What is Behavioral Neuroscience?

Behavioral neuroscience explores the role of the nervous system in normal and abnormal behavior, thought, and emotion. This major emphasizes an understanding of nervous system structure and function from the molecular/cellular level to the systems level. For example, behavioral neuroscientists study the neurobiological basis of normal learning and memory, psychiatric illnesses such as depression, schizophrenia, and drug abuse and neurological illnesses such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Behavioral Neuroscience Degree(s)

Behavioral Neuroscience, BS

The Behavioral Neuroscience program integrates across elements of biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and psychology to study how nervous system structure and function produces normal and abnormal behavior.

Contact

Andrea Swanson, Advisor
bns@wwu.edu | 360-650-2148

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Behavioral Neuroscience, BS

Behavioral Neuroscience at Western

Western's Behavioral Neuroscience program, offered through the Department of Psychology,  provides students with the specialized preparation, research opportunities, and technological sophistication critical for success in entry-level research and healthcare positions and postgraduate training in neuroscience, medicine, dentistry, and related disciplines.

Behavioral Neuroscience majors receive a unique STEM-centered education with opportunities to gain a variety of laboratory and clinical skills that are highly valued by biomedical employers as well as graduate and professional programs.

Jeff Grimm

Director, Program in Behavioral Neuroscience

Explore Courses

BNS 305 - Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

PSY 321 - Learning & Memory

PSY 323 - Psychopharmacology

BNS 328 - Techniques in Behavioral Neuroscience

Research

During my time at WWU, I had the opportunity to work with many of the program’s fantastic faculty and staff. …I owe much of my success to the BNS program and the mentors that I have worked with along the way.

Josef Šulc

Behavioral Neuroscience Student

My experience at Western has been incredible. All the professors that I have had are extremely amazing, nice, and helpful. I love and appreciate all of them.

Isabella Vo

Behavioral Neuroscience Student

Organizations and Clubs

Behavioral Neuroscience is more than an academic major at Western, it is a family of dedicated faculty, staff, and students who collaborate in behavioral neuroscience research and outreach. Behavioral Neuroscience majors are actively involved in original research with faculty and staff, frequently coauthoring national and international conference presentations and journal articles. Students may also be involved in the Neuroscience Research Driven Students (NeRDS) Club, hosting activities that range from purely social gatherings to increasing brain awareness through outreach to K-12 public school classrooms and community laboratory tours.  

What can you do with Behavioral Neuroscience?

Behavioral Neuroscience students at Western receive the specialized preparation critical for success in such graduate-training programs as neuroscience, psychology, pharmacology, mental health, neurobiology, medicine, and dentistry.   Majors have opportunities to acquire laboratory skills in research classes and in faculty research laboratories, observe various clinical treatments as part of a medical internship program, and participate in the Neuroscience Research Driven Students (NeRDS) club including engaging in outreach to local K-12 schools.

Western students have continued their studies at the following schools, among many others: 

  • Arizona State University: Neuroscience (PhD) 
  • University of Washington: Medical School (MD and PA), Dental School (DDS)
  • University of Tennessee Health Science Center: Neuroscience (PhD) 
  • Johns Hopkins University: Medical School (MD) and Neuroscience (PhD) 
  • Washington State University: Neuroscience (PhD) and Pharmacy (Pharm D)
  • University of Texas Southwestern: Immunology (PhD) 
  • Oregon Health Sciences University: Medical School (MD) and Neuroscience (PhD) 
  • University of British Columbia: Neuroscience (PhD)
  • Medical University of South Carolina: Neuroscience (PhD)

For students who do not anticipate pursuing post-graduate education, the degree provides an excellent platform for entry-level positions in academia and industry. Western students have been employed by the following academic institutions and companies, among others: 

  • Seattle Neuropsychiatric Treatment Center 
  • Shin Nippon Biomedical Laboratories 
  • University of Washington 
  • Western Washington University 
  • Gilead Sciences 
  • Allen Institute for Brain Science
  • Fred Hutch
  • Applied Biotechnologies, National Institutes of Health, Cajal Neuroscience

Behavioral Neuroscience careers

  • Neuroscientist
  • Biomedical Researcher
  • Psychiatrist
  • Medical Doctor
  • Dentist
  • Pharmacist
  • Veterinarian
  • Physician Assistant
  • Pharmaceutical Sales

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