Neuroscience and Behavior

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Neuroscience and Behavior degree blends social, natural, mathematical, and life sciences to address the intriguing issues related to behavior and experience.

Student looking into a microscope in a lab

Have you ever wondered what makes people act the way they do? The interdisciplinary field of Neuroscience and Behavior explores the nervous systems of the body and how they influence the expression of human behavior. It is a complex and ever-evolving study comprised of extensive research of the mind, combining aspects of psychology and biology to dig deeper into the biological bases of behavior, conscious experience, and the relationship between physical and mental health.

Why study Neuroscience and Behavior?

Through the Bachelor’s in Neuroscience and Behavior degree, students closely examine cognition, behavior, and emotion in order to better understand the layers and intricacies of the mind and nervous systems. From this meticulous scientific study of the brain, students can reveal reasoning for much grander expressions and psychological patterns, as well as how disease and disorder can change behavior.

Molecular, cellular, and behavioral studies intersect together through an engaging and rigorous curriculum that covers core courses in biology, psychological science, statistics, chemistry, biological psychology, research methods, and the philosophy of mind. Going beyond this technical knowledge, the Neuroscience and Behavior curriculum also prepares students with the professional skills to communicate findings clearly and with confidence in order to innovate and push the boundaries of the field.

Two engaging degree track options

All Neuroscience and Behavior students take a required group of nine (9) core courses and then select one of two tracks to complete the Bachelor of Science degree—either Neurobiology or Cognitive Behavioral. Students work closely with a faculty advisor to tailor their program of study to interests and career goals, developing an individualized, best-fit path to success.

Students within the Neurobiology track study coursework that dives deeper into organic chemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and neurobiology. Those within the Cognitive Behavioral track instead dive into behavioral biology, cognitive psychology, drugs and behavior, learning and conditioning, research in personality, and cognitive processes. Explore the full degree requirements for each track in the Program Requirements section below.

In addition to pursuing one of the two degree tracks, students may also enrich their undergraduate studies by combining their degree in neuroscience and behavior with other academic disciplines through the selection of a dual major or complementary minor.

Independent, hands-on learning in Neuroscience and Behavior

Independent learning experiences enrich a student’s education in Neuroscience and Behavior and can distinguish a student’s qualifications when applying for employment or admission to graduate school. Students can work closely with their faculty advisor to integrate one or more opportunities for independent lab research, internship, thesis, or fieldwork into their course of study.

These independent learning opportunities expose BS in Neuroscience and Behavior students to cutting-edge theories and grant access to innovative equipment for hands-on learning that deepens in-classroom coursework. These unique, immersive learning experiences give students a firm grasp of the leading innovations in the neuroscience field.

What can you do with a BS in Neuroscience and Behavior degree?

Graduates of the BS in Neuroscience and Behavior degree are equipped with the knowledge and hands-on skills to thrive in a wide variety of research and clinical settings in careers such as behavior specialist, research technician, counselor, MRI technician, and research scientist.

The Neuroscience and Behavior bachelor’s degree is highly applicable in unique, non-medical fields as well. For example, graduates can become researchers or consultants striving to understand how the brain and behavior affects areas such as criminal justice, law, education, and marketing.

In addition to entering directly into the workforce, Simmons graduates possess a strong foundation to continue their education and obtain greater professional specialization through graduate school. With close guidance from our expert faculty mentors and staff members, students are also prepared to pursue professional degrees in the medical, dental, pharmacy, physical and occupational therapy, and veterinary fields.

Students planning to attend professional school upon graduation are advised to work with their advisor as early as possible to ensure the proper course of study is selected in order to meet entrance requirements as early as possible in the Simmons undergraduate degree experience.

BS in Neuroscience and Behavior Admission requirements

Students interested in applying to the Neuroscience and Behavior program must submit the following items to be considered for undergraduate admission:

  • Completed Application
  • High School Transcript
  • SAT or ACT Test Scores
  • TOEFL Scores (required if English is not your first language)
  • College Essay College Transcript (if applicable)
  • Two Letters of Recommendation (one teacher, one counselor)

Learn more about the application process, including deadlines and what we look for in an applicant.

Explore the mind and explain behavior

Through Simmons University’s interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Behavior degree, you will dive deeper into the intricacies of the mind, researching the central nervous system in order to better understand how and why people behave the way they do.

Interested in taking the next step as a Neuroscience and Behavior expert? Request more information or learn how to apply today!

Majors must complete nine core courses plus five track- specific courses spread throughout their four years.

9 Core Courses

BIOL113 General Biology 4
OR
BIOL115 Advanced General Biology 4
 
PSYC101 Introduction to Psychological Science 4
 
CHEM111 Principles of General Chemistry 4
OR
CHEM113 General & Quantitative Chemistry I 4
OR
CHEM115 Intensive General Chemistry 4
 
STAT118 Introductory Statistics 4
OR
STAT227 Intermediate Statistics: Design & Analysis 4
OR
STAT229 Regression Models 4
 
PSYC201 Biological Psychology 4
PSYC203 Research Methods in Psychology 4
One additional 200-level or higher Biology course
PHIL237 Philosophy of Mind 4
NB347 Seminar in Neuroscience 4

STAT 227, STAT 229: if a student places out of STAT 118

CHEM 111, CHEM 113, CHEM 115: see note**

PHIL 237: PHIL prerequisite waived for Neuroscience and Behavior majors

NB 347: Capstone

5 Courses for the Neurobiology track:

CHEM112 Principles of Organic Chemistry 4
OR
CHEM224 Organic Chemistry I 4
 
BIOL225 Cell Biology 4
BIOL334 Neurobiology 4
BIOL337 Molecular Biology 4
 
BIOL350 Independent Laboratory Research 4
OR
BIOL370 Internship 0

BIOL 370: 4 credits

BIOL 334 is offered every other year. Take care to plan course sequence accordingly.

CHEM 112, CHEM 224: see note**

5 Courses for the Cognitive Behavioral track:

BIOL342 Behavioral Biology 4

One Psychology course chosen from the Basic Processes

PSYC243 Cognitive Psychology 4
PSYC244 Drugs and Behavior 4
PSYC245 Learning and Conditioning 4
PSYC247 Sensation and Perception 4

One Upper Level Research course

PSYC301 Research in Biopsychology 4
PSYC303 Research in Cognitive Processes 4
PSYC304 Research in Personality 4

Two additional courses from the Neuroscience List

Courses cannot double-count for both this requirement and other core/track requirements.

PSYC231 Psychopathology and Mental Health 4
PSYC232 Health Psychology 4
PSYC243 Cognitive Psychology 4
PSYC244 Drugs and Behavior 4
PSYC245 Learning and Conditioning 4
PSYC247 Sensation and Perception 4
PSYC301 Research in Biopsychology 4
PSYC303 Research in Cognitive Processes 4
STAT227 Intermediate Statistics: Design & Analysis 4
STAT229 Regression Models 4
CS112 Introduction to Computer Science 4
IT225 Health Informatics 4
BIOL222 Animal Physiology 4
BIOL225 Cell Biology 4
BIOL231 Anatomy and Physiology I 4
BIOL246 Foundations of Exercise and Health 4
BIOL334 Neurobiology 4
BIOL335 Developmental Biology 4
BIOL336 Genetics 4
CHEM112 Principles of Organic Chemistry 4
OR
CHEM224 Organic Chemistry I 4
 
CHEM223 Principles of Biochemistry 4
CHEM225 Organic Chemistry II 4
 
NUTR111 Fundamentals of Nutrition Science 4
OR
NUTR112 Introduction to Nutrition Science 4
 
PHIL136 Philosophy of Human Nature 4
SOCI241 Health, Illness & Society 4

Independent Learning in Neuroscience and Behavior

Independent learning experiences enrich a student’s education in Neuroscience & Behavior and can distinguish a student’s qualifications when applying for employment and admission to graduate school. Students in the Neurobiology track are required to complete at least one semester of BIOL 350 Independent Laboratory Research or BIOL 370 Internship. However, Neuroscience & Behavior majors in both tracks are strongly encouraged to speak with their advisors about integrating one or more of the following into their plan of study:

BIOL350 Independent Laboratory Research 4
BIOL370 Internship 0
BIOL355 Thesis 4
PSYC350 Independent Study 4
PSYC380 Fieldwork in a Psychological Setting 0
PSYC355 Thesis 4
PSYC381 Thesis in Psychology 4
In all cases, students should make arrangements for independent learning with their Neuroscience and Behavior advisor and/or the course instructor before the end of their junior year.

Spotlight on Neuroscience and Behavior Students and Alums

Sony Vader ’27 reading her winning essay on Founders Day

Founder’s Day Award-Winning Essay by Sonia Vader ’27

Simmons undergraduates are invited to participate in an essay contest each year on Founder's Day. This year, contestants wrote about how their experience at Simmons realizes John Simmons' vision for educating what President Lynn Perry Wooten calls "everyday leaders" for their life's work. This year's winner was neuroscience major Sonia Vader '27.


Simmons MCB in Fall

Passionate Leaders Project: Fall 2022 Cohort

The Passionate Leaders Project (PLP) supports undergraduate students by funding research opportunities that transcend traditional coursework. Participants of the PLP develop research and critical thinking skills and bring the insights of academia to real world issues. This year’s cohort addresses mental health, neuroscience, environmental science, the foster care system, and technology.


photo of Genevieve Nowicki

From Struggles to Strengths: Overcoming Mental Health Challenges and Helping Others to Do the Same with Socio-Ecological Research and Treatment

Genevieve Peck Nowicki '20 studied Neurobiology at Simmons and is now pursuing her PhD in Counseling Psychology at Northeastern. She shares with us her approach to research and how Simmons prepared her for further studies. What made you choose to...


Simmons University Main College Building

Passionate Leaders Project: Fall 2021 Cohort

The Passionate Leaders Project supports undergraduate students seeking to enrich their academic and professional interests by funding learning opportunities beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom. Learn what the Fall 2021 Cohort is up to!


From top left: Catherine Cox '23, Brianna Desharnais '22, Julia Hart '21, Lauren Howard '22, Evangeline Kennedy '21, Irmana Monem '21, and Graciella Rios Ortega '21

Passionate Leaders Project: Spring 2021 Cohort

The Passionate Leaders Project supports undergraduate students seeking to enrich their academic and professional interests by funding learning opportunities beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom. Learn what the Spring 2021 cohort is up to!


Simmons University Main College Building's cupola with the Boston city skyline in the background

Samin Charepoo ’22 Dedicates Passionate Leaders Project to Strengthening the Boston Community

Charepoo's project, “Understanding How The Ruhi Institute Can Advance in The Boston Area,” will focus on the Institute's successes in communities around the world in the hopes of contributing to the growth of local programs in Boston.


Main College Building cupola with fall leaves

Passionate Leaders Project: Fall 2020 Cohort

The Passionate Leaders Project supports undergraduate students seeking to enrich their academic and professional interests by funding learning opportunities beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom.


Grace Gile with the Simmons University Dance Company during a performance.

Grace Gile '21: Simmons Allows me to Explore my Passions

Neuroscience major, Grace Gile '21, tells us about her experience as a psychiatric technician, her favorite memories with the Simmons University Dance Company, and finding joy while spending time at home during the pandemic.