Neuroscience

Delve Into the Nervous System

The Neuroscience Co-Major at Miami University provides an interdisciplinary exploration of nerve cells, the organization of the nervous system, and its role in behavior and cognition. This program integrates coursework from biology, psychology, chemistry, and statistics to examine the nervous system across multiple levels of analysis. Students study molecular, genetic, cellular, and systems neuroscience to understand how the brain and nervous system function. The co-major is designed to complement a primary major and cannot be completed as a stand-alone degree. Emphasis is placed on rigorous scientific training and quantitative skills, including a full year of statistics. This strong methodological foundation addresses gaps often found in undergraduate neuroscience education. The curriculum prepares students for advanced study in neuroscience, medicine, psychology, and related graduate programs. Students also gain a broad perspective on how neuroscience impacts everyday life. Overall, the Neuroscience Co-Major offers a well-rounded, research-informed foundation in a rapidly advancing scientific field.

• Foundational coursework in Biology, Psychology, and Chemistry (BIO 116, BIO 203, BIO 305, PSY 251, and CHM 141/142)
• Professional and career development (BIO/PSY 159)
• Training in data and statistics (PSY 294 or STA 363)
• Advanced coursework in neuroscience (e.g., PSY 356 Psychopharmacology, PSY 451 Cognitive Neuroscience, PSY 456 Advanced Biological Bases of Behavior, BIO 452 Neuromodulation, BIO 454 Endocrinology, BIO 469 Neurophysiology)

The neuroscience co-major gave me a more holistic view of the behavioral concepts I was studying in my psychology courses. Being involved in a behavioral neuroscience lab gave me the opportunity to develop scientific curiosity, challenged me to learn research techniques and complex concepts, and gave me a community and support system within the neuroscience and psychology majors.

Cambria Beane ’24

Psychology and Neuroscience

Research Opportunities

All neuroscience students are encouraged to supplement their classroom instruction with hands-on training in neuroscience research. Because neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field, research opportunities are available in labs throughout the university.

• Independent study in neuroscience is available from the first year at Miami.
• Faculty-led research labs are available in all areas of neuroscience, including development, cognition, behavior, emotion, and the neurobiology of disease.
• Undergraduate students frequently present at national scientific meetings and publish their findings in relevant scientific journals.
• Course-based research experiences are integrated directly into the curriculum.

Careers in Neuroscience

Brain-based disorders and diseases are a significant societal burden, and the demand for workers with expertise in neuroscience continues to grow. Training in neuroscience can lead to job opportunities in many fields.

Facts and Stats

Your college experience here will be one of the most exciting times of your life. To make sure of this, we’ll provide you with a powerful support system.