To become a behavioral neuroscientist, a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field is necessary. Research experience is also required for entry into most graduate programs. Neuroscience courses can lead to careers in medicine, such as becoming a neurologist.
A subfield of psychology, behavioral neuroscience focuses on biological factors, specifically in the brain, that affect human behavior. To become a behavioral neuroscientist, you first need to learn the basic fundamentals of psychology, which means earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology is essential. Research is at the heart of behavioral neuroscience, which requires a degree in the subject or a related field, such as biological psychology, human development, or psychobiology.
On graduation, you will study all different areas of psychology, including developmental, biological, social and cognitive. You will discover its history and important theories, as well as learn about pathological mental illnesses and treatments. In addition to core subjects, it is essential that you take courses in mathematics and natural sciences such as biology, chemistry and physics, as well as anatomy and physiology.
Certain colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in the field of behavioral neuroscience, which studies more science, particularly chemistry and biochemistry. Which path to take depends on whether you would like to take more science or more psychology courses and your future career plans. Any track will adequately prepare you for the graduate degree required to enter the field. Another consideration is that the behavioral science undergraduate degree is highly specialized, while the psychology degree covers a broad field, allowing you to keep your options more open. Completing a psychology course along with a behavioral neuroscience course is another option to consider as well.
A significant hurdle is gaining research experience, as it is a requirement for entry into most graduate programs in neuroscience or any psychology program. Look for opportunities to do research as early as possible in your undergraduate career, be sure to ask your advisor about special honors programs in your area of interest. Special honors programs consist of students who consistently maintain above average grade point averages who are allowed to work on a specific research project led by a professor. Upon completion, students present their findings at a symposium. There are several universities that offer special honors programs in neuroscience and psychology.
While graduate programs, especially those offering a Ph.D. in behavioral neuroscience, are extremely competitive, there are other options for careers in this field. Neuroscience courses can also be used as a stepping stone to a number of careers, including medicine. A potential career path is to become a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the nervous system.
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