The Brain, the Mind, and the Spirit
Why do we like what we like? How does the brain inform human behavior? If you’re interested in understanding the insides of disorders, diseases, and addiction, ethics, artificial intelligence, or computer programming, then neuroscience might be the major for you.
Flexible Path That Can Take You Anywhere
Neuroscience is a flexible major with opportunities across three concentrations: neurobiology, neuropsychology, and cognitive science. Unlike any other departments of its kind, neuroscience at Saint Mary’s is uniquely interdisciplinary. We encourage students to pair neuroscience with other majors such as English, psychology, political science, biology, computer science, history, or business. With connections in almost every department, this path allows for a broader understanding of applied neuroscience to the real world — as well as more career choices.
Become a researcher, a scientific journalist, a doctor, or apply your knowledge to careers in political science, psychology, gerontology, and more. The neuroscience faculty and our incredible career center can help make your dreams become your career.
Unique Introduction Allows You to Explore the Field
This unique program offers an introductory one credit course, NEURO 185: I Like Brains.The course meets once a week and is lecture-style, bringing in speakers on topics across the disciplines from biology and autism studies to English and philosophy. Offered each spring, this course is perfect for a student interested in discovering more about the field of neuroscience and how it might fit with your passions.
Research Opportunities
Our Neuroscience department offers research opportunities not often found at the undergraduate level. Research is integrated into our program and every student is provided the opportunity to perform research in one of the following areas:
- Molecular development of the inner ear neurons using a chick embryonic model system with Dr. Rowsell.
- Gonadal hormone influence on divided/alternating attention in rodent models of ADHD with Dr. Aubele.
- Summer research opportunities: paid research opportunities, both on-site and off-site, are available with a range of advisors and projects.
Saint Mary's College has a strong reputation for developing women in the STEM fields. The Neuroscience department fosters the development and success of women in STEM that include opportunities for research, study abroad, and professional development.