Neuroscience ,BS
Behavior, Brain, Cognitive Neuroscience, Neural, Neurology, Psychology, Research, approved for STEM-OPT extension, cellular, computational neruoscience, medical, molecular, neuroanatomy, neurobiology, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
Explore how the human brain and nervous system shape thought, emotion and behavior. As part of a close-knit community, you'll collaborate with award-winning faculty across four foundational areas of neuroscience and prepare for careers or graduate study in a broad range of health and psychological sciences.
The Bachelor of Science program in neuroscience explores how the brain and nervous system operate to control bodily function, behavior and mental states. You receive interdisciplinary training at the intersection of biology, chemistry and psychology, gaining hands-on research experience in a collaborative, close-knit community within ASU's Department of Psychology.
This program offers direct access to award-winning faculty and research labs. Coursework spans four key domains of neuroscience:
- Behavioral neuroscience: How does the brain work to control behavior?
- Cellular and molecular neuroscience: How do the cells of the nervous system work?
- Cognitive neuroscience: How does brain activity underlie our thoughts and emotions?
- Systems and computational neuroscience: How do the billions of neurons work together?
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
McKenna Life Sciences, Business and Entrepreneurship Program
This degree qualifies for participation in the McKenna Life Sciences, Business and Entrepreneurship Program, which prepares academically outstanding students to solve health care challenges as leaders in medicine and biotechnology. With industry-informed, customized support and tight-knit 30-student cohorts, the MLSBE Program gives you the tools to become a successful entrepreneur at the intersection of science and business.
The program transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries, allowing you to graduate with two degrees --- one in finance and another in a natural science discipline of choice. You also complete a certificate in entrepreneurship and innovation, all in the same amount of time as a typical four-year degree program.
A new cohort is accepted each fall. Incoming first-year students are eligible to apply to the MLSBE Program after they've submitted their application to ASU.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe or Online , ASU Local
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First
required math course:
MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
or MAT 265 Calculus for Engineers I or MAT 270 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I - Math
intensity: Moderate
What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Describe the structure and function of the nervous system at cellular, systems, and behavioral levels.
- Evaluate scientific articles and research-related evidence pertaining to neuroscience phenomena.
- Communicate scientific information in an organized and coherent manner.
Students can gain valuable experience when studying abroad, experience that enhances their resumes. Students majoring in neuroscience are able to expand their communication and research skills and challenge themselves to adapt and persevere in a new and exciting culture.
With more than 300 programs available in a variety of cultures, study abroad enables students to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends specific study abroad programs for students majoring in neuroscience.
The BS in neuroscience opens pathways to careers focused on the human brain, spanning numerous areas of the health sciences and related fields. Graduates pursue opportunities in academic research, bioengineering, biotechnology, data science, law, medicine, psychology, pharmaceutical development, and physical or speech rehabilitation.
The program's interdisciplinary curriculum builds analytical, experimental and communication skills applicable across health and human sciences. Graduates are well prepared for advanced study or professional programs in biomedical fields such as medicine, nursing, clinical practice, technology and veterinary medicine.
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
7.3%
|
$84,620
|
|
|
3.5%
|
$57,510
|
|
|
5.2%
|
$109,370
|
|
|
3.7%
|
$167,220
|
|
|
33.5%
|
$120,230
|
|
|
3.7%
|
$167,220
|
|
|
3.3%
|
$256,560
|
|
|
8.7%
|
$103,410
|
|
|
20.4%
|
$135,880
|
|
|
15.0%
|
$97,870
|
Department of Psychology
|
PSY 202
psych.advisor@asu.edu
480-965-7258
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
