A bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience is a gateway to solving one of life’s greatest puzzles: how our brain systems impact how we think, feel, and move in the world.
Neuroscience explores the intricate networks of the nervous system, which includes the brain, nerves, and spinal cord. This system transmits signals between the brain and body, regulating thoughts, memory, learning, emotions, movement, senses, sleep, and digestion.
Neuroscience majors gain a rich understanding of the nervous system, unlocking insights into brain disorders, which are caused by factors like genetics, infections, injury, and degeneration. They graduate ready to conduct research to improve the lives of patients with conditions like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), dementia, epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and stroke.
What do neuroscientists investigate?
Neuroscience researchers work across many areas to push forward discoveries about the brain.
They investigate how diseases develop by examining the brain’s communication systems. For example, they may study the buildup of harmful proteins seen in conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Researchers also study how brain circuits change over time to better understand disorders that affect vision, movement, and behavior.
Their work also focuses on creating and testing new treatments. This can involve using genetic engineering to study how specific mutations cause disease. Neuroscientists also may experiment with drugs that protect or repair nerve cells, and explore methods to help damaged synapses grow back.
What careers can you do with a degree in neuroscience?
A BS in neuroscience can lead to a wide range of careers in healthcare, research, and other fields. More advanced roles require further education, such as a medical degree or a PhD.
After graduation, many neuroscience graduates find roles such as clinical research assistant, laboratory technician, or science writer. Advanced careers include neurologist, neuroscientist, or neuropsychologist. Graduates also can apply the skills gained through this major to areas like consulting, technology, and marketing.