Research // Graduate Education // Undergraduate Education
Research
Neuroscience Institute
Facilitating scientific excellence, collaboration, education, and networking between neuroscientists at Penn State
The Penn State Neuroscience Institute provides oversight and coordination for neuroscience-related activities in education, research, patient care, and outreach while promoting an intellectual environment that enhances the interdisciplinary neuroscience educational experience from the undergraduate to postdoctoral levels.
Graduate Education
Neuroscience Ph.D Program
Probe the complexities of the nervous system from the standpoint of molecular research to clinical practice
The Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Neuroscience provides students with interdisciplinary training in diverse areas of neuroscience. Students conduct research alongside faculty members who are leaders in:
Molecular Neurobiology and Developmental Neuroscience
Cognitive Neuroscience and Behavioral Neurobiology
Neural Engineering
Systems Neuroscience
Neurobiology Emphasis Area, MCIBS Ph.D Program
Molecular and cellular approaches to elucidate the basic functions of neurons and neural networks
Neurons can last a lifetime and have highly complex anatomy and synaptic connections. This presents unique challenges for the development, function, and maintenance of nervous systems. Students in the Neurobiology emphasis area of the Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Biosciences Intercollege Graduate Degree Program utilize molecular, cellular, and genetic approaches to investigate key properties of neurons, neural networks, and the relationships between neuronal function and behavior.
Undergraduate Education
Neuroscience is an exciting and fast-growing field that helps us understand how the brain works, and how it communicates with the body and the external environment—from the smallest molecules in our cells to complex behaviors like thinking, learning, and feeling. As a student interested in neuroscience, you can explore how the brain controls everything from movement and memory to emotions and decision-making, while also learning how these processes are changed in conditions like anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, or Alzheimer’s Disease. This field blends life sciences, social and behavioral sciences, liberal arts, engineering and medicine, giving you the opportunity to integrate classroom knowledge with impactful real-world hands-on research while working closely with the world’s leading experts in neuroscience. Whether you're interested in becoming a doctor, therapist, scientist, researcher, or just want to understand how the mind works, studying neuroscience gives you the tools to explore big questions and make a real impact on health and society.
At Penn State, we have multiple paths to achieve your goal in neuroscience. Below are summaries of three majors with a focus in this area: Neurobiology B.S., Systems Neuroscience B.S., or Psychology, Neuroscience Option B.S. Click the links to explore each path in more depth.
Neurobiology B.S.
Deep understanding of structure, function and cognition
The Neurobiology program provides a focus on the structure and function of the brain and nervous system, and how they play a role in the physiological and cognitive processes in animals. Neurobiology includes study of the nervous system from the molecular, cellular, functional, evolutionary, computational, and medical perspectives. Hands-on experiences, from designing and conducting lab experiments to using different techniques and instruments to recording and analyzing data, play an important role in gaining neurobiology knowledge. Students may study many aspects of the nervous system, including its role in development, learning and memory, sleep, aging, addiction, autism, and stress. The degree prepares students for careers in research and health.
Systems Neuroscience B.S.
Exploring the connection between function and behavior
The Systems Neuroscience program provides an interdisciplinary foundation in the study of the nervous system. Students will explore how the brain and nervous system function at multiple levels, from molecules and cells to behavior, cognition, and disease. Core coursework covers fundamental principles of neuroscience, including cellular and molecular neurobiology, neuroanatomy, and neurophysiology, and how these principles apply to neural systems that govern processes ranging from sensation and movement to behavior and complex cognition. A special focus will be placed on understanding how neural systems are involved in neurological dysfunction and disorders. The Systems Neuroscience program is designed to promote scholarly and professional growth, which can open opportunities for students to participate in neuroscience research conducted by faculty at Penn State.
Psychology B.S., Neuroscience Option
The brain’s role in thought, behavior, and experience
The Psychology, Neuroscience Option is designed for students who want to learn about behavior, normal and abnormal, how it is studied, and its relation to applied areas. Students are encouraged to conduct research with members of the faculty and/or take a practicum in an applied setting. Graduates are equipped for various positions in human service agencies, industrial settings, or laboratories. Others go on to professional school, e.g., medical school, law school, or to continue their training in psychology working toward a master's or a doctoral degree.
