Grand Valley State University

What you'll study

The Biopsychology programme focuses on how neural, genetic and physiological systems underlie cognition, emotion and behaviour. You follow a mix of core psychology courses and biology/neuroscience modules, with strong emphasis on empirical methods and laboratory work.

• Foundations: introductory psychology, developmental psychology and learning and cognition courses that provide a broad grounding in psychological theory.
• Biological core: courses such as biological bases of behaviour, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, psychopharmacology, and sensation and perception.
• Research methods and analysis: statistics for the behavioural sciences, experimental design, and laboratory methods including EEG, animal models or neuroimaging introductions where available.
• Advanced topics and electives: cognitive neuroscience, behavioural neuroendocrinology, clinical neuroscience, and specialised seminars on topics such as stress, neurodevelopmental disorders or substance use.
• Practical experience: supervised laboratory practica, independent research projects or honours capstone, and opportunities for internships or field placements in clinical and research settings.
• General education: complementary study across the liberal arts, including mathematics, biology and ethics to support interdisciplinary understanding.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification and meet the university's overall admission standards. Strong preparation in science and mathematics is recommended—courses in biology, chemistry and algebra or statistics will help you succeed in the major.

• Competitive academic record in secondary education with emphasis on science and quantitative subjects.
• Recommended prior study: biology and chemistry; additional coursework in mathematics or statistics is favourable.
• Personal statement or application materials that demonstrate interest in neuroscience, research or health-related fields are advantageous.
• Transfer students are typically assessed on college/university transcripts; students transferring from community colleges often bring introductory psychology and lab science credits.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Biopsychology degree have a range of career options in research, healthcare, education and industry. Many use the programme as preparation for postgraduate training; others move directly into applied roles.

• Research and laboratory roles: research assistant, laboratory technician, clinical research coordinator in academic or commercial settings.
• Healthcare-related careers: pre-professional pathways toward clinical psychology, psychiatry, occupational therapy, physician associate or medical school; roles such as behavioural health technician or rehabilitation support.
• Data and applied science: positions in data analysis, cognitive testing, bioinformatics support or roles in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.
• Education and outreach: science communication, teaching or public engagement roles that draw on knowledge of brain and behaviour.
• Further study: many graduates pursue postgraduate degrees (master’s or doctoral) in neuroscience, clinical psychology, counselling, or related disciplines.

Why study at Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley offers a strong undergraduate focus with opportunities for one-to-one mentorship and early involvement in faculty-led research. The department emphasises hands-on laboratory training and applied learning, helping students build practical skills valued by employers and graduate programmes.

• Opportunities for supervised undergraduate research and capstone projects that let you work alongside faculty researchers.
• Access to laboratory facilities and collaborations across biology, health sciences and psychology, including practicum and internship placements in the region.
• Small to mid-size class cohorts in upper-level courses to support close faculty interaction and personalised advising for career and graduate-school planning.
• Location advantages with campuses and clinical partners in the Allendale and Grand Rapids areas, offering diverse practicum and employment settings.