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Neuroscience

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

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What is Neuroscience?

Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system and brain function at many levels. These levels include information processing, systems and integrative physiology, and behavior. Our neuroscience curriculum combines the study of molecular and cellular biology with neuroscience, neurophysiology, neurochemistry, and neuropathology.

Neuroscience looks at the causes of a variety of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, from brain cancer to epilepsy. It also teaches how to develop biomedical treatments for them. We'll encourage you to take part in faculty-led research programs in many areas. Examples include sensory processing, neuroendocrinology, physiology of neurons and glia, regeneration, and cell signaling.

Neuroscience majors become physicians, therapists (physical, speech, and language), pharmaceutical or neurodiagnostic technicians, policymakers, and scientists with pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies, universities, and government agencies.

Career Options

  • Physician
  • Physical Therapist
  • Speech Therapist
  • Clinical Research Assistant
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Genetic Counselor
  • Physician’s Assistant
  • Professor
  • Pharmacist
  • Research Scientist
  • Neuropsychologist

Post-Graduation Success1

Insufficient survey data is available for employment information.

Insufficient survey data is available for grad school attendance.

Insufficient survey data is available for average starting annual income.

Sample employer destinations: Insufficient survey data is available for sample employer destinations.

Sample grad school destinations: Insufficient survey data is available for sample grad school destinations.

Program Resources

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Strong math and science coursework and performance
  • Calculus preferred (if available at high school)
  • Biology and chemistry preferred (if available at high school)
  • Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the major 

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Guide

Graduation & Retention2

Years to degree: N/A

First-Year retention rate: N/A

Four-year graduation rate: N/A

Six-year graduation rate: N/A

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $17,866
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,222
  • Total: $41,016

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $36,986
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses:$18,562
  • Total: $60,476

International

  • Tuition: $39,434
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,562
  • Total: $62,924

Related Majors

1 Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

2 Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

3 "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.

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