Neuroscience (BS Degree)
Why study Neuroscience?
Are you curious about how the brain works? Do you wonder why people behave the way they do? Investigate how the brain affects your thoughts, emotions, and everything you do. Study the brain and nervous system at multiple levels, from genes to cells to systems to behavior.
Why Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Neuroscience at Iona?
A Comprehensive Program of Various Scientific Disciplines
The Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience major at Iona is a blend of psychology, biology, philosophy and other scientific disciplines focused on how the brain and nervous system work. This creates a comprehensive learning experience that covers the latest in neuroscience research regardless of discipline.
Learn from Active Scientists and Pioneer New Applications of Concepts
At Iona, students learn from faculty who are active scientists, studying the brain in various ways. Students learn the current landscape of the neuroscience field and are pushed to pioneer new applications of concepts to take the field to the next level.
In their senior year, Neuroscience majors complete a capstone project under the guidance of a faculty advisor, which may take the form of an original research study, a grant proposal, or a review article summarizing the existing literature on a specific neuroscience topic; students then present their capstone projects in written and oral format. The opportunity to do research with a Neuroscience faculty member and center the capstone project around an independent study research project is especially advantageous for students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. program or other advanced degrees.
Choose Between Two Specialties
Students may choose to specialize in cognitive/behavioral neuroscience or cellular/molecular neuroscience, depending upon their interests and postgraduate career plans. If a student is not quite sure of which path to take, faculty are available to discuss the nuances of each specialty so that the student can move forward confidently towards their academic and/or career goal.
Admissions Requirements
Applying to college doesn’t have to be complicated. That’s why we keep the admissions process simple and have designed our process to look at the whole person.
For full details on Iona's admissions process, please visit the Freshman Admissions or Transfer Admissions page today!
Careers & Outcomes
A Neuroscience Major can provide students with an excellent background for pursuing research- or clinical-based doctoral or master's programs, careers in biomedical and behavioral sciences (including the biotech/pharmaceutical industry), or careers in the health professions.
Job Titles
- Lab Manager/Lab Technician
- Mental Health Counselor
- Neuroimaging Technician
- Neuroeconomist
- Occupational Therapist
- Pharmacist
- Physician
- Psychologist
- Research Scientist
- Science/Medical Writer
Our Graduates Have Worked At:
Conducting research with my mentor was definitely a unique experience that helped prepare me for my current job.
Nathan Lowry ’20
Read More About Nathan
What You Will Learn: Neuroscience (BS Degree)
You will study the development, structure, and function of the brain and nervous system, and its impact on behavior and thinking. You will study how brain functions are the foundation for all behavior.
You will gain an understanding of how the brain and nervous system change throughout life, and how disorders, injuries, diseases, and medications impact the brain.
Option to Minor in Neuroscience
For students majoring in another field who are interested in neuroscience, Iona offers a minor that can be completed in 18 – 25 credits. After declaring the minor, students work with a neuroscience faculty advisor to choose courses that will set them up for success in their academic journey.
Gain Early Acceptance to the MS in Occupational Therapy Program
Designed for students who want to work as an occupational therapist, Iona’s Occupational Therapy’s Early Acceptance Program helps you earn your Bachelor’s degree and secure a spot in the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program.
To be considered for entry into the program, applicants must:
- Major in Health and Wellness, Psychology or Neuroscience
- Have an overall high school GPA of 3.3
- Complete 4 years of math and science coursework with a grade of a B or better
Neuroscience Program Highlights
Hands-On Research and Service Opportunities
Students are exposed to hands-on research opportunities both within and outside the classroom, with cross-departmental opportunities for study and scholarship. Neuroscience majors may engage in service opportunities outside of the classroom by participating in community science outreach activities organized by the Iona University Neuroscience Club.
An Interdisciplinary Approach
The interdisciplinary Neuroscience Major provides students with opportunities to complete personalized courses of study, which incorporate course options in psychology, biology, philosophy, chemistry, computer science and speech communication studies and more. This allows students to tailor their degree based on their interests and career goals.
Pre-Health Advising at Iona
Neuroscience Majors who are interested in pursuing a health profession track (e.g., Pre-Med, Pre-Dental, Pre-Occupational Therapy, etc.) will also be advised by a Pre-Health Professions Advisor at Iona.
Faculty Advisors
Sarah Wong-Goodrich, Ph.D. (Psychology)
Email: swonggoodrich@iona.edu
Mary Jane Skelly, Ph.D. (Psychology)
Email: mskelly@iona.edu
Teresa D’Aversa, Ph.D. (Biology)
Email: tdaversa@iona.edu
Find out What an Education from Iona can do for you
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