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Eberly College of Arts & Sciences Department of Psychology
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Neuroscience, B.S.

A joint program between the Departments of Psychology and Biology, students can choose from one of two areas of emphasis: behavioral neuroscience or cellular neuroscience.
Plan of Study
Students inspect sample and look at scans

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.

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Program Overview

Program Delivery: On-campus

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.

Areas of Emphasis

  • 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

Opportunities

Explore the WVU Difference through this program's academic, research, and student life opportunities.

  • Hands-on research experience at an R1 Doctoral University, the highest research activity as described by the Carnegie classification of higher education.
  • Opportunity to conduct research in highly ranked laboratories.
  • Access to cutting edge research technology from the latest genomics and DNA sequencing equipment.
  • Two-photon imaging facility.
  • Training across disciplines.
  • Fast-growing field.
  • Earn academic credit through Eberly internship courses.
  • 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Academic Enrichment Program offers funding for activities that complement, extend and enhance your academic experience.

Living Learning Communities

Find a community where you can live with others who share your interests. You will have opportunities to connect with faculty, staff and professionals in areas aligned with your LLC's emphasis. Learn more about WVU Living Learning Communities.

Student Organizations

To explore more organizations, visit WVUEngage where you can browse and manage organizations, find events, and showcase your involvement.

Professional Organizations

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

Research and 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.

Explore Career Paths

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

  1. Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

    Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy and veterinary medicine.

    Also called: Assistant Professor, Clinical Professor, Physical Therapy Professor, Professor

  2. Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary

    Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

    Also called: Biological Sciences Professor, Biology Instructor, Biology Professor, Professor

  3. Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

    Assess, diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

    Also called: Clinical Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist, Applied Behavior Science Specialist, Child Psychologist, Clinical Therapist, Counseling Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor, Psychotherapist, Pediatric Psychologist

  4. Forensic Science Technicians

    Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

    Also called: Crime Laboratory Analyst, Crime Scene Technician (Crime Scene Tech), CSI (Crime Scene Investigator), Forensic Scientist

  5. Occupational Therapists

    Assess, plan, organize and participate in rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays.

    Also called: Occupational Therapist (OT), Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Registered Occupational Therapist, Staff Therapist

  6. Health Education Specialists

    Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Collect and analyze data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies and environments. May serve as a resource to assist individuals, other healthcare workers or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.

    Also called: Clinical Instructor, Health Educator, Health Promotion Specialist, Public Health Educator

  7. Regulatory Affairs Specialists

    Coordinate and document internal regulatory processes, such as internal audits, inspections, license renewals, or registrations. May compile and prepare materials for submission to regulatory agencies.

    Also called: Drug Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Regulatory Affairs Associate, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Regulatory Submissions Associate

  8. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians

    Diagnose and treat disorders requiring physiotherapy to provide physical, mental, and occupational rehabilitation.

    Also called: Attending Physiatrist, Residency Program Director, Attending Physician, Medical Director, Physiatrist

  9. Pharmacy Technicians

    Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.

    Also called: Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), Lead Pharmacy Technician (Lead Pharmacy Tech), Pharmacy Technician (Pharmacy Tech), Senior Pharmacy Technician

  10. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

    Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

    Also called: Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Laboratory Assistant (Lab Assistant), Laboratory Technician, Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

  11. Natural Sciences Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

    Also called: Environmental Program Manager, Natural Science Manager, Senior Investigator, Water Team Leader

  12. Pharmacists

    Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.

    Also called: Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmacist, Pharmacist in Charge (PIC), Staff Pharmacist

  13. Epidemiologists

    Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.

    Also called: Epidemiologist, Infection Control Practitioner (ICP), Nurse Epidemiologist, Research Epidemiologist

  14. Biostatisticians

    Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

    Also called: Associate Director of Biostatistics, Biostatistician, Biostatistics Director, Professor of Biostatistics

  15. Chiropractors

    Assess, treat and care for patients by manipulation of spine and musculoskeletal system. May provide spinal adjustment or address sacral or pelvic misalignment.

    Also called: Associate Doctor, Chiropractic Care, Chiropractic Doctor (DC), Chiropractic Neurologist, Chiropractic Physician, Chiropractor, Doctor of Chiropractic, Doctorate of Chiropractic, Physician

  16. Neuropsychologists and Clinical Neuropsychologists

    Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

    Also called: Neuropsychologist, Pediatric Neuropsychologist, Staff Psychologist, Aviation Neuropsychologist, Clinical Neuropsychologist

  17. Physician Assistants

    Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

    Also called: Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C), Clinical Physician Assistant, Family Practice Physician Assistant, General Surgery Physician Assistant, Midlevel Provider, Orthopaedic Physician Assistant, Physician Assistant Certified (PAC), Physician Extender, Physician's Assistant, Surgical Physician Assistant