Neuroscience

Neuroscience is a dynamic and growing field that unites discoveries from biology, psychology, human physiology, and many other disciplines to probe the edges of human understanding. The UO has an established reputation for excellence in neuroscience research, and our program is the first of its kind at a public university in Oregon. Students who major in neuroscience have the opportunity to work in a field that could represent some of the 21st century’s most astonishing and transformative breakthroughs.

What you can do with a degree in Neuroscience

Upon completion of the neuroscience major, students will be well-prepared for careers in scientific research, medicine, and other health professions, as well as science-related government, nonprofit, and industry jobs. Neuroscience graduates can find employment in:

  • Healthcare clinics and hospitals
  • Government agencies that focus on neurological diseases
  • Public health and global health organizations
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Biotechnology companies
  • Management consulting firms specializing in healthcare companies
  • Colleges and universities
  • Research institutes and laboratories
  • Scientific writing and publishing
77
STUDENTS ENROLLED AS NEUROSCIENCE MAJORS IN FIRST TERM OF OUR PROGRAM
100%
OF TENURED INSTITUTE OF NEUROSCIENCE FACULTY MEMBERS HAVE PUBLISHED A PAPER WITH A UO COLLEAGUE
40+

SCIENTISTS TRAINED BY THE CENTER FOR TRANSLATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE IN ITS FIRST FIVE YEARS

Dr. Michael Posner from Psychology in the chair

Family efforts lead to a new professorship honoring Professor Michael Posner

The Dr. Michael Posner Psychology Professorship in Cognition and Neuroscience will be awarded to a tenured member of the faculty at the level of professor or associate professor of cognition and neuroscience and support the recipient's teaching, research, and professional development.

Picture of brain

Neuroscience Is Blowing Minds

Have you ever watched in fascination as zebrafish neurons make connections in real time? Or helped develop a potential brain implant? These are just some of the mind-blowing research experiences students are discovering in our growing Neuroscience Program.

Read about the Neuroscience Program

Neuroscience major Minh Ahn Nguyen

Unlocking the Secrets of the Brain

“The first time I held a human brain in my hand was such a magical moment. I felt so thankful I got to be part of the cadaver lab, and that was the moment I knew that neuroscience was for me. Neuroscience is emerging out of its infancy, and there’s so little that we know about the brain, even though it’s such a central part of our lives.”

Minh Anh Nguyen, neuroscience major, '21

Our Degree Programs

Neuroscience majors gain a strong foundation in the natural sciences while exploring three main areas of neuroscience: molecular/cellular neuroscience, systems neuroscience, and cognitive neuroscience. Undergraduate students can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in neuroscience.

people chatting

Learn from Experts in the Field

Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary major that brings together award-winning faculty from the departments of Biology, Human Physiology, and Psychology. Many of the program’s faculty are affiliated with the Institute of Neuroscience, a group of UO researchers who have pooled their expertise to tackle fundamental questions in neuroscience.

neuro_minh-ahn_nguyen_microscope

Get Real-world Experience

Beginning as early as their first year, neuroscience majors are encouraged to engage in hands-on research, working side-by-side with faculty in cutting-edge research labs across the university. Students can take their investigations in many different directions, from molecular, cellular, behavioral, anatomical, and computational to more explorative types of research.

Scholarships and Funding

Students can seek funding through the College of Arts and Sciences, which awards various scholarships to both incoming students and those who are already attending the UO.

Undergraduate Scholarships

 

Academic Support

Students are strongly encouraged to maintain contact with their academic advisors to discuss their course of study and plan for their careers. Neuroscience majors can seek advising through Tykeson Hall.

Undergraduate Advising

Neuroscience News and Events

NEUROSCIENCE, PSYCHOLOGY - Neuroscience instructor Nicole Dudukovic has a unique insight into her students’ brains, at least when it comes to how they remember what they learn in class. She was recognized for her distinguished teaching with a Herman Faculty Achievement Award, which is presented to faculty who have made significant contributions to student learning at the University of Oregon.
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY, NEUROSCIENCE - Undergrad student Matthias De Kok shares his experience as a research assistant intern with Sleep & Health Applied Research Program Lab in Portland.
BIOLOGY - Judith Eisen, a biology professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, received the prestigious International Zebrafish Society George Streisinger Award for 2024, which recognizes senior investigators in zebrafish research who have made critical contributions to the advancement of the field.

All news »


Graduate Writing Webinar: Every Semester Needs a Plan
Jan9
Graduate Writing Webinar: Every Semester Needs a Plan Jan 9
Exploring the Dolomites Information Session
Jan9
Exploring the Dolomites Information Session Jan 9
Wrestling Jerusalem: A Film Screening and Conversation with the Artist
Jan9
Wrestling Jerusalem: A Film Screening and Conversation with the Artist Jan 9 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Women in Economics Club
Jan9
Women in Economics Club Jan 9 Allen Hall
Part-Time Job & Work-Study Fair
Jan15
Part-Time Job & Work-Study Fair Jan 15 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
gradCONNECT: Disabled and Neurodivergent Graduate Student Time Together
Jan21
gradCONNECT: Disabled and Neurodivergent Graduate Student Time Together Jan 21 Susan Campbell Hall
How to: Interview (Workshop)
Jan21
How to: Interview (Workshop) Jan 21 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Wine Chat: “Accompaniment with Im/migrant Communities”
Jan21
Wine Chat: “Accompaniment with Im/migrant Communities” Jan 21 Capitello Wines
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches)
Jan22
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches) Jan 22 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Catalysts for Impact Information Session
Jan23
Catalysts for Impact Information Session Jan 23 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)

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