The human brain may be the single most complex living structure in the world, and therefore requires both a breadth and depth in learning and study.

Drawing from a wide breadth of topics from genetics to human psychopathology to the philosophy of the mind, Emmanuel's major in neuroscience offers interdisciplinary core courses and the flexibility to tailor electives to you personal interests. You will develop qualitative and critical thinking skills that will be put to use while engaged in a year-long internship.

Outcomes & Outlook

93%

of Class of 2023 neuroscience graduates were employed or enrolled in graduate school by one year after graduation
Emmanuel College Outcomes Survey, 2024

100%

of 2023 neuroscience graduates say their major prepared them for their future career
Emmanuel College Outcomes Survey, 2023

#1

city in the country for jobs in medical sciences, including neuroscience (Boston)
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024

10%

predicted job growth (much faster than average) for medical sciences, including neuroscience, from 2022-2032
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024

A First-Class Experience

Get to know the people and programs that will define your academic journey.

Angel Muthemba ’24 credits student research experiences and small class sizes for helping her take the next step toward a career in neuroscience.

Meet the Faculty

Our distinguished faculty conduct research with undergraduates, including using mouse models.

The Curriculum

View the 2024-2025 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for B.S. in Neuroscience 

  • BIOL1105 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology (SI-L) (NSL)
  • NEURO2201 Neurobiology & Lab (NSL)
  • NEURO3000 Experimental Neuroscience
  • NEURO4160 Seminar
  • CHEM1101 Principles of Chemistry I (SI-L) (NSL)
  • CHEM1102 Principles of Chemistry II (SI-L) (NSL) 
  • PSYCH1501 General Psychology (SA) (SS)
  • PSYCH2801 Methods and Statistics I (WI)
  • PSYCH2802 Methods and Statistics II (QA) QR)

Major Electives (select at least three of the following):

  • NEURO3137 Medical Neuroscience
  • NEURO3200 Computational Neuroscience
  • NEURO3205 Neuroendocrinology
  • NEURO3214 Psychopharmacology
  • NEURO3216 Neurobiology of Addiction 

Interdisciplinary elective (select at least one of the following):

  • BIOL2123 Genetics
  • BIOL2135 Anatomy and Physiology I
  • BIOL2131 Biochemistry 
  • CHEM2101 Organic Chemistry I
  • COMP1101 Introduction to Programming (QA)(QR)
  • COMP2201 Data Analytics
  • MATH2111 Mathematical Modeling for Social Justice (QA)(QR)(SJ)
  • MATH2115 Modeling and Simulation with MATLAB (QA)(QR)
  • PHIL3109 Philosophy of Mind
  • PHIL3110 Philosophy of Psychiatry
  • PSYCH2405 Health Psychology
  • PSYCH3111 Cognition
  • PSYCH3210 Child Psychopathology
  • PSYCH3212 Adult Psychopathology
  • PSYCH3601 Counseling Theories and Techniques

Capstone experience:

  • NEURO4282/NEURO4283 Neuroscience Internship I and II 

Other recommended courses:

  • BIOL1106 Introduction to Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (SI-L) (NSL)
  • BIOL2131 Biochemistry
  • BIOL2135 Anatomy and Physiology I & Lab
  • BIOL2137 Anatomy and Physiology II & Lab
  • CHEM2102 Organic Chemistry II

View the 2024-2025 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for Minor in Neuroscience:

  • BIOL1105 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology (SI-L) (NSL)
  • NEURO2201 Neurobiology & Lab (NSL)
  • PSYCH1501 General Psychology (SA) (SS)

Two courses from the list below:

  • NEURO3137 Medical Neuroscience
  • NEURO3000 Experimental Neuroscience 
  • NEURO3200 Computational Neuroscience
  • NEURO3205 Neuroendocrinology
  • NEURO3214 Psychopharmacology
  • NEURO3216 Neurobiology of Addiction

1. Critical and integrative thinking: Demonstrate the ability to analyze and critique primary neuroscience research, integrate findings from diverse fields, and address research questions by developing testable hypotheses.

2. Foundational and interdisciplinary knowledge: Breadth of foundational knowledge in the related fields of biology, chemistry, and psychology; Depth of knowledge in some domain(s) of neuroscience; and an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of neuroscience.

3.Scientific inquiry and research skills: Ability to plan and implement experimental designs and analyze and interpret data in neuroscience.

4.Communication skills: Demonstrate expertise in written, oral, and visual communication in neuroscience and neuroscience research.

5.Neuroscience in society: Promote appreciation for how neuroscience can contribute to helping alleviate or solve societal problems; consider ethical implications stemming from technical advances in neuroscience; relate neuroscience to everyday life. 

6.Professional development: Evaluate career options in neuroscience and related fields; identify professional goals and plan for how to achieve those goals.

What can I do with a degree in neuroscience?

Psychology neuroscience majors, who focus on understanding the neural basis of behavior and mental processes, have a wide array of career opportunities available to them. Here are some potential jobs and career paths for graduates in this field:

Clinical and Healthcare Professions

  • Clinical Neuropsychologist: Specializes in assessing and treating patients with brain injuries or neurological conditions. Requires a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and specialized training.
  • Neurologist: A medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system disorders. Requires medical school and specialized residency training.
  • Psychiatrist: A medical doctor who diagnoses and treats mental health disorders, focusing on the brain's role in these conditions. Requires medical school, residency in psychiatry, and licensure.
  • Neurosurgeon: A surgeon specializing in operations on the brain and spinal cord. Requires medical school, a neurosurgery residency, and board certification.
  • Clinical Psychologist: Provides therapy and treatment for mental health disorders, often incorporating knowledge of brain function. Requires a doctoral degree and licensure.

Research and Academia

  • Neuroscientist: Conducts research on the brain and nervous system, often working in academic or government research institutions. Typically requires a Ph.D.
  • Academic Professor: Teaches neuroscience or psychology at the university level and conducts research. Requires a Ph.D.
  • Research Scientist: Works in laboratories, conducting experiments and analyzing data to advance knowledge in neuroscience and psychology. Employed by universities, research institutions, or pharmaceutical companies.

Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries

  • Pharmaceutical Scientist: Develops and tests new drugs that affect the nervous system, often employed by pharmaceutical companies.
  • Clinical Research Coordinator: Manages clinical trials for new treatments and medications, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Medical Science Liaison: Serves as a bridge between pharmaceutical companies and the medical community, providing scientific and clinical information about products.

Cognitive and Behavioral Roles

  • Cognitive Neuroscientist: Studies the neural mechanisms of cognition and behavior, often working in research settings.
  • Behavioral Neuroscientist: Researches the biological basis of behavior and how it is affected by the nervous system.
  • Psychometrician: Develops and administers psychological tests to assess cognitive and neurological function.

Rehabilitation and Therapy

  • Occupational Therapist: Helps patients recover and improve skills needed for daily living, often working with individuals who have neurological impairments.
  • Physical Therapist: Provides therapy to improve mobility and physical function, often for patients with neurological conditions.
  • Speech-Language Pathologist: Assesses and treats communication and swallowing disorders, often related to neurological conditions.

Education and Outreach

  • Science Writer/Journalist: Communicates scientific information about neuroscience and psychology to the public through writing and media.
  • Educational Program Developer: Creates educational materials and programs related to brain science for schools or museums.
  • School Psychologist: Supports students' mental health and learning needs within educational settings. Requires a specialist degree (Ed.S.) or doctoral degree.

Forensic Neuroscience

  • Forensic Scientist: Applies knowledge of neuroscience to legal cases, often involving issues such as brain injuries or neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Expert Witness: Provides expert testimony in court cases involving psychological and neurological issues.

Health Policy and Public Health

  • Public Health Advisor: Works on policies and programs related to neurological health and mental health, often employed by government agencies or non-profits.
  • Health Educator: Educates the public about brain health, neurological conditions, and preventive measures.

Corporate and Organizational Roles

  • Human Factors Specialist: Applies knowledge of neuroscience to improve the design of products, systems, and environments to enhance human performance and safety.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Counselor: Provides counseling and support services to employees within a corporate setting, helping them manage personal and work-related issues.

Neurotechnology and Engineering

  • Neuroengineer: Develops technologies to interface with the nervous system, such as neural implants or brain-computer interfaces.
  • Robotics Specialist: Works on developing robotic systems that can assist in neurorehabilitation or augment human capabilities.

These career paths leverage the strong foundation in psychology and neuroscience, allowing graduates to explore various roles that involve understanding and applying knowledge about the brain and behavior. Graduates can make significant contributions in clinical settings, research, education, public health, and industry.

Psychology neuroscience majors develop a range of in-demand skills highly valued across various industries. Here are some of the key skills:

  • Research Skills: Experimental design, data collection, and analysis using statistical software (SPSS, R, Python).
  • Analytical Skills: Critical thinking and problem-solving applied to brain function and behavior.
  • Technical Skills: Experience with neuroimaging (MRI, fMRI, PET, EEG) and electrophysiology.
  • Laboratory Skills: Proficiency in lab techniques and animal handling.
  • Statistical and Computational Skills: Statistical analysis and computational modeling.
  • Communication Skills: Scientific writing and effective presentation abilities.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Collaboration, empathy, and understanding in clinical settings.
  • Clinical Skills: Neuropsychological assessment and therapeutic techniques.
  • Ethical and Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of ethics and regulatory compliance in research.
  • Project Management: Organizational and leadership skills for managing research projects.
  • Technological Proficiency: Familiarity with software tools (MATLAB, E-Prime, BrainVoyager) and data visualization (GraphPad Prism, Tableau).
  • Adaptability and Learning Agility: Flexibility to adapt to new technologies and continuous learning.
  • Attention to Detail: Precision in conducting experiments and analyzing data.
  • Patient Care Skills: Compassionate clinical interaction with patients.

These skills prepare psychology neuroscience majors for diverse career paths in clinical settings, research institutions, academia, healthcare, and technology.

Where Essential Values and Skills Meet the Real World

Where Essential Values and Skills Meet the Real World

Along with areas of knowledge and major requirements, you will cultivate essential values in the classroom and complete two courses in each area:

  • Social Justice (SJ): Develop knowledge, skills, values and motivation to participate beneficially in activities of personal and public concern.
  • Diversity & Multiculturalism (DM): Understand the complexity of identity the historical truths of different cultural perspectives to address bias and examine contemporary social issues. 

One hundred percent of Emmanuel students complete an internship as part of the core curriculum. In a city as dynamic as Boston, your options are bound only by the limits of your curiosity.

Neuroscience majors put their classroom- and lab-based learning into practice completing original research alongside faculty on campus, or with research or clinical internships at nearby institutions such as Boston Children’s Hospital, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, McLean Hospital, the Broad Institute, and more.

In all majors, the Capstone Experience involves completing a significant piece of work that requires the integration and application of learning from multiple courses.

All Neuroscience majors complete a two-semester capstone experience during senior year, choosing a neuroscience experience on campus or off campus at any number of institutions. Neuroscience students engage in empirical research either with human subjects or using animal models. Students interested in medicine or pre-health may choose to work in a purely clinical setting in area hospitals or clinics. This year-long experience sets Emmanuel graduates apart when seeking employment or graduate school admission post-graduation.