Neuroscience Bachelor of Arts

At Drake University, BA in Neuroscience students can apply what they learn in class through faculty-led research, internships, independent study, and practical experiences related to brain function and human behavior. The program connects psychology and biology with hands-on investigation, giving students opportunities to explore research questions, develop analytical skills, and share their findings with academic audiences. Students can explore these opportunities through the university's neuroscience facilities and research initiatives:

- Undergraduate research: Students can work with faculty mentors on research into cognitive processes, brain function, and behavior. Past research topics have included mild traumatic brain injuries, eye-tracking patterns, and perceptions of leaders.

- Specialized research facilities: The university's human observation suite includes eye-tracking equipment and computer programs that measure reaction times. Students may also have opportunities to work in individual faculty research laboratories and the university's animal research facility, depending on the project and access requirements.

- Independent study: Students can undertake neuroscience research for academic credit with the approval of a faculty mentor. This provides an opportunity to investigate a specific question, build research skills, and prepare for advanced study.

- Internships: Drake offers psychology and neuroscience internship opportunities related to areas such as clinical and counseling psychology, school psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and psychometrics. Eligible students may earn academic credit through internship courses, subject to requirements and placement availability.

- Drake University Conference on Undergraduate Research in the Sciences (DUCURS): Students can present their research through oral presentations or posters, develop their scientific communication skills, and learn about projects conducted by students in other scientific disciplines.

- Summer research through DUSCI: The Drake Undergraduate Science Collaborative Institute offers opportunities for students to receive financial support for summer research and work with faculty mentors. The eight-week program includes a final public presentation of research findings.

- Student organizations: Eligible students can join Nu Rho Psi, the national neuroscience honor society, to connect with others interested in neuroscience. Drake's campus chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also provides opportunities to participate in mental health education and campus activities.

- Faculty mentoring and academic planning: Faculty mentors help students select courses, explore research interests, and consider options such as graduate school, health professions, or careers in related industries.

The university does not identify a specific software package as a required component of the BA degree. Access to research tools, internships, and individual facilities depends on the project, course, and eligibility requirements.

The BA in Neuroscience at Drake University can prepare students for entry-level work related to research, science communication, biotechnology, and healthcare, while also providing a foundation for graduate or professional study. Students can use their knowledge of the brain, behavior, and scientific research to explore different career directions, with further education often needed for specialized clinical and research positions.

Potential Career Paths

Depending on their interests, experience, and additional qualifications, graduates may consider roles such as:

• Research Assistant: Helps conduct scientific studies, collect data, and investigate questions about brain function and behavior.

• Laboratory Assistant: Supports laboratory activities, prepares materials, records results, and assists with experiments.

• Biotechnology or Pharmaceutical Research Assistant: Contributes to research projects involving biological processes, medicines, or experimental testing.

• Science Writer or Communicator: Explains neuroscience and health research through articles, educational content, or other communication materials.

These are potential career paths rather than guaranteed graduate outcomes. Some positions require additional technical training or graduate qualifications, and licensed healthcare careers require the relevant professional education and licensing.

Career Development and Employment Opportunities

Drake provides career services and practical learning opportunities to help students connect their academic studies with future work or further education:

- Career Services: Students can access career coaching, resume and cover-letter reviews, interview preparation, job-search guidance, career fairs, and employer events. The university also provides access to Handshake for exploring internships and job opportunities.

- Research experience: Faculty-led projects, independent study, and research presentations help students develop skills in analysis, scientific communication, and problem-solving. These experiences can strengthen applications for research positions and graduate programs.

- University-wide graduate outcomes: Drake's 2024 Measures of Success report states that 95.2% of bachelor's degree recipients were employed, enrolled in graduate or professional school, serving in the military, or engaged in another activity related to their professional goals within six months of graduation. The report also gives an accomplishment rate of 92.3% for the College of Arts and Sciences. These figures cover the university and college, not neuroscience graduates alone.

- Internship and practical experience: In the same report, 90.1% of bachelor's degree recipients reported completing an internship or other practical experience while at Drake. This is a university-wide figure, not a program-specific rate.

- Salary information: Drake's neuroscience program page directs students to salary information for candidates with a bachelor's degree in neuroscience, but the official information reviewed does not provide a specific salary figure for BA graduates. Earnings vary by occupation, location, experience, and further qualifications.

- Accreditation: Drake's institutional accreditation is separate from professional accreditation for a particular degree. The BA in Neuroscience program information does not identify a separate profession-specific accreditation for the major.

- Connections to further professional study: Drake offers a 3+3 Neuroscience BA-to-Doctorate of Occupational Therapy pathway, allowing eligible students to complete undergraduate neuroscience coursework before moving into occupational therapy doctoral study. Students should confirm current eligibility, admission criteria, and progression requirements with the university.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BA in Neuroscience, students may consider graduate study in neuroscience, psychology, behavioral science, neurobiology, or related disciplines. Those interested in medical careers can complete the prerequisites and apply to medical school, while students interested in occupational therapy may investigate Drake's accelerated 3+3 pathway. Other options include graduate programs in public health, research, or allied health fields, depending on the student's interests and the admission requirements of the chosen institution.