Neuroscience, BS


Explore how the human brain and nervous system shape thought, emotion and behavior. As part of a close-knit community, you'll collaborate with award-winning faculty across four foundational areas of neuroscience and prepare for careers or graduate study in a broad range of health and psychological sciences.

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science program in neuroscience explores how the brain and nervous system operate to control bodily function, behavior and mental states. Students receive interdisciplinary training at the intersection of biology, chemistry and psychology, gaining hands-on research experience in a collaborative, close-knit community within ASU's Department of Psychology.

This program offers direct access to award-winning faculty and research labs. Coursework spans four key domains of neuroscience:

  • Behavioral neuroscience: How does the brain work to control behavior?
  • Cellular and molecular neuroscience: How do the cells of the nervous system work?
  • Cognitive neuroscience: How does brain activity underlie our thoughts and emotions?
  • Systems and computational neuroscience: How do the billions of neurons work together?

In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit The College's website for more information and requirements.

McKenna Life Sciences, Business and Entrepreneurship Program
This degree qualifies for participation in the McKenna Life Sciences, Business and Entrepreneurship Program, which prepares academically outstanding students to solve health care challenges as leaders in medicine and biotechnology. With industry-informed, customized support and tight-knit 30-student cohorts, the MLSBE Program gives students the tools to become a successful entrepreneur at the intersection of science and business.

The program transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries, allowing students to graduate with two degrees --- one in finance and another in a natural science discipline of choice. Students also complete a certificate in entrepreneurship and innovation, all in the same amount of time as a typical four-year degree program.

A new cohort is accepted each fall. Incoming first-year students are eligible to apply to the MLSBE Program after they have submitted their application to ASU.

Learning Outcomes

  • Evaluate scientific articles and research-related evidence pertaining to neuroscience phenomena.
  • Communicate scientific information in an organized and coherent manner.
  • Describe the structure and function of the nervous system at cellular, systems, and behavioral levels.

At a Glance: program details
  • Location: or
  • Additional Program Fee: Yes
  • Second Language Requirement: No
  • Math Intensity: Moderate
  • Initial Math Course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
Required Courses (Major Map)

Major Map on-campus archive

eAdvisor Tracking Tool




McKenna Life Sciences, Business and Entrepreneurship Program

This degree qualifies for participation in the McKenna Life Sciences, Business and Entrepreneurship (MLSBE) Program, which prepares academically outstanding students to solve health care challenges as leaders in medicine and biotechnology. With industry-informed, customized support and tight-knit 30-student cohorts, the MLSBE Program gives you the tools to become a successful entrepreneur at the intersection of science and business.

The program transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries, allowing you to graduate with two degrees — one in finance and another in a natural science discipline of choice. You also complete a certificate in entrepreneurship and innovation, all in the same amount of time as a typical four-year degree program.

A new cohort is accepted each fall. Incoming first-year students are eligible to apply to the MLSBE Program after they have submitted their application to ASU. Learn more at mlsbe.asu.edu.



Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Freshman Transfer International Readmission


Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.


Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.


Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

Microbiology
When you become an expert in microbes, you'll be able to contribute to the greater good. Learn how microbes impact human health and the environment, and receive theoretical and practical training in your chosen area of interest.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Molecular and Cellular Biology
Do you want to understand the fundamental molecular events at the core of all life? You'll gain skills in contemporary techniques and have the opportunity to tailor the program around your research and career interests.

Website | Locations: TEMPE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs

Apply to a program

Visit our campus

Affording College

Tuition calculator

Scholarships

Financial aid


Card image cap

Career Outlook

The BS in neuroscience opens pathways to careers focused on the human brain, spanning numerous areas of the health sciences and related fields. Graduates pursue opportunities in academic research, bioengineering, biotechnology, data science, law, medicine, psychology, pharmaceutical development, and physical or speech rehabilitation.

The program's interdisciplinary curriculum builds analytical, experimental and communication skills applicable across health and human sciences. Graduates are well prepared for advanced study or professional programs in biomedical fields such as medicine, nursing, clinical practice, technology and veterinary medicine.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:

Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 7.3%
  • Median Salary*: $83,460.00
  Sun Icon

Biological Technicians


  • Growth: 3.5%
  • Median Salary*: $52,000.00

Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers


  • Growth: 5.2%
  • Median Salary*: $106,950.00
  Sun Icon

Clinical Research Coordinators


  • Growth: 3.7%
  • Median Salary*: $161,180.00

Data Scientists


  • Growth: 33.5%
  • Median Salary*: $112,590.00
  Sun Icon

Natural Sciences Managers


  • Growth: 3.7%
  • Median Salary*: $161,180.00

General Internal Medicine Physicians


  • Growth: 3.3%
  • Median Salary*: $236,350.00

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists


  • Growth: 8.7%
  • Median Salary*: $100,590.00
  Sun Icon

Physician Assistants


  • Growth: 20.4%
  • Median Salary*: $133,260.00
  Sun Icon

Speech-Language Pathologists


  • Growth: 15%
  • Median Salary*: $95,410.00
  Sun Icon

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).



Card image cap

Global Experience

Students can gain valuable experience when studying abroad, experience that enhances their resumes. Students majoring in neuroscience are able to expand their communication and research skills and challenge themselves to adapt and persevere in a new and exciting culture.

With more than 300 programs available in a variety of cultures, study abroad enables students to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends specific study abroad programs for students majoring in neuroscience.

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information.

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.