you can virtually tour residence halls and the WVU Morgantown Campus.

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