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Career Preparation: Neuroscience

Neuroscientists work in a variety of fields, from academic and pharmaceutical research to public policy and advocacy to neurosurgery. The common thread between these fields is a focus on the brain and the nervous system. After graduating from UC San Diego, students who have received training in Neuroscience may go on to graduate study in Neuroscience or a related field.

During their time as an Undergraduate, students interested in Neuroscience may choose any of our degree tracks. However, we suggest a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience to best prepare you for your future career. You may also be interested in a double major or minor in Cognitive Science or Biology. The following courses may be of interest to you:

  • PSYC 102: Sensory Neuroscience
  • PSYC 105: Cognitive Psychology
  • PSYC 106: Behavioral Neuroscience
  • PSYC 108: Cognitive Neuroscience
  • PSYC 116: Laboratory in Clinical Psychology Research
  • PSYC 122: Mechanisms of Animal Behavior
  • PSYC 123: Cognitive Control and Frontal Lobe Function
  • PSYC 125: Clinical Neuropsychology
  • PSYC 132: Hormones and Behavior
  • PSYC 133: Circadian Rhythms/Biological Clocks
  • PSYC 144: Memory and Amnesia
  • PSYC 150: Cognitive Neuroscience of Vision
  • PSYC 152: Conceptions of Intelligence
  • PSYC 159: Physiological Basis of Perception
  • PSYC 169: Brain Damage and Mental Function
  • PSYC 170: Cognitive Neuropsychology
  • PSYC 171: Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
  • PSYC 179: Drugs, Addiction, and Mental Disorders
  • PSYC 181: Drugs and Behavior
  • PSYC 189: Brain, Behavior, and Evolution

Students interested in the field of Neuroscience should contact the Career Center for further career advising.

For resources on the process of applying to graduate programs in psychology and related fields, please visit our applying to graduate programs section.