Neuroscience

Combining molecular, genetic, cellular, network and behavioral levels of analysis, neuroscience is one of the hottest fields of science today. A degree in neuroscience can propel you into a rewarding career in science, medicine, government or private industry, either with or without a postgraduate degree. As you earn your degree, you will learn about what makes the nervous system the most amazing organ of the body, how it senses and processes information from the real world and how it uses this information to guide the organism to respond in an adaptive manner.

Neuroscience is a rapidly growing STEM field that focuses on the biology and function of the brain. A Bachelor of Science 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 complex behavioral responses.

The undergraduate neuroscience major prepares students planning to apply to graduate programs in the broader field of neuroscience or to professional schools and programs including medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, physical, occupational and behavioral therapy, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, physician assistant programs and chiropractic studies. A degree in neuroscience prepares students for a wide range of careers in the biological sciences including medicine, biotechnology and bioengineering, genetics and genomics and other neuroscience-related technical fields in government and private industry. A student with a neuroscience degree may also enter the fields of law, journalism, education, business, healthcare administration and pharmaceutical sales or work for a variety of federal agencies.

How will I focus my studies?

This program is structured to meet the foundational needs of all students who are interested in a career in the broad area of neuroscience. Pre-medical and other tracks are available in the degree program.

Areas of Emphasis

Behavioral Neuroscience: an area of neuroscience focusing on the role the nervous system plays in generating behaviors.

Cellular Neuroscience: an area of neuroscience focusing on the cellular and molecular basis of nervous system function and development.

Laura May, Fairmont, W.Va.

Major: Neuroscience

Fairmont, West Virginia, native Laura May came to WVU as a biology major. After conducting research at WVU’s Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, May decided to pursue WVU’s new neuroscience major.

“I chose WVU because there are so many research opportunities as an R1 university,” May says. “This major is designed to give students the science knowledge needed for future endeavors while connecting the classes to medical implications.”

After graduating, May aspires to attend medical school and become a neurosurgeon or a pediatric anesthesiologist. She believes the neuroscience major will prepare her for both of those career paths, from taking the MCAT to gaining the foundational knowledge needed to reach her goals.

Learn more at the Neuroscience site