Brain and Behavioral Neuroscience
How does the brain allow us to think, learn, remember, feel, and interact with the world around us? Brain and Behavioral Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary major that explores the connections between the brain, nervous system, and human behavior. You’ll study how the brain develops and functions across the lifespan while examining the biological processes behind cognition, emotion, perception, and behavior.
Degree Types: Bachelor of Science
Explore Interests Related to Brain and Behavioral Neuroscience
Degree Options
Popular Double Majors or Minors
- Biology
- Neurobiology
- Chemistry
- Biobehavioral Health
- Systems Neuroscience
- Criminology
About the Program
Why should I pursue this degree?
You might like this program if…
- Are curious about how the brain and nervous system shape human behavior
- Want to explore topics such as learning, memory, emotion, decision-making, sensation, and perception
- Enjoy connecting biology, psychology, and neuroscience
- Are interested in conducting research and analyzing scientific evidence
- Are considering graduate study or a career in neuroscience, health, research, psychology, or a related field
Transferable Skills
- Designing experiments and studies
- Collecting and organizing data
- Analyzing quantitative and qualitative data
- Using statistical methods
- Interpreting research findings
- Evaluating evidence objectively
- Understanding biological and neurological systems
- Writing scientific reports and research papers
- Collaborating with researchers and classmates
- Working in interdisciplinary teams
Coursework
Opportunities to explore the following topics:
- Biological basis of behavior
- Brain development across the lifespan
- Cognition and decision-making
- Learning and memory
- Mental health and psychological disorders
- Neuropsychology
- Neuroscience
- Sensation and perception
- Social behavior
- Artificial intelligence and the brain
Out-of-Classroom Experiences
Education Abroad Destinations
Greece
Italy
Netherlands
Spain
United Kingdom
Career Paths
Continuing Education
- Clinical and counseling psychology
- Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Neuropsychology
- Psychology
- Public health
- Research and biomedical sciences
Job Titles
- Biostatistician
- Clinical Trials Coordinator
- Lab Technician
- Neuroscientist
- Neuroimaging technician (fMRI, eeg)
- Neuropsychologist
- Neurologist
- Psychiatrist
- Physician
- Research Coordinator
Industries
Academics, Artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction, Biotechnology, Clinical, Cognitive or Social Research, Consulting, Data Analytics, Education, Government Research, Healthcare, Market Research, Nonprofit organizations, Pharmacology, Public Health, Science Communication, User Experience (UX) Research
Employers
- Colleges and universities
- Hospitals and health care organizations
- Government agencies and research institutions
- Biotechnology companies
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Medical schools and academic medical centers
- Clinical and research laboratories
Have questions about this program?
Future students, contact the Liberal Arts Recruitment Team.
Current students, contact your academic adviser.
This program is housed
in the Department of Psychology
at Penn State University Park.