Neuroscience, BS


Whether your career goal is in bioengineering, medicine or allied health professions, pharmaceuticals, clinical science, or pure neuroscience or neuroimaging research, this degree provides the foundations and the flexibility you need to help take your first steps. The program encompasses training across four foundational areas in neuroscience.

Program Description

Neuroscience seeks to understand how the brain and nervous system function to control bodily function, behavior and our internal mental states. The field of neuroscience spans all levels of biological analysis with interfaces to many fields such as mathematics, psychology, philosophy, medicine, law and engineering.

The BS program in neuroscience consists of rigorous, in-depth training in the interdisciplinary foundations of neuroscience (biology, chemistry and psychology) along with breadth of training across the main areas of neuroscience, defined by distinct levels of analysis:

  • behavioral neuroscience: how the brain and nervous system control behavior
  • cellular and molecular neuroscience: how cells in the nervous system work
  • cognitive neuroscience: how brain activity underlies thoughts and emotions
  • systems neuroscience: how the billions of neurons work together

Following coursework in their specific area of specialization, students are prepared for collaborative and interdisciplinary research in neuroscience. The degree program also enables students to enter professional degree graduate programs and to integrate innovative outcomes from the research community into their practices.

In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit the college's website for more information and requirements.



Required Courses (Major Map)

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What if: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.


At a Glance: program details

  • Location: Tempe campus, or online
  • Additional Program Fee: Yes
  • Second Language Requirement: No
  • First Required Math Course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
  • Math Intensity: Moderate program math intensity moderate

Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Freshman Transfer International Readmission

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.



Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.



Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

Biology, MS

Deepen your knowledge about the life sciences and build strong conceptual foundations in frontier areas of modern biology.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

Biology (Biology and Society), MS

Do you need more than a foundation in biology? Do you also want to take your training into society, to bring about change? Within this multidisciplinary program, you can develop ways of knowing and skills for action in the real world, preparing you for employment, a PhD or other professional studies.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Molecular and Cellular Biology, MS

Do you want to understand the fundamental molecular events at the core of all life? Choose from a diverse range of research and training opportunities and gain skills in contemporary techniques, and enjoy the opportunity to tailor the program around your research and career interests.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Microbiology, MS

When you become an expert in microbes, you will be able to contribute to the greater good. Join us to learn how microbes impact human health and the environment, and receive theoretical and practical training in your chosen area of interest.

Website | Locations: TEMPE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.



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Career Outlook

The bachelor's degree in neuroscience prepares students for work in fields such as:

  • academic research
  • bioengineering
  • biotechnology
  • data science
  • medical research
  • medicine
  • neuropsychology
  • pharmaceutical research and development
  • physical rehabilitation
  • speech rehabilitation

Graduates are also competitive for entry into graduate-level programs in biomedical fields that prepare them for careers in medicine, nursing, clinical professions, technology or veterinary medicine.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:

Biological Sciences Professor


  • Growth: 9.3%
  • Median Salary*: $85,600
  Bright Outlook

Biological Technician


  • Growth: 4.9%
  • Median Salary*: $46,340
  Bright Outlook

Biomedical Engineer


  • Growth: 4.7%
  • Median Salary*: $92,620
  Bright Outlook

Clinical Trial Manager


  • Growth: 4.8%
  • Median Salary*: $137,940
  Bright Outlook

Data Scientist


  • Growth: %
  • Median Salary*:
  Bright Outlook

Health Sciences Manager


  • Growth: 4.8%
  • Median Salary*: $137,940
Green Occupation   Bright Outlook

Neuropsychologist


  • Growth: 2.3%
  • Median Salary*: $105,780

Pharmacist


  • Growth: -3.3%
  • Median Salary*: $128,710

Physical Rehabilitation Physician


  • Growth: %
  • Median Salary*:

Speech Pathologist


  • Growth: 24.9%
  • Median Salary*: $80,480
  Bright Outlook

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).



Global Opportunities

Global Experience

With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu



Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.



Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • 480/965-7258