What Is Behavioral Neuroscience?
Behavioral neuroscience is the field that addresses the complex role of the brain in behavior. Behavioral neuroscience is sometimes referred to as biological psychology and has many applications in the behavioral sciences.
While the brain has been studied for millennia, we are still learning more about the way it influences different scales of actions and experiences. Behavioral neuroscience brings together some of the most practical issues in behavioral science with some of the deepest questions about mind and cognition.
What Will I Learn in a Behavioral Neuroscience Degree?
Palm Beach Atlantic University offers a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience that will prepare students for a successful career.
Students will take classes in areas like:
- Biology
- Genetics
- Statistics and research design
- Neurobiology of learning and memory
- Behavioral neuroscience
- Psychopharmacology
Students will also complete a year long research experience where they will develop an original empirical research study alongside the guidance of an experienced faculty member.
Career Opportunities with a Behavioral Neuroscience Degree
Here are some of the most common career options for behavioral neuroscience graduates.
Research Scientist
A degree in behavioral neuroscience will give you the skills needed to succeed in many types of research careers. Behavioral neuroscience students will learn about experimental design, advanced statistics, programming, modeling, and other aspects of research.
A career in research can be stimulating and rewarding for students with a high degree of intellectual curiosity and a taste for learning and discovery.
Neuropsychologist
Neuropsychologists create a bridge between clinical psychology and neuroscience. Neuropsychologists will analyze brain imaging and behavioral data to find patterns.
Neuropsychology is a great career for students who have an interest in clinical psychology but would like to stay connected to science and biology.
Neuroscience Technician
A bachelor’s degree in behavioral neuroscience will give students a preferred qualification for many technician roles.
Neuroscience technicians will operate imaging technologies such as fMRI and EEG to record brain activity in different settings.
Science Writer
Creative students can turn a behavioral neuroscience degree into a career in science writing. Science writers break down scientific research into simple terms so that the general public can remain informed and keep up with advances in the field.
Students interested in science writing may benefit from electives or a minor in writing or journalism.
Behavioral Health Technician
Behavioral health technicians provide practical aid and assessment in many clinical contexts. Individuals who experience disordered behavior may also have neurological dysfunction.
Behavioral health technicians who understand the role of the brain in behavior will be able to understand complex patterns and intervene effectively in challenging situations.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapy is another rewarding career path for behavioral neuroscience graduates. An understanding of cognitive development, neurology, and disability will be a tremendous advantage in the field of occupational therapy.
Occupational therapists with a background in neuroscience have a unique specialization that can provide a competitive advantage in the job market.
Neurologist
Neurologists are experts in disorders of the nervous system and the brain. They focus on issues relating to the brain, spinal cord, and nerves in the body.
Behavioral neuroscience is a great degree for students who want to study neurology in medical school.
Speech Therapist
Speech therapists, sometimes called speech-language pathologists, assess and provide interventions for people with speech disorders, swallowing disorders, and voice and language disorders.
Speech therapists need to have a solid foundation in neuroscience.
Neuroendocrinologist
A neuroendocrinologist specifically looks at the interaction of the nervous system and the endocrine system. These specialists treat medical conditions such as epilepsy, seizures, and hormone disorders.
Professor
A degree in behavioral neuroscience is a great starting point for becoming a professor. Professors teach courses in their area of knowledge and expertise, so behavioral neuroscience professors can teach across healthcare and psychology.
Career Outlook for Behavioral Neuroscientists
Employment for medical scientists is expected to grow by 10% over the next decade, a rate much faster than the national average. Around 7,500 new jobs in medical science are expected to open every year. Now is a great time to earn a degree in behavioral neuroscience as the healthcare industry experiences greater demand for qualified professionals.