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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

A degree in neuroscience can take you to a rewarding (and lucrative!) career in science, medicine, government or private industry.

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Program Overview

Program Delivery: On-campus

When it comes to neuroscience, there’s no better place to be than WVU.

Our Neuroscience major puts you at ground zero for groundbreaking work on Alzheimer’s disease and addiction treatment. You'll be part of a neuroscience community that’s been featured on "60 Minutes" and in the Washington Post and the New York Times for its world-changing work through the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute.

A BS in Neuroscience provides you with a foundation across the broad range of research areas within neuroscience. Through coursework and hands-on laboratory experience, you’ll learn to solve problems in molecular, cellular and systems-level biology, as well as behavioral and clinical psychology.

Areas of Emphasis

  • Behavioral Neuroscience

    Focuses on the role the nervous system plays in generating behaviors

  • Cellular, Molecular and 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.

  • Only BS in Neuroscience offered in West Virginia.
  • Hands-on experience with two-photon microscopes and other high-tech equipment in high-caliber research labs.
  • Opportunities to get involved in the clinical side of neuroscience through the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute.
  • Research opportunities with Biology and Psychology faculty working in the foundational side of neuroscience at the Life Sciences Building.
  • Potential to be published as an undergraduate by assisting graduate students and post-doctoral researchers in their research endeavors.
  • 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

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

We have Biology and Psychology faculty studying brain development, gene expression in the brain, sensory reception and responses, social behavior, how hormones affect behavior and more. At RNI, many faculty lean towards the clinical side of neuroscience and study stroke, Alzheimer's, brain infection and more.

Watch our video, Researching Neuroscience as a College Freshman, to see what it's like doing research at WVU.

Explore Career Paths

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

  1. Biostatisticians

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

    Also called: Biometrician, Biostatistician, Research Scientist, Statistical Scientist

  2. 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: Chiropractic Doctor (DC), Chiropractic Neurologist, Chiropractic Physician, Chiropractor

  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, Counseling Psychologist, Psychologist, Psychotherapist

  4. 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

  5. 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 Scene Technician (Crime Scene Tech), Criminalist, CSI (Crime Scene Investigator), Forensic Scientist

  6. Health Informatics Specialists

    Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.

    Also called: Clinical Informaticist, Clinical Informatics Specialist, Health Informaticist, Nursing Informatics Specialist

  7. 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, Associate Professor, Clinical Professor, Professor

  8. 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: Laboratory Assistant (Lab Assistant), Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech), Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), Medical Laboratory Technicians (Medical Lab Technician)

  9. 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: Clinical Neuropsychologist, Pediatric Clinical Neuropsychologist, Pediatric Neuropsychologist, Staff Psychologist

  10. Occupational Therapists

    Assess, plan, and organize 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. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual's environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.

    Also called: Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), Occupational Therapist (OT), Pediatric Occupational Therapist (Pediatric OT), Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR)

  11. 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, Hospital Pharmacist, Pharm D (Pharmacy Doctor), Pharmacist in Charge (PIC)

  12. 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), Chemotherapy Pharmacy Technician (Chemo Pharmacy Technician), OR Pharmacy Tech (Operating Room Pharmacy Tech), RPhT (Registered Pharmacy Technician)

  13. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians

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

    Also called: MD (Medical Doctor), Pain Management Physician, Physiatrist, Physician

  14. 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), Family Practice Physician Assistant, Physician Assistant (PA), Physician's Assistant

  15. 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: Regulatory Affairs Associate (RA Associate), Regulatory Affairs Consultant (RA Consultant), Regulatory Affairs Specialist (RA Specialist), Regulatory Engineer

  16. Career options

    A bachelor's degree in neuroscience prepares you for a wide range of careers in the biological sciences, including:

    • Medicine
    • Research
    • Biotechnology and bioengineering
    • Genetics
    • Genomics
    • Neuroscience-related technical fields in government and private industry

    You could also enter the fields of law, journalism, education, business, healthcare administration and pharmaceutical sales or work for a variety of federal agencies.

  17. Further your education

    Our graduates are uniquely prepared for admission into advanced degree programs in neuroscience, medicine, biomedical engineering and biomedical sciences at WVU or other institutions.

    WVU programs to consider: