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What is Neuroscience?

Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary study of the human brain and nervous system.  A neuroscientist is tasked with understanding and decoding the brain’s functions and commands.  As the field of neuroscience evolves, scientists are equipped to better understand and explain how the brain’s 100 billion nerve cells interact with each other and within the body’s ecosystem.  How nerve cells grow, connect, and form are one of the many areas of study in neuroscience.

By studying how cells organize themselves, functionality, and pruning process the science community at-large benefits.  Breakthroughs in brain cell development impact every aspect of our economy from education to healthcare and insurance to parenting.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$80,530

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

53.98%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

107,900

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Neuroscience Programs

Princeton University is at the top of our list this year as the best institution that offers a top ranked degree in neuroscience in the United States. Their faculty is well versed in the different aspects of science. This diversity reflects the interdisciplinary nature of modern neuroscience. Providing students with a rich set of opportunities for research and training in neuroscience. Their thorough approach in the course makes them stand out from the rest of the institutions in the country. Individuals enrolled in the program are exposed to a variety of settings related to the study. Offering undergraduate and graduate levels for individuals with the right qualifications. 

Acceptance Rate

5.78

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Harvard University's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers a course in Neuroscience. It is an interdepartmental PhD program dedicated to training PhDs in neuroscience. Providing quality instruction, research experience, and mentoring they need to become leaders in research and education. Students have a broad range of options in choosing research experience. It is one of the programs in the institution integrated Life Science. Their state-of-the-art facilities aid students in gaining in-depth understanding of the program. 

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Yale's School of Medicine offers a top rated degree in Neuroscience. They seek to gain a deeper understanding of biology and its function of the nervous systems at every level of analysis. With their intensive graduate training program, it allows students to gain expertise in the field. Preparing individuals to excel highly and succeed in the industry. They have strong focus on development, disease, dysfunction, and repair of the nervous system. Through this approach, students absorb quality insights and knowledge on the area.

Acceptance Rate

6.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Columbia University's Medical Center Department of Neuroscience has a rich strong history of training individuals in the field. Their faculty consists of prolific instructors imparting quality knowledge and skills to the aspiring neuroscientist. The Department oversees an interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Neurobiology and Behavior. This extensive training helps students to reach their full potential. Exposed to the real-world setting that will develop the minds of individuals. Completing the course will equip them in succeeding in the field.   

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Brown University's Department of Neuroscience is committed to providing excellent teaching and research on the basic functions and diseases of the nervous system. The institution trains undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral, and medical students in all areas of the field. Through its extensive instruction, they shape the minds of young individuals passionate about the area. The Department is also a major contributor to the Carney Institute for Brain Science. This promotes collaborative studies of the brain. After completing the program, graduates are well equipped with the essential knowledge needed to excel in the field.

Acceptance Rate

7.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The University of Pennsylvania offers quality training in neuroscience. Their main mission is to advance the student's understanding of the nervous system. With intensive instruction and training, students are well exposed to an environment they can benefit from. Their research interests are wide-ranging and include understanding the development of neurons and neural circuitry. They address different issues that can help individuals in the future. They guarantee a high standard of education for individuals enrolled in the course.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The institution's Systems Neuroscience focuses on the processes that occur within the nervous system. Researchers utilize animal models to emulate core cognitive processes. Through this approach, they provide detailed study of algorithms and neural circuits that creates the representation of the mind. They offer extensive training and hands-on experiences to their students. They are highly skilled and highly intellectual after finishing the program. Aspiring neuroscientists are prepared to navigate their way in the industry.

Acceptance Rate

6.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

The University of Chicago's Neuroscience Institute is a multi-disciplinary endeavor, spanning a diverse range of topics and techniques. The faculty comprises more than 90 prolific instructors in the field. Students develop new perspectives on studying the program. Their faculty, students, and postdoctoral researchers are engaged in exploring the principles in the study. They help students define the mechanisms of perception and behavior and the development of the next generation of treatments in the field. Upon completing the study, graduates are prepared to solve complex situations.

Acceptance Rate

6.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

The Neuroscience major at Stanford Medicine offers interdisciplinary training to individuals passionate about the area. Their primary goal is to train students to become leaders in neuroscience research, education, and outreach. Students who graduate from the course will be future innovators, investigators, and teachers. This institution has the perfect balance of quality education and a healthy campus to be a part of. Their signature feature of the Stanford Neurosciences IDP is the combination of quality faculty researchers and exceedingly bright students. Be a part of their vibrant and supporting community and commit to understanding the nervous system at all its levels of function. 

Acceptance Rate

4.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Dartmouth College's Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences offers a degree in Neuroscience. Providing a breadth as well as depth in the sore areas of neuroscience. Students have the opportunity of gaining experience with neuroscience research methods through laboratory work. Neuroscience is a rapidly changing field, and those changes come about through intensive research. By enrolling in their program, they will gain new methods and techniques to deeply study the course. Upon completing the program, graduates are well versed in the field.

Acceptance Rate

7.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Duke University offers a degree in Psychology and Neuroscience. Offering a Neuroscience AB, Neuroscience BS, and Neuroscience Minor. They are highly selective to individuals interested to enroll in the course. They require specific requirements for their academic plan depending upon the year the students started. Through this, they will create professional individuals that excel in the field. With their thorough instruction, they produce highly intellectual graduates prepared to excel in the field.    

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The Neuroscience degree at Bowdoin College is advanced training for individuals interested in the field of neuroscience. The program inspires students to gain experiences that can benefit them in the future. The Program encourages students who are passionate in the honors program to begin planning early. It is fairly possible for the students to begin their research during the summer after their junior year or earlier. Through their comprehensive teaching, students are well equipped with the essential information and skills. Upon completing the program, they go on to pursuing the career and succeeding in it.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Caltech's Division of Biology and Biological Engineering offers a program in Neuroscience. They help students gain a deeper understanding of the brain and how it works. With their intensive curriculum, they produce individuals who are well versed in the field. The institution’s research spans a wide range of subjects. Their strength in engineering stimulates the development of new tools for brain science. After finishing the course, graduates are prepared to navigate their way in the industry.

Acceptance Rate

6.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

Amherst College's Neuroscience students work alongside their faculty to seek answers to the different complex concerns in the brain. It is a highly interdisciplinary program with students taking courses in biology. Chemistry, psychology, mathematics, physics, and more. Through this, students are well versed in a variety of areas in the field. Offering quality instruction and learning on how and what makes the brain such a wonder. The program is a modern attempt to find solutions to these concerns. Completing the study equips students with the important knowledge needed to understand the field.

Acceptance Rate

11.31

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The Neuroscience Department at Pomona College is an interdisciplinary study of the nervous system and its relationship to mental processes and behavior. The center focus of the course are the traditional disciplines of biology, psychology, and chemistry. The program explores a variety of issues related to the field. Students have a unique opportunity to learn the fundamentals of neuroscience. The institution is a tight-knit community and supporting students explore the diverse areas of neuroscience. It prepares students for a diverse array of career options in the future.

Acceptance Rate

7.4

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Swarthmore College offers a degree in Neuroscience. Advanced coursework needed to be accomplished to complete the program. Providing a course major and an honors major in Neuroscience. Each Neuroscience major will be assigned a primary advisor from whichever of the two departments best reflects the focus of that student’s plan of study. Through their extensive training and instruction, they transform the young minds of individuals enrolled in the course. Upon completing the study, graduates are equipped and ready to excel in their careers.

Acceptance Rate

8.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

The PhD and graduate degrees in neuroscience at Cornell’s Weill Graduate School allow students to perform a deep dive into the human nervous system using a variety of disciplines.  Faculty at Cornell help students analyze the nervous system from perspectives such as pharmacology, neuroanatomy, systems neuroscience, biochemistry, molecular genetics, and computational neuroscience.  The holistic analysis provides context and insights not found using singular systems which allow for novel solutions to an ever-growing body of research. 

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Their Department of Neurobiology offers a Neuroscience major. Studying from the level of individual genes and proteins that control neural activity to mechanisms that govern complicated human behavior. Providing quality teaching spanning diverse topics. With interdisciplinary coursework, students have the opportunity to gain essential knowledge. The institution’s undergraduate major in Neuroscience offers a course spanning a variety of topics. They will be well-prepared for future careers in research, medicine, biotech, and other industries, science journalism, or patent law.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The College of Science at the University of Notre Dame offers a study in Neuroscience and Behavior. It is a relatively young, exciting, and fundamentally interdisciplinary field dedicated to the study of the nervous systems. Neuroscientists also seek to develop neurologically plausible models of human thinking, affect, and behavior. Providing quality education to aspiring neuroscientists. Through their unique approach in the field, students gain in-depth knowledge they can utilize in the future. Graduates are prepared to pursue professional programs and graduate programs in areas such as neuroscience, biological sciences, or psychology.  

Acceptance Rate

15.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Georgetown University's Department of Neuroscience offers a Master of Science in Integrative Neuroscience. It is a rigorous program offered by the institution. With an extensive integrated overview of the field, statistics, experimental design, and technical approaches. The master's degree can be complemented by a concentration in science policy or laboratory research. Students must complete 30 credits of coursework, including 19 credit required courses and 11 credit of elective courses. They also have the opportunity to be flexible on their time in the program. 

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Department of Neuroscience at Washington University has a rich history in teaching in the field. The Department has its origins as the Department of Anatomy at the dawn of the last century. Anatomy represents and will continue as a fundamental cornerstone of the teaching mission of the Department. Through their extensive instruction, students have the opportunity to excel in the area. They take pride in the essential role of their department in medical education and their prolific professors. Completing the study, graduates go on to pursuing their passion and succeeding in it.

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Rice University offers quality study in Neuroscience. Providing a strong interdisciplinary education covering the breadth of fundamental disciplines. Neuroscience uses diverse methodologies to investigate the brain and its relationship to the mind. With a deep understanding of the brain they offer a unique approach in transforming the minds of their students. Their main goal is to help students gain a deeper understanding of the brain. The program has a broad range of introductory and advanced courses that lead to either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree with a Major in Neuroscience or a Minor in Neuroscience.

Acceptance Rate

8.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Vanderbilt University's College of Arts and Sciences offers a Neuroscience degree program. It is an interdisciplinary program helping students pursue their passion in the field. To meet the challenge of providing training for entry in the program, the institution offers its undergraduates an interdisciplinary course of concentration in Neuroscience. It offers both a major and a minor within the College of Arts and Sciences. The program is structured to fulfill a pre-med curriculum to provide preparations for students after completing the study. They utilize expertise from several departments and schools within the University to provide a comprehensive foundation in the study.

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Johns Hopkins University's Department of Neuroscience was one of the first Neuroscience Departments in the United States. They take pride in their level of interaction and collaboration among laboratories in the Department. This exceptional collegial environment makes the Department of Neuroscience a unique place to do science. Warm interpersonal interactions are a notable theme of the University. Students who finish the program are among the finest in the country. They go on to pursuing their passion and succeeding in the industry.

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Tufts University offers an exceptional degree pathway for students seeking to study Neuroscience. They have research programs in many areas of cellular and molecular neuroscience with emphasis on synapse neurobiology and the use of neurogenetics approaches. Their faculty is deeply passionate in understanding neurological diseases. The Department of Neuroscience coordinates neuroscience education and research programs and is home to the Neuroscience Ph.D. program. They are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion are societal and scientific imperatives. Completing the program, graduates are well equipped with the essential skills and knowledge that are useful in the industry.

Acceptance Rate

14.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Types of Research in Neuroscience

More is unknown about the brain that known, at this point in human history. Neuroscientists aim to change that by shedding light on the complex nature of the brains function and development. Looking under the hood of brain science, we can see there are 3 major types of research. The types of research in neuroscience include:

  • Foundational Research: Foundational research also known as discovery science is punctuated by the need to find answers to why questions. Understanding why something happens will often lead to key discoveries leading to deeper understanding of biological events. The notion of foundational research provides a stepping stone for other scientists to extend learning in a related or unrelated field of study.
  • Translational Research: Marrying foundational research with clinical research is the essence of translational research. Linking clinical applications to basic research can lead to understanding why things work a certain way or discover why things fail to work. These discoveries can help lead to advances in science for the benefit of society as a whole.
  • Technical or Clinical Research: Technical or clinical research emphasizes the study of a particular therapy or disease. Specializing in a disease can markedly help medical providers better identify risk factors and early detection with advanced screenings, treatments, and prevention measures.

Top Neuroscience Degrees

Below you will find a summary of various neuroscience degree programs offered by accredited colleges and universities.  Programs range from undergraduate to graduate degrees that are science-laden and technical in nature.  Students will learn about the complex interactions of neuronal systems linked to cognitive functioning along with regulation and expression of human behaviors coupled with biomedical and allied health research components.   An overview of the degree programs in neuroscience include the following:

Bachelor Degree in Neuroscience

Bachelor degrees in neuroscience are 4-year programs for full-time students and longer for part-time students as a function of course load and program pace.  Degrees in the bachelor program are conferred as Bachelor of Science (BS).  You can find the program listed in a school’s course catalog under neuroscience or cognitive science.  Bachelor’s degree programs meld liberal arts education such as communications, history, art, economics, and philosophy with core curriculum.

Classes included in the core curriculum will typically include: general chemistry, modern biology, calculus, statistical decision making, cellular neuroscience, integrative neuroscience, neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, neuropharmacology, integrative neuroscience, neurobiology, neural plasticity, sensory and molecular science, neuropsychology, biochemistry, molecular genetics, human anatomy, medical neuropathology, neuroimmunology, neurotoxicology, and medical physiology.

Master Degree in Neuroscience

Master’s degrees in neuroscience incorporates upper level classes in science, applied psychology, behavioral psychology, artificial intelligence, software development, and engineering.  Degrees are typically conferred as Master of Science (MS) in this field of study.  Master degree programs generally take 2-3 years to complete based on full-time study.  In addition to an approved thesis project and internship, students will often be required to choose an area of specialty in the field.

Areas of concentration can include tracks such as cognition, neuroscience, computer modeling, human-computer interactions, artificial intelligence, and neurological diagnosis.  Core classes by students will be a function of the area of concentration.   Typical classes will include variations of cognitive psychology, neural net mathematics, functional neuroanatomy, cellular science, systems science, cognitive science, research methods, computational modeling, intelligent systems, and human-computer interactions.

Doctorate Degree in Neuroscience

The doctorate degree track in neuroscience is a PhD program considered a terminal degree as no additional degrees exist beyond it.  PhD students focuses on the underlying aspects of neural processing including memory, perception, decision-making, reasoning, neuro-engineering, and neuroplasticity.  Doctorate program are often self-designed under the tutelage of a qualified academic advisor as students march towards degree completion.

In addition to core classes and electives, students will spend a substantive amount of time working on a board-approved dissertation project.  Dissertations are broken down into key milestones such as topic discovery, topic approval, research, writing, drafting, editing, presenting, and defending.  Total time in a PhD program will depend on the student but generally last 3-5 years of full time matriculation.

Educational Requirements for Neuroscientists

Adegree in neuroscience will educate and teach an individual on how the nervous system works. The nervous system is one of the most complex systems in the human body; its study combines multiple disciplines in order to understand its operations. The approaches to studying the nervous system are multifaceted and specialization in a particular aspect of the nervous system is common. Though degrees are available at the bachelor level, graduate degrees are ideal if one wishes to have successful career in neurobiology.

As a cross-discipline study, individuals will be exposed to a variety of scientific principles and fields. Courses will provide in depth knowledge of the human nervous system, physiology, and biochemistry. Individuals will learn to perform experiments to gauge response and better understand how the nervous system works, providing practical and laboratory courses that explain the technologies and methodologies used to perform such research. Students in this field will also learn to write reports, perform analyses, collect research and test theories properly.

A curriculum in neuroscience may include:

  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Microbiology
  • Psychology
  • Genetics
  • Nuclear Structure and Function in Disease

Career Outlook in Neuroscience

Neuroscientists will typically find themselves working in research positions for the government, universities or private companies. Based on the specialty of the neuroscientist he or she may work with pharmaceutical applications, medical research, psychological and behavioral research and more.

Due to the increase in technology, and clearer understanding of how the nervous system works, new research projects are being initiated frequently in order to tackle a variety of issues involving the nervous system.

Some job growth is expected over the next decade due to the high barrier to entry (graduate level education) there is minimal competition for entry level positions. The need for qualified individuals who may advance the study of the nervous system and the multiple facets through which it is expressed allows individuals to pursue a variety of research opportunities, particularly those which involve the understanding and reversal of degenerative disorders. Private and public investment in the advancement of this field is substantial, thus allowing those with less than doctoral degrees to find work as technicians and assistants for projects.

The median annual income of a neuroscientist is $80,530 with the top 10% averaging $159,570 and the bottom ten percent averaging just under forty-five thousand dollars a year. The industry is set to grow by 8% growth creating some 42,400 job openings over the coming decade for neuroscientists. Additional considerations regarding salary will include experience, education, and ability.

Largest Employers of Neuroscientists

  1. Research & Development Firms 41,840
  2. Colleges and Universities 25,310
  3. Medical and Surgical Hospitals 15,610
  4. Pharmaceutical Manufacturers 4,970
  5. Offices of Physicians 4,350

States with the Highest Employment of Neuroscientists

  • California 24,260
  • New York 9,900
  • Massachusetts 9,710
  • Pennsylvania 6,750
  • Maryland 5,010

Highest Paying the States for Neuroscientists

  1. New Jersey $128,620
  2. Connecticut $116,040
  3. Arkansas $115,120
  4. Delaware $114,430
  5. Virginia $114,170

Individuals interested in neuroscience may also be interested in biochemistry, organic chemistry, microbiology, immunology, or behavioral science. Additionally, the SFN and AANN can be tremendous resources for students looking to take their careers to the next level. Both associations provide unique member benefits along with resources and research publications to help move the industry forward.

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