Major in Neuroscience

This exciting and rewarding degree program with a myriad of applications is one of the most popular on campus with nearly 500 declared majors.

The interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience is offered jointly through the Departments of Biology and Psychology. The program offers comprehensive training in brain sciences, with Psychology courses offering a cognitive/systems perspective and Biology courses ranging from animal behavior to neurons and molecular mechanisms.

The mission of the program is to provide students with comprehensive training in the foundations of modern neuroscience from the cellular to the systems level, as well as basic and applied knowledge in general science, psychology, and biology that will allow them to master and critically evaluate knowledge in the field. Directed learning experiences are also included to develop research skills.

A major aim of the program is to equip students with the knowledge and skills that will prepare them to successfully pursue graduate studies in a variety of basic and applied disciplines with a neuroscience focus, from cognitive and biological sciences to biotechnology and medicine. The degree is targeted for students who plan to continue with graduate studies and is designed to provide them a rigorous foundation competitive for graduate and medical school.

Biology department

Psychology department

View University catalog

Research opportunities for neuroscience majors

Most faculty labs provide research opportunities for students, including opportunity for course credit. Find the lab doing work that interests you, and contact them to see how you can get involved.

A researcher looks at panel of brain scans

Nevada ENDURE Program

The Nevada ENDURE program is designed to enhance representation of students whose backgrounds are underrepresented in doctoral programs in neuroscience. Please see the Nevada ENDURE program website for additional information about eligibility and about the program.

A researcher looks into a microscope while wearing protective equipment and working in a lab.

Nevada INBRE

Nevada INBRE offers two exciting opportunities for undergraduates to have a hands-on laboratory experience in an emerging field of biomedical science such as genomics, proteomics, biological imaging, bioinformatics, or any field of research supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

A researcher swabs a frog while wearing protective equipment while working in a lab.

Biology Undergraduate Research Opportunity

All biology majors, freshman-seniors, can receive academic credit for undergraduate research and several scholarships are available for students participating in BUR programs.

A student gives a research presentation at the front of a conference room.

Research & Innovation

The University's center for undergraduate research information. View opportunities, see samples and learn how to present your research.

Connect with one of the co-directors of the B.S. program to learn more.

Grant Mastick

Professor and Co-Director of Neuroscience BS Program
Email: gmastick@unr.edu
Phone: (775) 784-6168

Michael Webster

Foundation Professor and Co-Program Director
Email: mwebster@unr.edu
Phone: (775) 682-8691

Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data

Neuroscience degrees prepare students for a wide range of career paths, including medicine, psychology, law, engineering, education, and public policy. According to projections published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of employed life scientists will increase between the years 2008 and 2018 by 40% for medical scientists and 21% for biological scientists, with a low unemployment rate (although recessions can impact the amount of money allocated to new research and development and/or limit extensions or renewals of externally funded projects). The median annual salary was $84,810 in May 2018 for medical scientists, and $79,590 for biological scientists employed in scientific research and development.