Eastern Michigan University

What you'll study

This programme builds a foundation in cellular and molecular biology, human anatomy and physiology, and experimental methods before moving into neuroscience‑specific subjects. Early coursework typically covers general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, calculus or statistics, and introductory physics. Core neurobiology modules examine neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, cellular and molecular neuroscience, synaptic transmission, developmental neuroscience and sensory systems.

Practical laboratory work is a significant component: you will gain experience in microscopy, electrophysiology basics, behavioural assays, molecular techniques such as PCR and Western blotting, and data analysis using common scientific software. Seminars on neuroethics, neuropharmacology and neurological disorders (e.g. stroke, epilepsy, neurodegenerative disease) are usually included.

The degree encourages interdisciplinary learning with elective options or cross‑listed courses in psychology, cognitive science, kinesiology, computer science (for computational neuroscience and data analysis) and chemistry. Independent study and a senior capstone or honours thesis option let students design and complete a research project under faculty supervision.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Successful applicants typically present strong secondary school preparation in biology and chemistry, and mathematical competence demonstrated by completion of algebra and preferably precalculus or calculus; courses in physics and computer science are advantageous.

Admission decisions are based on a combination of academic preparation and GPA, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement outlining interest in neuroscience. Transfer students must provide college transcripts and may need to satisfy specific prerequisite coursework. International applicants must show proof of academic equivalency and English proficiency through recognised tests or institutional pathways.

Some students begin in a general biology track and declare the neurobiology/neurosciences major after completing prerequisite courses; academic advising and placement testing help establish appropriate first‑year course plans.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a broad range of career paths. Many pursue further study — medical school, physician assistant programmes, graduate programmes (MSc/PhD) in neuroscience, neurobiology, pharmacology or related fields — to work in research, clinical practice or academia. The programme also prepares students for roles in biomedical and pharmaceutical industries, clinical research coordination, laboratory technologist positions, scientific writing, and regulatory affairs.

Other career options include neurorehabilitation support roles, mental health and neurodevelopmental services (often requiring additional professional qualifications), science education and outreach, and emerging areas such as neurotechnology and neural data analysis. The quantitative and laboratory skills developed in the degree are also transferable to careers in data science, biotechnology sales, and public health.

Why study at Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University offers a learning environment with relatively small class sizes and accessible faculty, which supports personalised mentoring and undergraduate research opportunities. The Department of Biology collaborates across disciplines — notably psychology, kinesiology and computer science — enabling an interdisciplinary approach to neuroscience topics.

Students benefit from hands‑on training in campus laboratories and the chance to work on faculty research projects. EMU’s location near Ann Arbor and Detroit provides access to medical centres, industry partners and internship opportunities that enhance clinical and applied experiences. Advising, career services and active student organisations in the natural sciences help students plan postgraduate study or professional pathways, and the programme emphasises experiential learning to prepare graduates for both research and applied careers in neuroscience.