Bachelors in Neuroscience

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Susquehanna University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Neuroscience at Susquehanna University combines biology, chemistry, and psychology to help students understand how the brain and nervous system influence human behaviour. It is ideal for students interested in scientific research, healthcare, and brain science, with laboratory learning and a year-long collaborative research capstone.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Foundations: Students begin with NEUR 101: Introduction to Neuroscience, which introduces the neural basis of behaviour and cognition, alongside PSYC 101: Principles of Psychology and BIOL 102: Cell Biology and Genetics. These courses build the scientific foundation for understanding the relationship between brain function and behaviour.

Year 2 – Research and Chemistry: Students strengthen their scientific knowledge through CHEM 103: General Chemistry I and CHEM 221: Organic Chemistry I, while PSYC 223: Research Methods in Psychology introduces research design and experimental methods. This stage prepares students for advanced laboratory work and behavioural neuroscience.

Year 3 – Behaviour and Brain Systems: Through PSYC 342: Behavioral Neuroscience and PSYC 360: Laboratory in Behavioral Neuroscience, students explore how neural processes influence learning, memory, emotion, and behaviour. BIOL 455: Functional Neuroanatomy deepens their understanding of nervous-system structures and their relationship to complex behaviours.

Year 4 – Research and Specialisation: Students complete NEUR 510: Neuroscience Research I and NEUR 511: Neuroscience Student Research II, working collaboratively with a faculty mentor on an extended research project. They develop skills in experimental investigation, data interpretation, and presenting scientific findings.

Focus Areas:

Neuroscience, behavioural neuroscience, cellular biology, functional neuroanatomy, psychology, neurochemistry, experimental research, and neurological disorders.

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop knowledge of brain function and behaviour, laboratory techniques, research design, scientific analysis, data interpretation, and scientific communication through coursework and faculty-guided research.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

Career preparation: The program supports pathways into neuroscience research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical science. Accreditation: The university does not identify a separate professional accreditation for this undergraduate major. Clinical professions require additional education and appropriate licensing.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Career opportunities: Susquehanna identifies potential careers including research assistant, pharmacist, nurse, osteopath, and physician assistant. Recent employers listed by the university include Beth Israel Hospital, Charles River Laboratories, Johns Hopkins University, Geisinger Medical Center, and Cellectis. These examples do not guarantee employment or establish a neuroscience-specific placement rate.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor’s in Neuroscience at Susquehanna University emphasises hands-on laboratory learning and original research, with 100% of neuroscience students completing a research project with a faculty advisor. Students develop practical skills through behavioural experiments, neuroanatomy, data analysis, and a collaborative senior research capstone, supported by the university’s Natural Sciences Center.

Key experiential learning opportunities:

Neuroscience Laboratory: NEUR 101: Introduction to Neuroscience includes a laboratory component focused on scientific inquiry.
Behavioural Research: PSYC 360: Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory explores action potentials, neuroanatomy, visual processing, memory, learning, and emotion regulation.
Faculty-Mentored Research: NEUR 510 and NEUR 511 involve a collaborative research project, data interpretation, and presentation of results.
Research Facilities: The Natural Sciences Center houses teaching and research laboratories, scientific equipment, and preparation spaces for practical investigations.
Independent Study: NEUR 502: Independent Study allows qualified students to pursue individual academic work under faculty supervision.
Career-Relevant Experience: Students can present research at professional conferences and explore research or healthcare internships related to their interests.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Bachelor’s in Neuroscience from Susquehanna University prepares students to explore careers in neuroscience research, healthcare, biomedical science, and related fields. The program stands out for its emphasis on faculty-supervised undergraduate research, helping students build practical experience for employment or further study.

Typical Job Roles:

Research Assistant: Support neuroscience and biomedical laboratory investigations.
Clinical Research Coordinator: Help organise clinical studies and research data.
Biotechnology Research Associate: Assist with scientific research and laboratory testing.
Healthcare Professional Pathways: Prepare for further professional education leading to roles such as physician assistant, pharmacist, or physician.

Career Development and Employment Opportunities:

- Career Services: Susquehanna's Career Development Center provides résumé reviews, mock interviews, internship searches, career fairs, and graduate-school guidance. Its Career Accelerator offers personalised career planning and employer connections.

- Employment Statistics: 93% of recent graduates were employed, continuing their education, or pursuing other activities within 6–12 months of graduation. More than 50% of students accept job offers before graduating. These figures are university-wide, not neuroscience-specific.

- Industry Connections: Recent employers of neuroscience graduates include Beth Israel Hospital, Charles River Laboratories, Johns Hopkins University, Geisinger Medical Center, and Cellectis, offering examples of potential pathways across healthcare, research, and biotechnology.

- Salary and Accreditation: The university does not publish a verified neuroscience-specific average salary in the sources reviewed. The degree provides academic preparation for further study and scientific careers but does not itself confer a clinical licence.

- Graduation Outcomes: Students can progress into research employment, healthcare-related roles, biotechnology, or postgraduate education, supported by faculty mentoring and undergraduate research experience.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue a Ph.D. in Neuroscience or a related biomedical science for advanced research careers, or apply to medical school for an M.D. to work toward becoming a physician. Other options include master's degrees in public health, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, or related disciplines. Students interested in careers such as pharmacy or physician assistant practice will need to complete the relevant professional qualification and licensing requirements.