Neuroscience, B.S.

The Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Saint Louis University is an interdisciplinary program that employs the tools and perspectives of biology, psychology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, philosophy and medicine to achieve a better understanding of brain structure, function and behavior.

A degree in neuroscience places SLU students in an excellent position to address the basic science of brain function. It offers many possibilities for applications within medicine, science and industry. Saint Louis University's neuroscience major offers courses that further the understanding of psychiatric, neurological and developmental disorders with the goal of developing innovative treatment options through basic and applied research.

Neuroscience is an appropriate major for students planning to continue their postgraduate education in neuroscience or related professional fields.

Program Highlights

• SLU provides a genuinely interdisciplinary degree in neuroscience.
• Neuroscience is a growing field, with new initiatives to develop innovative technologies to foster a better understanding of brain function.
• SLU's neuroscience program offers a rigorous and interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizing pre-professional training.

Curriculum Overview

Courses in SLU's neuroscience major include lectures, seminars and laboratory experiences. The curriculum includes four core neuroscience courses: Introduction to Neuroscience: Molecular, Cellular and Systemic; Introduction to Neuroscience: Behavioral and Cognitive; a neuroscience lab course; and a neuroscience seminar in the senior year.

Additionally, students are required to take related courses from the biology department and from the psychology department and courses in chemistry, physics, mathematics and philosophy. Students must also complete SLU's University Undergraduate Core requirements.

Neuroscience students are required to complete a capstone learning experience consisting of several options, including research, practica or advanced coursework, all of which are designed to provide the opportunity to integrate coursework with an active learning experience and to give students exposure to the breadth of the field of neuroscience and the potential for understanding its applications in the real world.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

SLU's neuroscience program features opportunities for research through existing collaborations with the biology and psychology departments and the Institute for Translational Neuroscience.

Careers

Graduates with a B.S. in neuroscience have a strong outlook for future employment. They will be able to find work in industries such as medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, education, computer science and artificial intelligence.

An undergraduate degree in neuroscience from Saint Louis University provides a solid base for students interested in attending graduate school, medical school or working in psychology, biology, chemistry, physics, biomedical engineering, law, medicine or philosophy.

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. 

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken post-secondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
• Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

1. Graduates will be able to identify core concepts of neuroscience.
2. Graduates will be able to synthesize information to formulate hypotheses, design experiments and engage in scientific research.
3. Graduates will be able to communicate neuroscientific information in a clear, reasoned manner, both verbally and in writing.
4. Graduates will have the foundation to successfully pursue post-baccalaureate education and/or professional careers.

Neuroscience students must complete a minimum total of 70 credits for the major.

Biology Elective Courses 

Students must take a one-credit biology lab to be selected from courses with the "Neuroscience - Biology Lab" attribute.

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Biology Lab Course

​Psychology Elective Courses

Anthropology Elective Courses

Pre-Professional Health

Students taking a pre-professional health curriculum will be required to complete additional course requirements for medical or other professional schools as outlined by the pre-professional health studies program.

Non-course Requirements

All majors are required to participate in first-year mentoring.

Continuation Standards

Students must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in the following required major courses by the conclusion of two semesters at Saint Louis University:

Students who fall below a 3.00 GPA will be placed on program probation. In order to continue as a neuroscience major after four semesters at Saint Louis University, students must obtain at least a 3.00 GPA in the following required major courses:  

Transfer students will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Graduation Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses numbered below 1000).
• Complete the University Undergraduate Core curriculum requirements.
• Complete major requirements: minimum of 30 credits required.
• Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate or electives to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
• Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s), and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate or related elective credits.
• Complete department- and program-specific academic and performance requirements.
• Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through Saint Louis University or an approved study-abroad program.
• Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Saint Louis University or an approved study-abroad program.
• Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Traditional Track

Pre-Professional Health Track