FAQs
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The Cognitive and Behavioral concentration takes a psychological and systems-level approach — focusing on how the brain governs thought, cognition, learning, and behavior. Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience takes a chemistry-first approach, emphasizing neuronal signaling, pharmacology, and disease mechanisms at the cellular level.
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Graduates pursue careers as neuropsychologists, neurologists, clinical research coordinators, health scientist administrators, laboratory researchers, counselors and therapists, social workers, and management consultants. The program also serves as excellent preparation for medical school, graduate study in neuroscience or psychology, and law.
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Neuroscientists earn an average of $91,510 per year (BLS). Social workers can expect $51,760; clinical laboratory technologists average $54,180. Salaries increase considerably with experience and specialization.
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Yes. UM's accelerated BS/MS track allows students to earn both undergraduate and master's-level credentials in neuroscience in just five years — an efficient pathway for students planning graduate study or research careers.
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The UM Neuroscience Club is ASUM-recognized and facilitates social activities with faculty, peer-to-peer mentoring, and K-12 outreach. The Brain Initiative campus network keeps students connected to neuroscience news, opportunities, and resources.
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3rd
most popular major for pre-med students is neuroscience
13%
growth rate for medical science jobs, including neuroscientists
100%
of all 2020 graduates gained firsthand research training
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
The neuroscience program ensures real-world training through internships and research throughout the four- and five-year degree program. In fact, in the program’s two graduating classes, 80% of all graduates and 100% of 2020 graduates gained first-hand research training.
Internships in the Neuroscience Degree
Neuroscience majors are encouraged to participate in internships that help develop their analytical and practical skills — preparing them exceptionally well for their chosen career path. The neuroscience program and its faculty have relationships with several private-sector companies that help facilitate student internships.
Undergraduate Research Experiences for the Bachelor’s in Neuroscience
Neuroscience majors garner research experience early on, through the rigorous research techniques course. They’re also invited to take advantage of research opportunities in NIH and NSF-funded faculty labs. Those pursuing independent research opportunities in faculty labs receive exceptional mentoring and are trained on state-of-the-art instrumentation.
Career Development in the Neuroscience Major
The UM neuroscience degree is focused on preparing students for careers in a number of fields — from medicine and science writing to law and education. Our faculty are fully vested in the success of our students, serving as mentors every step of the way.
Networking and Professional Development in the Neuroscience Program
The Brain Initiative, the University of Montana’s campus portal and network, keeps students, faculty and staff up-to-date on neuroscience-related news, opportunities and resources. NIH-funded research centers also sponsor opportunities and events for students.
Our Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program welcomes neuroscience majors who wish to pursue a research project in the lab of a faculty member over the summer. They receive salary and supply stipend as well as training on research techniques, experimental design and communicating results.
Clubs and Student Organizations for Neuroscience Majors
The UM Neuroscience Club is formally recognized by Associated Students of the University of Montana (ASUM) and supports social activities with faculty, peer-to-peer mentoring, and outreach to K-12 schools.
Explore Classes for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience
The curriculum for cognitive and behavioral neuroscience includes fundamental neurobiology/psychology core courses as well as intriguing courses such as Neural Systems of Cognition, Neuropharmacology and CNS Diseases, where faculty lectures are supplemented by guest lectures by medical clinicians. The program also features Neuroscience Research Techniques labs that include cutting-edge molecular and behavioral approaches.
View all classes for the bachelor’s degree in cognitive neuroscience.