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Career Center for Science and Engineering


What can I do with a major in Neuroscience

What Activities Could Neuroscience Majors Do?

Neuroscience is a field of study that employs the tools and perspectives of biology, psychology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and medicine.  The goal of neuroscience is to understand the brain and behavior, how we perceive, move, think and remember. Important aspects of the study of behavior can be examined at the level of individual nerve cells, their properties and the ways they communicate with one another. It is also possible now to address these basic issues directly at the molecular level. Many aspects of the biological basis of behavior are studied by examining specific functions of nervous systems and the behavior they produce.

Neuroscience can be combined with other fields, such as Computer Science and Mathematics, Psychology, or Cell or Molecular Biology.  This may lead to interdisciplinary options, such as computational neuroscience or cellular neurobiology.  Neuroscience majors may pursue advanced studies in graduate or professional school and choose career paths in medicine, psychology, research, or teaching.  Some may choose to obtain a position in industry, such as in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries, and can use their knowledge and skills in using scientific equipment, understanding biological theories, and designing experiments and recording results.

What Industries Could Neuroscience Majors Explore?

Biotechnology Genetic Engineering Companies Hospitals Public Health
Mental Health Clinics National Research Centers Pharmaceutical Firms Clinical Psychology
Social Services Agencies Universities and Colleges Veterans Administrations Medical Instruments

What Employers Hire Neuroscience Majors?

Discovery Genomics Elan EV3 Endovascular Inc. 3M
Medtox Scientific, Inc Medtronic Minnesota Department of Health Genentech
Mithridion Radiant Research Symbios Clinical Pfizer
Lockheed Martin National Institutes of Health Sentient Medical Systems Allina Hospital
Brain Injury Association United Health Group Abbott Laboratories R & D Systems

What Are Some Full-Time Job Titles For Neuroscience Majors?

Neurobiologist Neuroscience Researcher Neurosurgeon Research Scientist
Sentient Monitor Specialist Neurochemist Neuropharmacology Research Assistant
Research Associate Research Director Technical Consultant Junior Scientist
Neuropsychologist Clinical Research Coordinator Technician Health Analyst
Disability Specialist Sales Representative Senior Analyst Scientist

What Are Some Useful Websites For Neuroscience Majors?

American Neurological Association http://www.aneuroa.org/
American Association of Neurological Sciences http://www.aans.org/
American Academy of Neuroscience http://www.aan.com/
McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience http://www.mcknight.org/neuroscience/
Society for Neuroscience http://www.sfn.org/
Women in Neuroscience http://www.neurosurgerywins.org/