Colorado State University

What you'll study

This programme builds from core coursework in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics towards increasingly specialised neuroscience topics. Early years typically cover cellular and molecular biology, general chemistry and organic chemistry, introductory physics, calculus or statistics, and foundational laboratory techniques.

Upper‑division modules focus on the nervous system and its function and may include:

• Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience – neurocellular signalling, ion channels, synaptic transmission and neuronal development.
• Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience – neural circuits, sensory systems, motor systems and the biological bases of behaviour.
• Neurophysiology and Neuroanatomy – structure–function relationships across brain regions and physiological methods for measuring neural activity.
• Neuropharmacology and Neuroendocrinology – how drugs and hormones influence neural function and behaviour.
• Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience – perception, learning and memory, computational models and data analysis approaches.
• Research methods and laboratory practicum – experimental design, microscopy, electrophysiology basics, molecular techniques, animal and cellular models, and statistical analysis.
• Capstone or independent research – an independent project or senior thesis supervised by faculty, often carried out in a research lab.

Students are encouraged to complement coursework with electives in psychology, computer science, engineering, and mathematics to broaden quantitative and interdisciplinary skills. Many students also undertake undergraduate research, internships, or practicum experiences to gain applied skills.

Entry requirements

Admission is to Colorado State University with declaration of the neuroscience major typically during the first or second year after satisfying introductory prerequisites. Typical preparation includes a strong high‑school background in biology, chemistry and mathematics.

Successful applicants will usually have:

• High school diploma or equivalent with strong grades in science and maths.
• Completion of introductory courses in biology and chemistry; calculus or statistics is recommended.
• Demonstrated interest in laboratory science, shown through coursework, research, or extracurricular activities.

Admissions decisions consider overall academic record, coursework rigor and other aspects of the application. Specific GPA thresholds, test policies and prerequisite course lists are provided by the university and can vary; prospective students should consult CSU admissions and the neuroscience programme pages for current details.

Career prospects

Graduates with a bachelor’s in Neurobiology and Neurosciences have a broad range of options. Common paths include:

• Laboratory research and technical roles – research assistant or technician positions in university, hospital or industry labs working on molecular, cellular or systems neuroscience.
• Graduate and professional training – many graduates proceed to PhD programmes in neuroscience, biology or related fields, or to professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, or physician assistant programmes.
• Biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry – roles in drug discovery, clinical research coordination, regulatory affairs or quality control.
• Clinical and allied health careers – with additional training, opportunities include clinical neuropsychology, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and rehabilitation sciences.
• Data science and computational roles – applying quantitative and programming skills to neural data analysis, machine learning or bioinformatics.
• Science communication, education and policy – teaching, outreach, public health, or policy roles that benefit from a neuroscience background.

Undergraduate research experience, internships and strong quantitative skills increase competitiveness for both employment and postgraduate study.

Why study at Colorado State University

Colorado State University offers a neuroscience curriculum that emphasises hands‑on research, interdisciplinary training and access to active faculty laboratories. Undergraduates can work directly with researchers on projects spanning molecular neuroscience, systems physiology, behaviour and computational approaches.

Students benefit from well‑equipped laboratories and core facilities, opportunities for collaboration across departments (biology, psychology, biomedical sciences, engineering and computer science), and support for undergraduate research and presentations. The university’s location provides connections to regional hospitals, biotech firms and research institutes, facilitating internships and applied experiences.

Overall, the programme is well suited to students seeking rigorous scientific training with clear routes into research, graduate study or careers in health, industry and technology that draw on an understanding of the nervous system.