BS in Neuroscience

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Juniata College

Program Overview

The BS in Neuroscience at Juniata College offers an interdisciplinary study of the brain and nervous system, combining biology, chemistry, psychology, and research to help students understand cognition, behaviour, and neurological disorders. It suits students interested in scientific discovery, healthcare, and brain research, with opportunities to explore cellular neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, and systems neuroscience.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Scientific Foundations: Students build their knowledge through BI-101: General Biology I, CH-142: Integrated Chemistry Principles I, and PY-101: Introduction to Psychology. These courses introduce biological systems, chemical principles, and human behaviour.

Year 2 – Core Neuroscience: Students take NEU-120: Fundamentals Undergraduate Neuroscience and PY-238: Biopsychology, while progressing through biology and chemistry requirements. They explore neural function and the biological basis of behaviour.

Year 3 – Advanced Study and Research: Students can study PY-270: Cognitive Neuroscience, BI-450: Neurobiology, and BI-305: Biostatistics. These courses explore brain processes, nervous system function, and statistical methods used to interpret scientific findings.

Year 4 – Research and Integration: Students complete NEU-494: Neuroscience Senior Capstone, applying their knowledge and communicating neuroscience concepts to different audiences. Research electives such as BI-489: Biology Research can provide further opportunities to investigate scientific questions.

Focus Areas:

Molecular and cellular neuroscience, cognitive and behavioural neuroscience, systems neuroscience, neurobiology, biopsychology, neurological disorders, and neuroscience research.

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop knowledge of brain function and behaviour, laboratory and research skills, statistical analysis, critical thinking, scientific communication, and the ability to interpret neuroscience findings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

Accreditation: Juniata College is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The neuroscience program is an academic degree, not a professional clinical licence.

Career relevance: The curriculum can support pathways into research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, and further healthcare education.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Graduate outcomes: Juniata reports that 96% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. This is a college-wide statistic, not a neuroscience-specific employment rate. The college also reports that 90% of its pre-medical and health-profession students gain admission to medical or professional school.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BS in Neuroscience at Juniata College combines classroom learning with hands-on scientific investigation, helping students understand the brain, nervous system, and behaviour through practical experience. Students can strengthen their research, laboratory, and analytical skills through experimental coursework and faculty-guided projects, preparing them for graduate study or careers in neuroscience-related fields.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

- Specialised Psychology Research Tools: Juniata's Good Hall facilities include BIOPAC instrumentation for psychophysiological recording and SuperLab and E-Prime software for presenting experimental stimuli, supporting research into human behaviour and cognitive processes.

- Science Research Facilities: The von Liebig Center for Science provides advanced equipment, including fluorescence microscopy, cell-culture facilities, and molecular modelling resources that support biological and neuroscience-related research.

- Faculty-Guided Research: Students can participate in research on topics such as stress resilience, decision-making, and neurological conditions, working alongside faculty and potentially developing their own research projects.

- Research Presentations: Students can present their findings at Juniata's Liberal Arts Symposium and relevant regional or national undergraduate research conferences, building scientific communication and presentation skills.

- Neuroscience Capstone: The NEU-494 Neuroscience Senior Capstone provides an opportunity to integrate knowledge gained throughout the program and demonstrate advanced understanding of neuroscience.

- Library and Research Resources: L.A. Beeghly Library offers research databases, journals, study spaces, and librarian support to help students investigate scientific literature and prepare research projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A BS in Neuroscience from Juniata College prepares students to explore careers involving brain function, human behaviour, biological research, and healthcare. The degree's scientific foundation can support entry-level research opportunities and provide a strong starting point for graduate study, medical school, or other advanced professional training.

Typical Job Roles:

Neuroscience Research Assistant: Support laboratory experiments and research into brain function and neurological conditions.
Clinical Research Assistant: Help organise clinical studies and collect research data.
Biotechnology Research Associate: Assist with biomedical research and scientific product development.
Behavioral Health Research Assistant: Support investigations into cognition, behaviour, and mental processes.

Some roles require additional training, laboratory experience, or postgraduate qualifications.

Career Development and Employment Opportunities:

- Career Services: Juniata's Career Development office provides résumé support, interview preparation, job-search guidance, career fairs, and access to Handshake for finding internships and employment.

- Employment Outcomes: Juniata reports that 96% of graduates were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. This is a college-wide statistic, not specific to neuroscience graduates.

- Research and Industry Experience: Neuroscience students can pursue faculty-led research and pharmaceutical clinical-trial opportunities. Juniata also lists healthcare internship placements with organisations such as Geisinger Health System and Gift of Life through its health professions resources.

- Salary Expectations: Juniata does not publish a verified average starting salary specifically for neuroscience graduates. Earnings vary by role, location, experience, and additional qualifications.

- Degree Recognition: The BS provides a foundation for scientific employment and further education. It is not a professional clinical licence, so careers such as physician or clinical psychologist require further training and applicable licensing.

- Graduation Outcomes: Juniata highlights pathways into research, laboratory work, pharmaceutical sciences, and graduate or medical school. Its neuroscience program also features alumni pursuing research fellowships, including at the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Further Academic Progression: After graduation, students can pursue a Ph.D. in Neuroscience or related research field, a master's degree in biomedical science or public health, or medical school for an M.D. Students interested in clinical psychology can pursue the relevant postgraduate training, while those drawn to data-driven research can explore computational neuroscience or bioinformatics. The best route depends on the student's career goals and the admission requirements of the chosen institution.