Wartburg College

What you'll study

The programme blends core biological sciences with specialised neuroscience courses, practical laboratory work and independent research. Typical areas of study include cellular and molecular biology, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, behavioural and cognitive neuroscience, and neuropharmacology. Students take coursework in research design and biostatistics, laboratory techniques (including electrophysiology and microscopy where available), and ethics in neuroscience research.

• Foundations: general biology, chemistry (general and organic), physics, and calculus or statistics to build quantitative skills.
• Core neuroscience: introductory neurobiology, neuroanatomy, synaptic physiology, sensory systems and motor systems.
• Advanced topics: cognitive neuroscience, developmental neuroscience, neuropharmacology and systems neuroscience.
• Research and methods: experimental design, statistical analysis, lab practicums, and a capstone senior thesis or project based on faculty-mentored research.
• Complementary studies: psychology, computer science or data analysis, and courses that support communication skills for scientific audiences.

Program delivery emphasises small seminars, hands-on laboratory sessions, one-to-one mentoring with faculty, and opportunities for internships or clinical observation through local partnerships.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high-school diploma or equivalent. Successful candidates typically present a strong background in science and mathematics—courses such as biology, chemistry and algebra or precalculus are recommended. Wartburg College considers the whole application package, including academic transcript, recommendations and personal statement. Placement tests or introductory courses may be used to determine appropriate entry-level courses in chemistry, mathematics or foreign language.

Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and descriptions of prior science coursework; relevant lab experience or previous research is advantageous. Prospective students aiming for health-professions pathways are encouraged to consult pre-health advising early to plan prerequisite coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates are well prepared for a range of next steps. Many proceed to graduate study (MSc/PhD) in neuroscience, molecular biology or related fields, or pursue professional degrees in medicine, physician assistant studies, dentistry, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology. Others enter the workforce directly in roles such as research technician, laboratory assistant, clinical research coordinator, pharmaceutical or biotech technician, or science education and outreach.

The programme’s emphasis on quantitative skills, experimental design and communication also equips graduates for careers in data analysis, medical writing, regulatory affairs and health policy.

Why study at Wartburg College

Wartburg College offers a liberal-arts environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, which is advantageous for undergraduates pursuing laboratory-based research. The college’s science facilities support hands-on training and independent projects, and students have regular opportunities to work directly with faculty on mentored research that can be presented at conferences or form the basis of a senior thesis.

Students benefit from dedicated pre-health advising, relationships with regional hospitals and clinics for internships or observation, and opportunities to combine neuroscience study with complementary disciplines such as psychology, computer science and ethics. The college’s residential, student-centred setting supports collaborative learning and professional development for careers and further study in the neurosciences.