Neuroscience
How does drug addiction actually work? What controls our hunger and thirst? As a neuroscience major, you’ll use your brain to examine the function and dysfunction of the brain and central nervous system. This program is designed for students who are up for the challenge of studying the most complex organ in the human body.
What will I learn?
As a neuroscience major, you'll learn how the brain and central nervous system function, from the molecular level through behavior. You’ll study the dysfunctional processes associated with neurological diseases and the treatments that can help people live healthier lives. You’ll typically start with required classes and labs in biology, chemistry, physiology, neuroscience and related topics, then explore your interests through electives in areas like animal behavior, genetics, hormones and biopsychology.
This program is in UB’s medical school, which means students have access to expert faculty, state-of-the-art labs, research projects and other opportunities through UB's affiliated hospitals and clinics.
What can I do with a neuroscience degree?
Whether you want to do research in a lab, work with patients who need your expertise, or use your talent in some other way, a degree in neuroscience gives you flexibility throughout your career.
Neuroscience grads have gone on to work for healthcare organizations, schools, private companies, research institutions, universities or government agencies. Some of the career choices may require additional training and include:
- Clinical research assistant.
- Health care manager.
- Lab technician.
- Pharmaceutical sales representative.
- Pharmacy technician.
- Research scientist.
- Science writer or editor.
Some students decide to go to medical school, pharmacy school or other professional schools, or they go to graduate school. Getting an advanced degree can lead to a career as a physician, psychologist, professor or social worker, to name just a few of your options.
By the Numbers
Check out salary ranges and career outlooks straight from the U.S. Department of Labor to see the return on investment for your degree.
| Occupation Title | Mean Annual Wage | Mean Hourly Wage | Future Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | $87,060.00 | $41.86 | Rapid Growth |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $66,530.00 | $31.99 | Rapid Growth |
| Biological Technicians | $123,070.00 | $59.17 | Rapid Growth |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,680.00 | $66.19 | Rapid Growth |
Data provided by the and DOL data from 2024.