Do you think about how people think?
UMW’s interdisciplinary minor in neuroscience deepens your understanding of the brain and nervous system. Learn how nerves form networks and how these connections control behavior. Explore stress, memory, psychiatric disorders, and all the varied mysteries surrounding the human mind. The neuroscience minor is particularly useful to psychology and biology majors, helping them stay aware of scientific progress and prepare for emerging career opportunities and graduate programs in neuroscience or psychobiology.
Areas of Study
UMW’s minor program in neuroscience, pairing the studies of biology and psychology, explores the intricacies of the brain and nervous system and how they work together to control behavior. The program consists for course in cellular biology, neurobiology, cognitive neuroscience, biological psychology, and psychopharmacology.
Career Opportunities
The neuroscience minor is a good fit for those interested in a psychiatric healthcare career, especially psychiatry, pharmacology, psychiatric mental health nursing, clinical psychology, or cognitive rehabilitation. Advances in neural imaging technology, molecular genetics, and bioinformatics – along with growing interest in psychiatric disorders, traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, and Alzheimer’s – are growing demand for professionals trained in neuroscience. The study of neuroscience, even without an advanced degree, can lead to a career in pharmaceuticals, health education, forensic science, residential counseling, and many other exciting fields.
Internships
The Department of Psychological Science, which hosts UMW’s neuroscience minor, offers internships at such area organizations as Autism Outreach Inc., Empowerhouse, Fredericksburg Counseling Services, Mental Health America of Fredericksburg, the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board, and many others. A complete list can be found through the Department of Psychological Science.
Psi Chi is the International Honor Society in psychology, the department that hosts UMW’s minor in neuroscience. Membership is open to graduate and undergraduate men and women. A member of the Association of College Honor Societies and an affiliate of the American Psychological Association and the American Psychological Society, Psi Chi provides academic recognition of its inductees through membership, fosters creative development, augments and enhances the regular curriculum, provides practical experience and fellowship, and offers regional conventions, research award competitions, and certificate recognition programs. For details, visit Psi Chi’s website, or contact a Psi Chi officer.
The neuroscience minor at UMW requires 17 credits, including four credits each of cellular biology and neurobiology, and three credits each of cognitive neuroscience, biological psychology, and psychopharmacology.
The Department of Psychological Science, which hosts UMW’s neuroscience minor program, offers scholarships to qualified students. The Office of Financial Aid also keeps a complete list of all scholarships available to UMW students.