Neuroscience

Neuroscience Major Requirements

Students in the Neuroscience degree program build a strong interdisciplinary foundation in biological sciences, psychology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. This comprehensive approach integrates multiple perspectives on brain function and behavior.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience include a minimum of 120 undergraduate course credits.

Neuroscience Program Courses

Study areas include cellular neuroscience, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, cognitive psychology, brain and behavior, and research methods. Laboratory and research opportunities are integrated throughout the curriculum, beginning in your first year. You may take core courses such as:

• BIO 340: Human Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology 
• BIO 360: Neurobiology
• PSY 210: Fundamentals of Biopsychology
• PSY 307: Cognitive Psychology
• PSY 310: Brain and Behavior 

Admissions and Aid

Emerge from your Neuroscience degree program ready and confident to take on the challenges of scientific careers and rigorous graduate study. To take the first step, we are here to assist you in completing the seamless, rolling-deadline undergraduate admissions process.

Learn about costs and financial aid at York College to understand tuition and reach out with any questions.

Earn a B.S. in Neuroscience at York College of Pennsylvania

If you're curious about how the brain works and want to explore neuroscience through hands-on research and laboratory experiences, York College's Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience program empowers you to make real discoveries in each course you take.

Get started with a request for information. Or begin an online application.

Career Preparation

The tailored coursework, research, and internship opportunities in the Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience program open many possibilities for future careers. Neuroscience majors can pursue roles in research, healthcare, biotechnology, education, or pharmaceutical industries, or opt for graduate school in biomedical fields, medicine, dentistry, psychology, or other health professions. Popular pathways include:

• Scientific research at educational institutions or research institutes
• Laboratory technician roles in clinical or research settings
• Postsecondary education and teaching
• Medical careers as neurologists, physician assistants, or psychiatrists
• Healthcare professions including dentistry and pharmacy
• Working in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry laboratories

Because students with a neuroscience degree are broadly trained in the biological sciences, this major serves as excellent preparation for further graduate training in a variety of health fields. The proposed neuroscience degree meets the primary course entrance requirements for numerous health professions graduate programs.

Salary and Outlook

The field of neuroscience offers competitive entry-level salaries and a variety of workplaces and industries to choose from. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for the 2023-2033 decade ranges between 5-28% in growth compared to other professions, which is faster than average.
With a bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, students can expect to pursue roles with average annual salaries that look like the following:

• Neurologist—$270,470/year
• Psychiatrist—$256,930/year
• Dentist—$179,210/year
• Pharmacist—$137,480/year
• Physician Assistant—$133,260/year
• Biological Scientist—$91,100/year
• Biological Technician—$52,000/year 

While wages vary by location and job description, neuroscience graduates are well-positioned for careers across research, clinical, and educational settings.

Undergraduate Research

Each student in the Neuroscience degree program will participate in curriculum-based undergraduate research. As a member of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), York College of Pennsylvania is an excellent place to experience rigorous, hands-on, and independent research firsthand. The Undergraduate Research Showcase is an annual event where students from various YCP majors display their work and discuss their findings with others.

Students in their third year will complete a yearlong research series exploring scientific literature, developing a group research project with faculty guidance, and conducting self-designed research from data collection through analysis and presentation. Neuroscience majors will also have the opportunity to work one-on-one with faculty members to design and carry out independent research projects.

Graduating from this program will give students skills that are highly valued by pre-professional and graduate programs, including critical thinking, written communication, and quantitative and qualitative reasoning.

Internships and Work Opportunities

Faculty involved in the Neuroscience major have historically provided avenues for students to participate in optional summer internships and paid, unpaid, and credit-bearing work experiences. Summer internships can also include working with local organizations and companies such as Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories.

On-campus work opportunities related to neuroscience include lab assistantships and tutoring positions, allowing students to gain practical experience while supporting their education.

Meet and Work With Experts in the Field

Neuroscience faculty at York College are actively engaged in research and professional development, providing students with direct access to experts in the field. Our small class sizes mean you'll build meaningful relationships with faculty from your first semester, not just as instructors but as mentors guiding your academic and professional journey.

Our reputation for accessible, hands-on mentorship is so strong that students from neighboring institutions have sought out our faculty for summer research opportunities, citing the personalized attention and authentic research experiences that can be difficult to find at larger universities.

Career Support and Student Organizations

York College has a wide variety of student clubs and organizations of various interests. Organizations range from academic honor societies to Greek living, from drama to publishing, from exploring cultures to joining student government.

Student organizations related to the Neuroscience program include:

• Pre-Medical and Allied Health Society 
• Women in Science and Engineering (WISE)
• Tri-Beta Biology Honor Society 
• Biology Club

Technical and Professional Skills

The valuable skills learned in the B.S. in Neuroscience degree program provide students with a diverse skill set. Graduates of the B.S. in Neuroscience degree program develop the technical and professional skills needed to succeed in research, medical programs, and professional careers:

• Ability to design and perform scientific studies
• Analyze and interpret data
• Critically analyze scientific information from various sources
• Communicate scientific ideas ethically and effectively to a variety of audiences
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Ethical conduct in research
• Safe use of laboratory equipment

Neuroscience students will proactively engage with career-readiness to develop professional identities, behaviors, skills, and practices through continual reflection on their strengths and areas for growth, exploration of career and professional opportunities, and networking to build relationships. Our faculty will provide opportunities to participate in professional events such as local and national conferences, and opportunities to practice resume building and interviewing skills to complement the rich research opportunities provided by the department.