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College of Arts & Sciences

Neuroscience

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Why pursue a neuroscience degree at North Central College?

Our neuroscience program entails an interdisciplinary study of the nervous system, advances the understanding of human thought, emotion and behavior. Neuroscientists use tools ranging from computers to special dyes to examine molecules, nerve cells, networks and brain systems to gain a better understanding of how the nervous system affects human health and behavior. This undergraduate studies program will round out your scientific skillset by encouraging the study of many sciences, including biology, chemistry, brain science, and psychology.

At North Central, prospective students will choose a track: behavioral or molecular. All neuroscience majors will have access to state-of-the-art equipment and resources like the Schwab Psychology Research Center, treadmill lab and sleep lab. We facilitate hands-on learning and encourage working with dedicated neuroscience faculty on individualized projects. Neuroscience skills can lead to graduate school or a wide range of rewarding careers such as physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, neurosurgeon, research scientist, college professor and many more.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Unraveling scientific mysteries around consciousness, the brain and neurological disorders
  • Studying how the nervous system affects human health and behavior
  • Having neuroscience research opportunities to conduct in a local, regional or national lab and presenting findings

then a degree in NEUROSCIENCE might be for you.

Why study neuroscience at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics:

  • Allied Health Microbiology
  • Animal Behavior
  • Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Careers in Psychology and Neuroscience
  • Cells and Systems
  • Chemistry
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Drugs and Behavior
  • Molecular Biology of Cancer
  • Neuroethics in Molecular Neuroscience
  • Neuroscience
  • Neuroscience in The Community
  • Research Design and Experimentation
  • Statistics

Beyond the Classroom

As a neuroscience major, you can: 

  • Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
  • Apply for a Richter Grant and explore your own independent research interests from anywhere in the world.
  • Conduct research and present findings at local, regional and national conferences.
  • Join the Neuroscience Club, which provides enriching experiences outside the classroom for those interested in the sciences and neuroscience.
  • Join Nu Rho Psi, the international honor society in neuroscience.

The neuroscience program is part of the Psychology Department.

Dual admission bachelor's/master of occupational therapy degree

Neuroscience, Behavioral Track, B.A.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Psychology and Neuroscience.

Core Courses

Capstone

Four credits from one of the following:

Note:

*PSYC 490 with a neuroscience topic may substitute for NEUR 490.

Behavioral Track Courses

Electives

Two of the following:

Foreign Language

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

One of the following:

Choose a course that was not taken as part of the major's required or elective course work.

Neuroscience, Behavioral Track, B.S.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Psychology and Neuroscience.

Core Courses

Capstone

Four credits from one of the following:

Behaviorial Track Courses

Electives

Two of the following:

One of the following:

Eight credit hours from the following:

Choose courses that were not taken as part of the major's required or elective course work.

Neuroscience, Molecular Track, B.A.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Psychology and Neuroscience.

Core Courses

Capstone

Four credits from one of the following:

Note:

*PSYC 490 with a neuroscience topic may substitute for NEUR 490.

Molecular Track Courses

Molecular Neuroscience Electives

Two of the following:

Foreign Language

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

One of the following

Choose a course that was not taken as part of the major's required or elective course work.

Neuroscience, Molecular Track, B.S.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Psychology and Neuroscience.

Core Courses

Capstone

Four credits from one of the following:

Molecular Track Courses

Electives

Two of the following:

One of the following:

Eight credit hours from the following:

Choose courses that were not taken as part of the major's required or elective course work.

Neuroscience Minor

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Psychology and Neuroscience.

A minimum 21 credit hours, including:

One of the following sequences:

Behavioral

Molecular

One of the following:

Neuroscience Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.

Research Opportunities

  • Society for Neuroscience (SFN)
  • Midwestern Psychological Association (MPA)
  • Chicago Area Society for Neuroscience
  • SLEEP Annual Meeting

Graduate Schools

Recent graduates in neuroscience have been accepted for graduate study at:

  • University of Southern California
  • Rush University Medical Center
  • Kansas State University
  • Wheaton College
  • Lake Erie College
  • University of Chicago
  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Graduate School and Career Options

  • Neuroscientist
  • Clinical neuroscientist
  • Medical school
  • Pharmacy school
  • Dental school
  • Physician’s assistant
  • Occupational therapist
  • Veterinary school
  • Med lab science school
  • Nursing school
  • Research technician

Invest in your future

Choosing the right college is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.

Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College

Apply to North Central College

The first step to becoming a North Central student is reading the application instructions specific to you. Find out everything you need to know about applying by selecting the group you belong to below.