BS in Behavioral Neuroscience

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Virginia

Program Overview

The BS in Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Virginia (UVA) explores how the brain, nervous system, and biological processes influence human and animal behaviour. It suits students interested in psychology, biology, cognition, and mental health, combining scientific coursework with research opportunities to prepare for careers in research, healthcare, and further graduate study.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Scientific Foundations

Students build their foundation through BIOL 2100: Introduction to Biology with Lab: Cell Biology & Genetics and PSYC 2005: Research Methods & Data Analysis I. They also begin developing quantitative skills through introductory data science or calculus, preparing for advanced neuroscience study.

Year 2: Core Neuroscience and Research Methods

Students explore the biological basis of behaviour through PSYC 3200: Fundamentals of Neuroscience and develop research skills through PSYC 3006: Research Methods & Data Analysis II. PSYC 3160: Cognitive Neuroscience introduces relationships between brain activity and mental processes.

Year 3: Laboratory Experience and Advanced Topics

Students deepen their understanding through PSYC 3210: Research Methods: Psychobiology Lab and PSYC 3235: Introduction to Epigenetics. These courses help students investigate biological influences on behaviour and gain practical experience with scientific research methods.

Year 4: Specialisation and Independent Research

Students can explore advanced subjects such as PSYC 4100: Neuroscience of Learning, Emotions and Motivation of Functional Behavior and PSYC 4200: Neural Mechanisms of Behavior. Eligible students may also pursue the Distinguished Majors Program, completing a faculty-supervised research project and thesis.

Focus Areas:

Brain function, behavioural neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, psychobiology, genetics and epigenetics, learning and memory, emotions and motivation, neural mechanisms of behaviour, and research methods.

Learning Outcomes:

Understanding brain–behaviour relationships, conducting scientific research, analysing data, evaluating scientific literature, applying statistical methods, and communicating research findings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

Career relevance: Prepares students for research, biotechnology, healthcare research, and postgraduate study.

Accreditation: The BS is an academic degree; the university's program information does not specify separate professional accreditation for this major. Medical and other licensed healthcare careers require additional qualifications.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

University-wide outcomes: UVA reports a mean starting salary of $82,197 and a median of $82,000 for recent graduates. These figures cover university-wide outcomes, not neuroscience graduates specifically.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BS in Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Virginia (UVA) combines the study of brain function with behaviour, cognition, and biological processes. Students can connect classroom learning with laboratory investigation, research experiences, and data analysis, developing practical skills for careers in neuroscience and further study. UVA’s neuroscience research community offers opportunities to explore how the brain influences behaviour and how scientists investigate neurological and psychological processes.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

- Research Methods and Data Analysis: Courses such as PSYC 2005 and PSYC 3006 build skills in research design, statistical analysis, and interpreting behavioural data.

- Specialised Laboratory Courses: PSYC 3210: Psychobiology Laboratory and PSYC 4420: Brain Mapping with MRI offer practical learning in behavioural neuroscience and brain-imaging research.

- Computational Tools: STAT 1601: Introduction to Data Science with R and PSYC 4215: Computational Methods in Psychology and Neuroscience help students develop data-analysis and computational research skills.

- Faculty-Led Research: UVA encourages undergraduates to join research labs, where they can investigate brain function, behaviour, neural circuits, and development. Approved students may earn academic credit through NESC 3960: Research in Neuroscience.

- Senior Research Thesis: Eligible students in the Distinguished Majors Program complete a faculty-supervised thesis, which may involve original experiments, existing datasets, or a critical review of scientific literature.

- Research Facilities: Neuroscience laboratories in the Life Sciences Annex of Gilmer Hall support interdisciplinary research involving behavioural, pharmacological, anatomical, and physiological techniques.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A BS in Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of Virginia (UVA) prepares students to explore the relationship between brain function, biological processes, and human behaviour. The degree can provide a foundation for careers in research, mental health-related fields, biotechnology, and healthcare, while also preparing students for advanced study in neuroscience, psychology, or medicine.

Typical Job Roles:

Neuroscience Research Assistant: Support laboratory experiments and research into brain function and behaviour.
Clinical Research Coordinator: Help manage research studies and organise clinical data.
Behavioural Research Assistant: Study behaviour, cognition, and psychological processes.
Biotechnology Research Associate: Assist with biomedical research and scientific investigations.

Some positions require additional training, research experience, or postgraduate qualifications.

Career Development and Employment Opportunities:

- Career Services: UVA's Career Center provides career advising, résumé reviews, interview preparation, employer networking, and internship-search support through its Handshake platform. The center reports approximately 9,000 advising appointments annually and connections with 671 employers.

- Research and Internships: Students can explore undergraduate research opportunities through UVA laboratories and the School of Medicine's Summer Research Internship Program, which offers eligible undergraduates hands-on biomedical research experience.

- University–Employer Connections: UVA's employer network includes organisations such as UVA Health System, IBM, and Booz Allen Hamilton. These are university-wide employer connections, not guaranteed placements for neuroscience students.

- Employment and Salary Statistics: UVA's published undergraduate outcomes report an average starting salary of approximately $82,197 and a median of $82,000 for reporting graduates. These figures are university-wide, not specific to Behavioral Neuroscience graduates.

- Accreditation and Degree Value: The BS is an academic degree rather than a professional clinical licence. Its foundation in neuroscience, research methods, and data analysis can support graduate study and research careers, while clinical professions require further education and relevant licensing.

- Graduation Outcomes: UVA identifies neuropsychology, behavioural research science, and pharmaceutical research among potential career paths for Behavioral Neuroscience graduates.

Further Academic Progression: After graduation, students can pursue a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, a graduate degree in psychology or data science, or an M.D. through medical school. Other options include public health, epidemiology, and biomedical research. UVA's Distinguished Majors Program also offers eligible students the opportunity to complete a faculty-supervised research thesis, strengthening preparation for research-focused postgraduate study.