Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience: Systems, Behavior and Plasticity 

Study the human body’s nervous system and how it affects behavior with the Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience: Systems, Behavior and Plasticity in the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University. Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field that addresses neural and brain function at multiple levels. 

In the Neuroscience BS program, you’ll observe and participate in ongoing studies taking place on campus and at external research sites. You’ll also have access to state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to study fundamental brain processes, and learn to apply your knowledge and experience to the treatment of neuropathologies.

In your coursework, you’ll study 

  • brain anatomy and physiology;
  • brain development and aging;
  • cellular dynamics;
  • diseases of the brain;
  • molecular genetics; and
  • relations between the brain and human behavior and cognition.

Courses for the Neuroscience Major also focus on cell structure and function, cellular and molecular neuroscience, chemistry, cognitive neuroscience, and neurobiology. Small class sizes provide students with personal attention from faculty mentors as well as valuable networking opportunities with neuroscience experts. In addition, the Neuroscience Major allows you the flexibility to design a multidisciplinary curriculum that meets your specific area of interest and helps you gain experience in a diverse range of professional programs. 

Neuroscience majors are prepared for professional schools in the health sciences, such as medicine and dentistry, and graduate programs in biology, chemistry, psychology and more.  Graduates may also find their skills in demand in fields such as law and business where issues of public policy may require an understanding of brain sciences and human behavior.

A student wearing a white lab coat and goggles inspects some test tubes.

Classes & Curriculum

The Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience can be completed within four years of full-time study. The College of Liberal Arts requires students to take 123 credits to graduate, out of which 52- to 54-credits are required to be completed as a part of the Neuroscience major. This includes 25 credits in core Neuroscience courses, six to eight credits in electives on neuroscience topics from participating departments, and 21 credits of co-requisites courses in biology, chemistry and psychology.

Courses offered under this major include the following.

  • Cellular Neuroscience
  • Conducting Neuroscience Research
  • Development/Plasticity/Repair
  • Functional Neuroanatomy
  • Fundamentals of Neuroscience
  • General Chemistry
  • Statistics for Psychology
  • Techniques in Neuroscience
  • The Neurobiology of Disease

Students must complete a Capstone in Neuroscience course during their final semester. Students are also strongly encouraged to participate in research by taking courses in independent study as part of their elective credits. These opportunities are offered in several laboratories across Temple University’s colleges and schools. Neuroscience major students in the College of Liberal Arts also have the flexibility to pursue courses that fulfill the pre-med requirements.

Learn more about Neuroscience Major requirements.

Related Graduate Degrees

*College of Science and Technology 
**Lewis Katz School of Medicine
***College of Engineering

4+1 Accelerated Degree Program

The +1 Neuroscience: Systems, Behavior and Plasticity BS + Neuroscience: Systems, Behavior and Plasticity MS program offers outstanding Temple University Neuroscience majors the opportunity to earn both the BS and MS in just five years. Admission to the program is highly selective. The program is designed to provide a research-intensive experience, advanced coursework and professional development to students who intend to pursue doctoral studies in any of the academic neuroscience disciplines.

Learn more about accelerated programs in the College of Liberal Arts.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Science offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2023–2024 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $17,976.00 per year
Out-of-state: $32,376.00 per year

LA-NSCI-BS

Additional Program Information