In Behavioral Neuroscience, I appreciated the diversity of topics—from neuronal signaling to neuroplasticity—and I found a lot of value in the research project at the end of the course. I enjoyed the hands-on experiences in lab, where I performed stereotaxic surgery and learned about neuroanatomy.
What You’ll Study in the Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience
Uncover the mysteries of human and animal cognition with the neuroscience major at Reed College. With the help of our expert professors, explore brain function by studying single neurons and analyzing complex cognitive phenomena. Build hands-on experience by working in our labs, and learn how to apply for grants to fund research. Gain the skills you need to begin a career or move on to a graduate program with a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from Reed.
Roadmap to the BA in Neuroscience at Reed
Understand the mechanics of the brain and the behavior it generates in humans and other animals with our neuroscience program. Take courses in biology and psychology while working in laboratories. The capstone of your college degree is a senior thesis, for which you conduct original research.
Year One
Begin Your Neuroscience Journey
Professors teach all of Reed’s courses, meaning your introductory classes are challenging and focused. Start building relationships with professors from your first biology and psychology courses so they can mentor you in future projects.
In addition, take our signature first-year course, Humanities 110. Learn how to think critically about the world’s culture and history, and build writing skills to serve you for the rest of your college years and beyond.
Year Two
Build Research Skills
Take your first neuroscience class, Behavioral Neuroscience, where you'll study brain anatomy, the nervous system, and more. Continue taking psychology and biology courses to build a solid foundation for your degree.
Apply your laboratory skills through fellowships and internships. Many neuroscience students take research positions during their summer breaks; some even help in labs during the school year. Reed offers grants and fellowships to help fund your activities.
Year Three
Take the Junior Qualifying Examination
As an upperclassman, you can select advanced courses that interest you. Choose from topics such as Health Psychology, Language and Thought, and Sensation and Perception.
In addition, prepare to take the junior qualifying exam, which has two parts. Write a comprehensive research proposal based on a paper topic in the research proposal portion. In the quantitative section, answer questions that showcase your knowledge of neuroscience. This exam ensures you are ready to take on the senior thesis.
Year Four
Write and Present Your Senior Thesis
The culmination of the neuroscience degree at Reed is the senior thesis. During this yearlong project, plan and execute a sustained research project. Then write and defend your work to demonstrate your understanding. You may have the opportunity to present your paper at local or national conferences or submit it for publication to prominent journals.
Why Study Neuroscience at Reed College?
Student Research Opportunities
Reed’s neuroscience program empowers you to push the boundaries of the field. Work closely with faculty or on independent projects to complete hands-on research. Join past Reed students who have pursued dozens of fascinating neuroscience projects and published papers in leading journals.
Explore Student Research Projects
History of Excellence
While neuroscience is a relatively new major at Reed College, our students and graduates have contributed to the field for decades. The longtime collaboration between our biology and psychology departments has made neuroscience an accessible and rewarding area of study for students.
Our distinguished alumni are a testament to the excellence nurtured here. Graduates have become respected professors, made groundbreaking discoveries, and received prestigious awards like the MacArthur Foundation’s “genius” award.
Careers for BA in Neuroscience Graduates
Reed neuroscience majors have strong research backgrounds that prepare them for graduate programs in neuroscience and related fields, such as medicine. Jobs held by alumni include the following:
- Animal biologist, National Institute on Aging
- Assistant professor of neurobiology and anatomy, The University of Utah
- Associate professor of biological sciences, Dartmouth College
- Emergency medicine resident, Bellevue Hospital
- Professor and director of the Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Willamette University
- Professor of biology, Brandeis University
- Professor of psychology, University of California, Davis
Achievements of Neuroscience Alumni
Our students go on to graduate and doctoral programs at prestigious institutions across the country and around the world, including the following:
- New York University
- Oregon Health & Science University
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, San Francisco
- The University of Chicago
- University of Oxford
- Washington University in St. Louis
My Favorite Courses
Christian Selden ’24
Neuroscience
Sara Helmstetter ’24
Neuroscience
In Sensation and Perception, I became fascinated with how sensory information from our surroundings is taken in and processed by our brains, allowing us to experience the world around us in real time.
Get to Know Our Neuroscience Faculty
Our professors bring passion and expertise to the classroom and laboratory. They specialize in topics such as behavioral genomics, neuronal differentiation, and perception and attention. Learn about their labs and look forward to working with them.
