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Program Type: Undergraduate

Degree Awarded: B.S. in Neuroscience Select the degree to view its requirements and four-year plan.

Department: Biological Sciences


Neuroscience is a multidisciplinary science that allows you to develop and test new drugs and therapies to improve brain function, analyze the connections between genetics and brain activity, study the impact of immune challenges on brain health, work at the intersection of human and artificial intelligence, or apply neuroscience principles to address important societal problems such as mental health, crime, political divisions and more. Our Neuroscience program emphasizes hands-on learning in state-of-the-art laboratories that prepares graduates for high-paying jobs, graduate school or professional school. Students choose one of three tracks: Cognitive, Social or Computational Neuroscience.

Program Contacts

Dr. Christine Curran
Neuroscience Program Director
(859) 572-6914
curranc1@nku.edu

Students in the Spotlight

Sara Steffen

Sara Steffen

Graduating Year: 2021

Education: B.S. in Neuroscience, Psychology minor, Spanish minor

“My time in the NKU Neuroscience Program laid the ground work I needed to be successful in my career. I was able to foster my fascination with the nervous system and develop research skills through my role as a student researcher. It is certainly exciting to have a front row seat to the current developments in the world of clinical research.”

Career Path: Sara Steffen is a Project Coordinator in the Neuroscience, Infectious Disease and Ophthalmology program at Medpace. "Medpace is always growing! It’s an exciting company to work for. I enjoy being a part of the clinical trial teams working to develop drugs and technologies that can change lives.”  

Impact of NKU: Sara was the Outstanding Neuroscience Graduate who worked with Dr. Mark Bardgett as an undergraduate research assistant.

Find Your Passions & Build Your Future

NKU Neuroscience students conducting research in the lab.
  • Scholarships: The Neuroscience Program offers two scholarships. The Joseph Whelan Memorial Scholarship is available to new and continuing students. The Neuroscience Excellence Scholarship is available to continuing students who have demonstrated academic achievement, research excellence and a commitment to service.
  • Career Development: All Neuroscience majors complete a semester-long experiential learning course customized to meet their future career goals. Options include undergraduate research, study abroad, internships and independent study projects. Students work with an expert faculty mentor to find the right opportunity and to receive career guidance throughout their time at NKU.
  • Innovative Laboratories: The Neuroscience laboratories are part of the new $97 million Health Innovation Center complex. Students can make three-dimensional images of the brain in our advanced microscopy core, measure neurotransmitters or hormones in our neurochemistry lab, look at changes in gene expression in different brain regions, and study anxiety, depression, learning and memory, motor function, and decision-making in our neurobehavior labs.

Keep exploring. Visit the department website.

Students walking down steps

Experience NKU

Our campus is more than classrooms. It’s a hive of activity and connections that instantly feel familiar. Come walk it, take it in, check it out.

Students walking down steps

Financial Aid

A variety of financial assistance is available, from grants to scholarships, loans to veteran benefits.