Your brain contributes to everything you do – from reading these words to planning your future. The goal of the behavioral neuroscience major is to help you understand the remarkable interplay between your brain, experiences and behavior. Together, we explore neurons and how they communicate. We study feelings, thinking and how we learn. We even investigate abnormal brain function. If you are curious about psychology and biology, behavioral neuroscience is the perfect fit.
Behavioral neuroscience is a fascinating discipline that explores the connection between the brain, experience and behavior. Together, we study learning, memory, cognition, motivation and emotion. We also study abnormal brain systems and behaviors, as in Alzheimer’s, autism spectrum disorders, substance abuse, anxiety, depression and more.
As a behavioral neuroscience major, you’ll choose from two tracks. The natural science track is ideal for students interested in the natural sciences of biology, chemistry and physics coupled with a deep exploration of psychology. The psychological science track also builds a foundation in biology and chemistry but explores more topics in psychology and behavior.
Our program encourages hands-on experiences. Students publish research with our expert faculty, are awarded prestigious summer research fellowships across the country and participate in national conferences. Quinnipiac also hosts the Northeast Under/graduate Research Organization for Neuroscience’s annual research conference, which attracts notable researchers and students from all over New England.
Our graduates pursue a variety of careers, including medicine, dentistry, psychiatry, psychiatric nursing, neuropsychology, counseling, research, STEM education, consulting, law and entrepreneurship. Whether they pursue an advanced degree or move directly into the workforce, our graduates have strong skills in communication, statistics, data analysis and critical thinking.
Each year, Quinnipiac hosts the NEURON conference on our North Haven campus. The Northeast Under/graduate Research Organization for Neuroscience (NEURON) is an organization that supports undergraduate and graduate education and research. The conference welcomes industry leaders in neuroscience, biopsychology and related areas to share work, present research and lead workshops.
NEURON Conference Primary Goals:
To provide an open forum for neuroscience undergraduate and graduate students to present and discuss their work with students and faculty of similar interests.
To provide faculty an opportunity to discuss curricular and research issues in neuroscience, biopsychology and related areas.
To provide resources to enhance communication and collaboration among neuroscience researchers and educators.
January 22, 2024
Our BS in Behavioral Neuroscience positions you for a growing number of specialized and in-demand opportunities, as well as a wide array of potential careers.
Psychiatry and Medicine
Psychiatric Nursing
Neuropsychologist
Licensed Counselor
Physician Assistant
Research Assistant
Technical Consultant
STEM Education
With an abundance of career-focused information and resources, the career advisers within the College of Arts and Sciences support students as they expand their professional networks and attract the attention of prestigious employers.
The Department of Homeland Security has determined that this program meets the requirements for STEM designation.
STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) graduates are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be over 1.12 million jobs in STEM occupations in the next 10 years. The Department of Defense also estimates that more than 80% of jobs will require STEM skills over the next decade.
In addition, STEM-designated programs allow certain international graduates to remain and work in the United States for an additional 24 months after graduation on top of the standard Optional Practical Training period (up to 12 months) in order to receive additional training through their work experience.
I am incredibly thankful for the education I received in the behavioral neuroscience program on the natural science track. Courses such as, Drugs, Brain & Behavior and Neurobiology provided me with in-depth knowledge regarding the effect of drugs on the body on a cellular level, as well as processes that underpin normal functioning of the brain. Upon graduating from this program, I have met most of the requisites to apply to either medical, PA or NP school. Moreover, I continue to have a passion for research due to my hands-on class experience in labs at Quinnipiac, working with fruit flies, crayfish and even rats.
As a Ph.D. student, I spend most of my time on a research project exploring the neurobiology of chemosensation. The behavioral neuroscience program gave me a good foundation in biology and psychology. I appreciated how I could take extra classes to fit it further into what I was interested in and wanted to do in the future. When I was applying to college, I knew I wanted to study neuroscience and enjoyed taking psychology. This program aligned with my interests and gave me the flexibility of pursuing a medical or academic career after graduation.
The behavioral neuroscience program at Quinnipiac set me up for success in PA school by providing an excellent foundation of knowledge. The variety of psychology, biology, and chemistry courses required by the BNS major eased my understanding of clinical pathophysiology and pharmacology. Additionally, the research and laboratory time required by the program significantly contributed to my passion for evidence-based medicine. What stood out to me is the significant flexibility within the major to choose classes that meet your interests and career aspirations while also fulfilling program requirements.
As a senior scientist on the Quantitative Biology Team in Discovery, I develop cutting-edge assays using NGS technology to discover and test novel therapeutics. The classes focused on research and statistics have really stayed with me throughout my career. Strong experimental design analyzed by the correct statistical model is the foundation of all of my graduate and post-graduate work. It has also been extremely valuable that I took classes in chemistry, physics, genetics and biology, as I still rely on basic and more complicated concepts from the curriculum.
Our undergraduate admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you may have and help you navigate the application process.