Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

What you'll study

The Biopsychology programme integrates core psychology with biological sciences to explore how neural, hormonal and genetic processes underlie behaviour. You will take foundational courses in general psychology, biological psychology, and abnormal psychology alongside biology, chemistry and statistics. Typical modules include:

• Introduction to Psychology: survey of major psychological domains and research methods.
• Research Methods & Statistics in Psychology: experimental design, data analysis and interpretation, often using statistical software.
• Biopsychology / Neuroscience: structure and function of the nervous system, neural signalling, sensory systems and motor control.
• Cognitive Neuroscience: neural bases of cognition, perception, memory and attention.
• Physiological Psychology / Psychopharmacology: effects of drugs on behaviour, neurotransmitter systems and behavioural pharmacology.
• Developmental Neuroscience: brain development across the lifespan and implications for behaviour.
• Laboratory Courses: hands-on lab work in behaviour, neurobiology techniques and psychophysiological measurement.
• Capstone / Senior Research Project: independent research under faculty supervision, culminating in a written thesis or project presentation.
• Internship / Practicum: applied placements in research labs, healthcare settings or community agencies to gain practical experience.

The programme emphasises small-class instruction, active learning and opportunities to participate in faculty-led research. Elective options let you tailor your degree toward clinical, cognitive, health or molecular perspectives.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Recommended academic preparation includes biology, chemistry and mathematics (algebra or calculus) plus coursework in writing and social sciences. Admissions considers the overall secondary-school record, letters of recommendation and a personal statement describing interest in biopsychology.

Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and may receive credit for previous coursework in psychology, biology, chemistry or statistics. Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate English proficiency through accepted tests or institutional pathways.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Biopsychology degree have a range of career options in both applied and research settings. Typical roles include research assistant in academic or industry labs, behavioural health technician, laboratory technician, clinical research coordinator and community support or case-management positions. The programme also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in psychology, neuroscience, counselling, occupational therapy, physician assistant programmes or medical school.

Employers value the combination of laboratory skills, statistical literacy and psychological knowledge. Through internships and faculty collaborations, many students gain practical experience that supports entry into healthcare, education, public health, biotech and research sectors.

Why study at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Saint Mary’s offers a close-knit learning environment with small class sizes and accessible faculty who engage undergraduates in research and applied projects. The university’s liberal arts setting encourages interdisciplinary study, so biopsychology students can pair neuroscience with courses in biology, philosophy or health sciences.

Students benefit from campus laboratory facilities, supervised practicum placements in nearby clinical and research settings, and opportunities to present research at conferences. The university’s emphasis on experiential learning and mentorship helps prepare graduates for both immediate employment and competitive applications to graduate programmes.