Neuroscience Bachelor of Science

At Drake University, neuroscience students can move beyond textbooks and explore how scientific research works in practice. Students have opportunities to work with faculty mentors, participate in research projects, complete internships, and investigate questions about brain function, cognition, and behavior. The program also provides access to specialized research facilities and opportunities to present findings at scientific conferences, helping students build practical skills for future research or health-related study.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

- Undergraduate research: Students can work alongside neuroscience faculty on projects investigating topics such as how brain damage affects cognitive processes and how the brain processes visual information. Depending on the project, students may have opportunities to present their work or contribute to research publications.

- Specialized research facilities: Drake identifies a human observation suite equipped with eye-tracking technology and reaction-time-based computer programs, an animal research facility, and individual faculty research laboratories. These facilities support the study of behavior and nervous system function.

- Research methods and laboratory classes: Neurophysiology and Neurophysiology Lab (BIO 176 and BIO 176L) give students opportunities to study nervous system function through scientific coursework and laboratory learning.

- Independent study and capstone research: Students can work with faculty mentors on independent research projects for academic credit. The BS program offers capstone options such as Independent Study Capstone (NSCI 190C or NSCI 191C), allowing students to investigate a neuroscience question in greater depth.

- Internships in healthcare settings: Students may complete a for-credit internship in a medical setting, applying neuroscience knowledge to a practical environment. The Internship Capstone (NSCI 192C) combines applied experience with a comprehensive research project related to neuroscience. Prerequisites and faculty approval apply.

- Drake University Conference on Undergraduate Research in the Sciences (DUCURS): Students can present their research through oral presentations or posters, share their findings with the university community, and learn about research taking place in other scientific disciplines.

- Summer research opportunities: The Drake Undergraduate Science Collaborative Institute (DUSCI) offers an eight-week summer research opportunity in which participating students work one-on-one with faculty mentors and present their findings at a public forum. Availability and selection requirements should be confirmed with the university.

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

The university does not specify a dedicated software package as a required component of the degree, so students should confirm available tools and access with the relevant faculty.

Drake University's BS in Neuroscience gives students a scientific foundation that can lead to further study or entry-level work in research and related industries. Graduates can build on their knowledge of biology, brain function, and research methods to pursue opportunities in laboratories, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and health-related fields, while those aiming for clinical or advanced research careers can continue into graduate or professional education.

Potential Career Paths

Depending on their experience, further education, and qualifications, graduates may consider roles such as:

• Research Assistant: Supports scientific studies, gathers data, and helps researchers investigate brain function, behavior, or neurological conditions.

• Laboratory Assistant: Helps prepare experiments, handle samples, maintain laboratory equipment, and record results.

• Biotechnology or Pharmaceutical Research Associate: Assists with research activities related to biological processes, drug development, or experimental testing.

• Science Communicator or Medical Writer: Explains neuroscience and health-related research to general audiences through articles, educational content, or professional publications.

These are potential career directions, not guaranteed outcomes. Some positions require additional technical training or a graduate degree, and clinical professions such as physician or clinical neuropsychologist require further education and applicable professional qualifications.

Career Development and Employment Opportunities

Drake offers career development support and opportunities to help students connect their academic interests with future employment:

- Career Services: Students can receive guidance on career planning, internship searches, resumes, cover letters, interview preparation, and job applications. Drake also provides access to Handshake, career fairs, employer events, and networking opportunities with alumni and employers.

- Research and professional networking: Faculty-led research, independent study, and conferences such as DUCURS help students build experience and share their work with academic audiences. These experiences can strengthen applications for research positions and graduate programs.

- Graduate and professional school preparation: Career Services can help students identify suitable graduate or professional programs, understand admission requirements, prepare application materials, and practise for admissions interviews.

- Graduate outcomes: Drake's published 2024 outcomes report stated that 95.2% of bachelor's degree recipients had found employment, entered graduate or professional school, served in the military, or participated in another activity related to their professional goals within six months of graduation. The report also indicated that 92.3% of College of Arts and Sciences bachelor's degree recipients achieved this outcome. These figures are university-wide or college-wide statistics, not results specific to neuroscience graduates.

- Internship and practical experience: The same 2024 report indicated that 90.1% of bachelor's degree recipients reported completing an internship or other practical experience while at Drake. This is an overall university figure and should not be interpreted as the percentage of neuroscience students who completed an internship.

- Salary information: Drake's published neuroscience page points students toward salary information for careers associated with the degree, but a specific, verified salary figure for graduates of the BS in Neuroscience was not identified in the official sources reviewed. Actual earnings depend on the role, location, experience, and level of education.

- Accreditation: Drake University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which provides institutional quality assurance. The university does not list a separate professional accreditation specifically for the BS in Neuroscience.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BS in Neuroscience, students can consider graduate study in neuroscience, behavioral neuroscience, clinical neuroscience, neurobiology, psychology, or related biological sciences. Those interested in medical or allied health careers may pursue the additional professional education required for medicine, nursing, physical therapy, or optometry. Students aiming for independent research or university teaching may consider a master's degree or PhD, while admission to each pathway will depend on the institution's prerequisites and selection criteria.