Bachelor in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience (BCN) (Major)

The BCN major gives students opportunities to develop practical research and laboratory skills alongside their academic studies. Students can gain hands-on experience through laboratory courses, research projects and work with faculty research groups, while those who want to explore research in greater depth can take part in independent research and Honors projects. These experiences help students understand how scientific research is designed, carried out and communicated.

Students can build practical experience through:

• Laboratory courses: The major requires at least two laboratory courses totaling a minimum of 5 credits, including at least one methods-based laboratory. Options include PSYCH 303, PSYCH 331/332, PSYCH 341 and PSYCH 342, as well as approved laboratory courses in Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology.

• Psychology research laboratories: Students can explore research areas including Brain and Behavior, Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, Clinical Science, Personality and Social Contexts, and Social Psychology.

• Undergraduate research: Students can become involved in activities such as literature searches, survey collection, experiments, data entry and data analysis, giving them direct experience with the research process.

• Research for academic credit: With faculty approval, students can work in Psychology research laboratories and earn academic credit through independent-study courses such as PSYCH 322 and PSYCH 326.

• UROP: The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) gives first- and second-year students and transfer students opportunities to become involved in research early in their university experience.

• Honors research: Students pursuing the Honors Major complete independent research with a faculty mentor, develop an original research project, present their findings at the Annual Research Forum and complete a research thesis.

• Summer research: The Psych/BCN Undergraduate Summer Research Award provides eligible BCN students with $1,000–$3,000 in support for summer research. Students must have already secured a research laboratory and have a defined research project.

• Research tools and activities: Depending on the laboratory, students may gain experience with surveys, experiments, literature research, research data and data-analysis activities. Specific software and research tools vary between individual laboratories.

• Internships: The official BCN information emphasizes laboratory and research experience rather than requiring a program-specific internship. Therefore, an internship should not be listed as a mandatory component of the BCN major.

• Group projects: The major requirements do not specify a program-wide group project requirement. However, research opportunities can involve collaboration with faculty, graduate students and other researchers.

• Field trips: No mandatory BCN-specific field trips are identified in the official major requirements.

• Research facilities: Students can take advantage of the University of Michigan Psychology Department's research laboratories, which cover a wide range of areas connected to brain function, cognition, behavior, development and social psychology.

The BCN major gives students a broad and flexible foundation that can lead to careers in research, healthcare, education, consulting, human resources, marketing and other professional areas. It also provides strong preparation for students who want to continue into graduate or professional education, particularly in fields connected to psychology, neuroscience, biological sciences and health.

Typical career directions include Research Assistant, Clinical Researcher, Data or Research Analyst and Human Resources Specialist, with further opportunities through:

• Career support: Students can use the LSA Opportunity Hub, Handshake, career resources, alumni connections and Psychology advising to explore career options, find internships, prepare for employment and plan for graduate or professional school.

• Employment outcomes: LSA reports that 96% of graduates are employed or continue into graduate or professional school, while 77% of LSA students have completed an internship that helped them gain additional experience and skills.

• Career flexibility: The university highlights career possibilities across areas such as research, marketing, human resources, law and justice, teaching and other professional fields. The research and analytical skills developed through BCN can also be useful in industry, government and academic environments.

• Research experience: Students can gain practical experience by participating in research projects involving study design, data collection and analysis, reviewing scientific literature and communicating research findings. This experience can strengthen applications for jobs as well as graduate and professional programs.

• Faculty research opportunities: Students can work with Psychology faculty and graduate researchers through departmental research laboratories. Depending on the opportunity, students may also receive academic credit and contribute to research presentations, conferences or publications.

• Industry connections: The official BCN information does not identify a specific university-industry partnership or guaranteed corporate placement exclusively for BCN students. Instead, students benefit from the wider University of Michigan and LSA career network, research opportunities, internships and employer connections.

• Research funding: BCN students can apply for opportunities such as the Psych/BCN Undergraduate Summer Research Award, which provides $1,000–$3,000 to eligible students conducting summer research.

• Salary information: The official BCN and LSA information does not provide a BCN-specific average starting salary. Therefore, a specific salary figure should not be presented as an official outcome for this program.

• Long-term accreditation value: The University of Michigan does not identify a separate professional accreditation for the BCN major. The program's value comes from its combination of natural-science coursework, laboratory experience, research training and preparation for employment or advanced study.

• Graduation outcomes: After graduation, students can move directly into employment or continue into graduate and professional education. LSA also provides access to a network of more than 200,000 living alumni worldwide, giving graduates a broad professional network to draw on as they progress in their careers.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BCN degree, students can continue into graduate or professional programs related to neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science, biological sciences, medicine, research and other health-related fields. Students who want a research-focused career can build on their undergraduate research experience through master's or Ph.D. study, while those interested in healthcare and other professional careers can use the degree as preparation for relevant professional programs.