Neuroscience

Put Your Mind to Work on the Brain

This powerful program cuts across academic disciplines to give you a deep understanding of the brain and the rest of the central nervous system. In small classes, you will study biology, psychology and chemistry, working side-by-side with outstanding faculty to explore the subtleties and intricacies of the brain, the most complex machine in the universe. You’ll investigate the development of the brain and learn how it remembers things, manages stress, and recognizes tastes, smells and other sensory information. And you will find an engaging new home in Parmer Hall, with 16 labs and state-of-the-art scientific equipment.

Amazing Opportunities—On Campus and Beyond

Practical, hands-on experience is built into the neuroscience curriculum. Our year-long lab sequence immerses you in experimental research. Our students get frequent opportunities to present their work—not only on campus but also at the Chicago chapter of the Society for Neuroscience and elsewhere in the wider scientific community. You can combine academic study with compassionate service to people in need, or immerse yourself in a different society and culture through our study abroad programs. You’ll have your choice of multiple programs on five continents.

Undergraduate research is a trademark of Dominican and a passion among our neuroscience majors. You won’t have to wait until graduate school to work side-by-side with a faculty scholar. You might even qualify for grant funding to support your original work. Our annual research expo in April will give you a chance to practice your presentation skills and show your stuff.

International Students

For international students (F-1), this program is a STEM-designated program, which can qualify you to extend your post-graduation stay in the United States.

Prepare for a Life of Meaning and Achievement

This major sets you up for success in a variety of professions. Some students pursue advanced degrees in the health sciences. Others apply their multilayered knowledge of the brain toward further study and satisfying careers in the mental health field. Still others become neuroscience researchers in academic or industrial settings. This is a flexible, demanding and extremely valuable program. The curriculum prepares you for lifelong intellectual and professional competence. Our graduates are thoughtful, open to new ideas, proficient in the lab, and able to adapt and thrive through long and meaningful careers. They have earned their way into leadership positions in the professions of their choice.

Career Opportunities

Neuroscience graduates are well-equipped to pursue a variety of paths:

Medical School. The cellular and molecular neuroscience track includes most of the coursework in the pre-med curriculum. Students who wish to pursue advanced degrees in the health sciences should also take additional physics, chemistry and mathematics courses. Of course, this also applies to students who wish to become dentists, pharmacists or veterinarians.

Psychology. You’ll be able to perform administrative work in social service settings with the undergraduate degree. If you wish to become a clinical psychologist, graduate school is necessary. The Psychology Department website offers extensive information about graduate schools and career options.

Research. Corporations and pharmaceutical companies employ some masters-level researchers as laboratory technicians. Your career options will be broader with a PhD in neuroscience or a related field, including both industry and academia.

General Business.  Of course, some neuroscience graduates will pursue non-scientific careers in business. They will have excellent preparation for a variety of jobs and industries due to the array of subject matter covered in the neuroscience curriculum.