University of Michigan

What you'll study

The curriculum provides a foundation in cellular and molecular biology, chemistry, physics and quantitative skills, then progresses to neuroscience-specific topics. Core modules typically include cellular and molecular neurobiology, systems and behavioural neuroscience, neuroanatomy, synaptic physiology, and cognitive and computational neuroscience. Students take laboratory courses that develop practical skills in microscopy, electrophysiology, behavioural assays and data analysis, together with coursework in statistics and programming to support modern neurobiology research.

Students may complete a research practicum or honours thesis with faculty in laboratories across campus, drawing on partnerships with clinical and engineering units. Elective options allow study in allied fields such as psychology, biomedical engineering, computer science, pharmacology and public health, enabling interdisciplinary pathways in neuroengineering, neuropharmacology, cognitive neuroscience and neural data science.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of Michigan is competitive and based on an overall record of strong secondary-school performance. Successful applicants usually present a rigorous programme of study that includes biology and chemistry, mathematics (including calculus where available), and physics. Evidence of laboratory experience, strong quantitative skills and enthusiasm for research or applied neuroscience strengthens an application.

For transfers or internal declaration into the neurobiology/neurosciences major, students normally need to complete introductory science and prerequisite courses with solid grades. International applicants must demonstrate equivalent academic preparation and English language proficiency as required by the university. Exact grade, test and portfolio requirements depend on the faculty and entry pathway, so applicants should consult the university admissions pages for specific guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a wide range of careers. Many continue to postgraduate study — PhD programmes in neuroscience, cognitive science or biomedical sciences, or professional degrees such as medicine, dentistry or related clinical training. Those entering the workforce find roles in academic and industrial research labs, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, medical technology and device firms, and clinical research organisations.

Other common career paths include clinical neuropsychology (with further training), science outreach and education, regulatory and policy roles, and data-intensive positions in neuroinformatics or machine-learning applications. The programme’s quantitative and laboratory training also prepares graduates for careers in healthcare analytics, consulting and science-adjacent business roles.

Why study at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan offers a large, well-resourced environment for undergraduate neuroscience study, with access to diverse faculty research in molecular, systems and cognitive neuroscience. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across departments and units, including opportunities to work with clinical researchers at the medical centre and engineers developing neural technologies.

Undergraduates have access to research laboratories, specialised facilities and structured mentorship, as well as extracurricular clubs and seminars focused on brain science. The breadth of courses and elective offerings enables individually tailored programmes that combine deep scientific training with quantitative and translational skills valued by employers and graduate programmes.