Why Major in Behavioral Neuroscience at PBA?
Expand your understanding of minds, hearts, and relationships in Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience degree. Our widely respected faculty provide high-quality insights that span from psychology to biology, chemistry to metaphysics, and many other integral areas of expertise.
Emboldened by the ever-present influence of Scripture, explore human and animal behavior, nerve cell structure, normal and abnormal behavior, the philosophical implications of physiology, and so much more.
- Faith-Integrated Curriculum: Approach behavioral neuroscience through PBA’s biblically informed classes and uniquely Christ-centered campus.
- Year-Long Research: Culminate your learning, collaborate with expert faculty, and prepare for graduate study during your senior research project.
- Network and Publish: Seize opportunities to present and publish your research for audiences in West Palm Beach and across the country.
- Professional Preparation: Lay the groundwork for professional and graduate study in areas like psychology, medicine, pharmaceutical science, and veterinary medicine.
What You’ll Learn
- PBA’s behavioral neuroscience program equips you to:
- Understand and apply basic research methodologies in the (bio)behavioral sciences, including research design, data analysis, and interpreting results
- Use contemporary statistical software
- Evaluate data quality, determine strongest analytical approaches, and provide effective interpretations of results, including effective use of hypothesis tests
- Appreciate and understand the regulatory mechanisms designed to ensure ethical research conduct.
Research Practicum and Thesis
Your final year of study empowers you to pursue your curiosity, invest in your ideas, and prepare for graduate-level research. In the first semester, develop an original empirical research question, then design and conduct primary data collection alongside a department faculty member. You will spend the second half of the year analyzing this data and producing an original manuscript that addresses your research question.
Learn more about the behavioral neuroscience major plan of study. →
Program Details
The mind is a complex web of electrical pulses, biological connections, abstract concepts, interpersonal interactions, introspective quandaries—the list goes on.
Study of behavioral neuroscience is similarly complex, spanning broad essentials in sciences, math, social sciences, and philosophy. In laboratories, classrooms, fieldwork, and your own research, you will endeavor to understand questions of the mind that have blossomed from centuries of human curiosity.
Review all courses for the 120-credit-hour behavioral neuroscience degree.
Cultivate a versatile and fertile foundation for your study and career goals at PBA and beyond. Our science and math core covers biology, human anatomy and physiology, genetics, algebra, general chemistry, psychology, statistics and research design, personality theories and more—including at least seven lab-based courses.
Immerse yourself in the multidisciplinary expertise required to excel in behavioral neuroscience: molecular biology, histology, programming, nutrition, metaphysics, biomedical ethics, physics, behavioral genetics, and philosophy of the mind, with options to dig deeper in areas like cognitive psychology, psychopharmacology, or animal behavior.
Seize bold perspectives through PBA’s unique general education program, where you’ll expand your worldview across broad subject areas while deepening your appreciation for the threads of God’s creation throughout all that we encounter, study, and create.
Review the undergraduate Faith, Roots, and Reason requirements.
Learn more about your classes and requirements in the course catalog.
Careers in Neuroscience
The interdisciplinary nature of behavioral neuroscience means you’ll be equipped to excel in a wide range of career paths, pursue graduate or professional study, and embrace flexibility in your professional opportunities throughout your career. PBA’s neuroscience major is especially strong preparation for professional programs in psychology, neuroscience, human medicine, veterinary medicine, and pharmaceutical science.
You may also go on to roles like:
- Pharmacy technician
- Animal researcher
- Public health liaison
- Science writer
- Physician assistant
- Genetic counselor
- Health educator
- Patient care assistant
- Neuropsychologist
