Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in Neuroscience

Brandeis University's Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience is designed for students who want to combine an intensive scientific education with practical research experience. The program requires laboratory coursework and encourages students to participate in faculty-led investigations into neural circuits, neurogenetics, cellular electrophysiology, cognitive neuroscience, and brain disorders. With approximately 25 neuroscience laboratories across the university's research community, students can explore research opportunities, develop experimental skills, and learn how scientific findings are generated and communicated. 

Students can gain practical experience through the following program-specific opportunities and facilities:

- Neuroscience research laboratories: Explore research opportunities in laboratories connected to Biology, Biochemistry, Psychology, and Chemistry. Research areas include neural development, cellular neuroscience, neural circuit dynamics, computational neuroscience, and the neuroscience of human disorders. 

- Laboratory coursework: The BS degree requires at least 12 course credits of laboratory courses, equivalent to three full courses. This provides a structured opportunity to develop practical scientific skills alongside advanced neuroscience and science coursework. 

- NEUR 93: Independent Research Internship in Neuroscience: Eligible juniors and seniors can work with a neuroscience faculty sponsor to design and carry out an individual research project in a Brandeis laboratory. Students present their work orally and in writing. Approved summer research can also qualify for course credit under the program's requirements. 

- Senior Honors Research: Students pursuing departmental honors can undertake substantial supervised research, develop an independent research project, and submit and defend a thesis. This is particularly valuable for students considering doctoral study or research careers. 

- Summer research and SciFest: Brandeis offers summer research opportunities supported by university funding programs, including Division of Science Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships. Students can present their research findings at SciFest, an annual poster event attended by peers, graduate students, and faculty. 

- Quantitative and computational tools: Students can build analytical skills through courses such as NBIO 136b: Computational Neuroscience, BIOL 51a: Biostatistics, and PSYC 148a: Applied Statistical Computing in R. These courses provide relevant preparation for quantitative analysis and computational approaches to studying the nervous system. 

- Research internships beyond campus: Students can explore external neuroscience-related internships, including opportunities in clinical and hospital research. For example, Brandeis has highlighted a neuroscience and biology student who completed an internship in the Brain Trauma Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital, assisting with research into childhood brain injuries. This is an example of a student experience, not a guaranteed placement. 

- Undergraduate Research and Creative Collaborations (URCC): This university office helps students identify research topics, connect with mentors, and explore funding for independent research projects. It can be a useful starting point for students seeking laboratory experience early in their degree. 

- Scientific library resources: Brandeis libraries provide access to scholarly publications and research support. Students can consult subject librarians for help locating scientific literature and developing the evidence base for research assignments and projects. 

A Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Brandeis University prepares students to explore careers involving brain function, behaviour, biomedical research, and the biological mechanisms underlying neurological conditions. By developing scientific reasoning, laboratory skills, and research experience, graduates can pursue entry-level roles in research and healthcare-related organisations or continue into advanced study in neuroscience, medicine, and related scientific fields.

Potential career opportunities:

• Neuroscience Research Assistant: Support laboratory investigations into brain function, neural activity, and neurological disorders.

• Clinical Research Coordinator Assistant: Assist research teams with clinical studies, participant documentation, and research data.

• Biomedical Laboratory Technician: Support experiments, analyse biological samples, and maintain laboratory records.

• Biotechnology Research Associate: Contribute to scientific investigations involving biological processes, experimental methods, and biomedical applications.

Career development and graduate outcomes:

- Career support services: Brandeis University's Hiatt Career Center provides career advising, résumé and cover-letter guidance, interview preparation, networking support, and access to employment opportunities. Its Beyond Brandeis resources help students explore employers and career destinations by major.

- Employment statistics and salary figures: According to Brandeis's official Class of 2025 report, 98% of graduates were employed, attending graduate school, or engaged in other meaningful activities within six months of graduation. The university's Class of 2024 report recorded an average starting salary of $65,364; this is a university-wide figure, not a neuroscience-specific salary.

- Research and employer connections: Brandeis neuroscience graduates have entered research and healthcare roles at organisations including the National Institutes of Health, Johns Hopkins University, Massachusetts General Hospital, McLean Hospital, and Brandeis University. These examples illustrate potential career destinations rather than guaranteed placements or formal university–industry partnerships.

- Professional recognition and accreditation: The BS in Neuroscience provides a scientific foundation for research and further professional education. No separate professional accreditation specific to the undergraduate neuroscience degree is identified in the official program information. Students pursuing licensed healthcare professions must complete the additional education and licensing requirements applicable to their chosen career.

- Graduate outcomes: Brandeis's official graduate destination records show neuroscience alumni entering research technician, research associate, clinical research assistant, and laboratory technician positions. The university also tracks alumni who continue into medical, doctoral, and other graduate programs.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS in Neuroscience, students can pursue master's or doctoral degrees in neuroscience, neurobiology, cognitive neuroscience, biomedical sciences, and related disciplines. Brandeis offers a particularly relevant combined four-year BS/MS program in Neuroscience, which eligible undergraduate neuroscience majors can enter with the required faculty recommendation and program approval. Students interested in research careers can progress toward a PhD, while those aiming for clinical careers may pursue medical school or other appropriate professional programs.