Study Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience at the University of Montana

Earn your bachelor’s in cellular and molecular neuroscience at UM and learn about the nervous system, brain diseases and injury. Our four-year neuroscience program offers an understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system, the basis of neuronal cell signaling, and how the system is altered in brain diseases and injury. A strong emphasis is placed on a chemical, molecular and cellular perspective.

You’ll be taught by faculty with exceptional research credentials, with strong track records of funding from NIH and NSF. You’ll find them committed to both teaching and research, with special areas of expertise in neuropharmacology, neurophysiology, cell signaling, cellular basis of behavior and neurodegenerative diseases.

Opt for our new accelerated BS/MS degree track if you’re ambitious and want to gain an extra year of formal, advanced research training — and walk away with an advanced degree in a short five years. It’s a strategic and expeditious way to boost your competitiveness for post-graduation.

3rd

ranked among most popular major for pre-med students is neuroscience

13%

growth rate for medical science jobs, including neuroscientists

100%

of 2020 neuroscience majors gained first-hand research training

Other degree options for neuroscience at UM

What can you do with a neuroscience degree?

Beyond an understanding of how the brain works, neuroscience graduates bring analytical and communication skills to the job market — enviable qualities that employers seek out. The career path may take you to medicine, business, law or advocacy — it’s your choice.

Some students pursuing other biomedical majors, such as psychology, biology, biochemistry or communication sciences, further their education and career opportunities with a minor in neuroscience.

Neuroscience jobs

Potential careers with a neuroscience degree include:

  • Physician
  • Physician’s assistant
  • Veterinarian
  • Dentist
  • Science writing
  • Advocacy
  • Business
  • Law
  • Education
  • Graduate school

Explore additional career opportunities for majors in neuroscience.

Neuroscience salaries

Neuroscientists can earn an average of $91,510 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that can peak at $159,000 depending on location, skills and years of experience.

Video: Miss Montana 2019 — A University of Montana Neuroscience Alumna

Mo Shea, who graduated in 2019 as part of our first class of neuroscience majors, looks back on her time at the University of Montana and forward to her year as Miss Montana — and beyond!

Beyond the classroom: Experiential learning in the neuroscience degree program

The neuroscience major is rich with opportunities for both research and internships. Among the program’s two graduating classes, 80% of all graduates and 100% of 2020 graduates gained first-hand research training.

Internships for neuroscience majors

The neuroscience program and its faculty have developed ties to a number of private sector companies through which student internships have been developed. As a result, students take with them valuable experience in the field that serves them well in their career path.

Undergraduate research experiences for the bachelor’s in neuroscience

The neuroscience degree program emphasizes research throughout its curriculum, particularly the rigorous research techniques course.  Research opportunities in NIH and NSF-funded faculty labs are also encouraged and facilitated.

Career development in the neuroscience major

UM is passionate about preparing students for life after graduation. The neuroscience is no exception, providing mentoring, training and guidance from year one.

For example, students pursuing independent research opportunities in faculty labs receive exceptional mentoring and are trained on state-of-the-art instrumentation. In fact, the same UM faculty members who lecture in the classroom also mentor students as part of their nationally recognized research efforts.

Networking and professional development in the neuroscience degree

Our Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program provides neuroscience majors with salary and supply stipend to pursue a research project in the laboratory of a faculty mentor over the summer. Hands-on experiential training includes research techniques, experimental design and communicating results, all of which are skills needed in both the workforce and graduate/profession schools.

In addition, NIH-funded research centers sponsor numerous opportunities and events for students.

Clubs and student organizations for neuroscience majors

Our Neuroscience Club was established through a grassroots effort of a number of undergraduates. The club is now formally recognized by Associated Students of the University of Montana (ASUM). The club facilitates social activities with faculty, peer-to-peer mentoring and outreach to K-12 schools.

Explore classes for cellular and molecular neuroscience

The UM cellular and molecular neuroscience major contributes to understanding the cause, treatment and prevention of neurological disorders, traumatic brain injury and mental disorders. Courses cover such topics as neuroanatomy, behavior and cognition, motor learning and control, neuropharmacology and molecular neuroscience.

View all classes for the bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular neuroscience.