B.S Neuroscience

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Overview

Tarleton State University’s Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the biological, psychological, chemical, physical, and computational foundations of the nervous system. Designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers and graduate programs, the Neuroscience major equips students with core competencies in brain function, behavior, and research methodology. The degree program consists of required foundational neuroscience courses, along with upper-level electives in areas such as neuropharmacology, neuroethology, functional neuroanatomy, and neurophysiology.
Students in the BS in Neuroscience program gain hands-on experience with modern research techniques including human neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and behavioral assays. Many work directly with faculty on active research projects and have the opportunity to present at local, regional, and national conferences. The curriculum emphasizes practical application and scientific inquiry, providing valuable exposure to experimental design, data analysis, and lab-based collaboration.
This program also offers a Neuroscience minor for students in related disciplines such as biology, computer science, and engineering. Neuroscience graduates go on to pursue careers in healthcare, research, biotech, and education or continue their studies in medical, graduate, or professional schools. With strong faculty mentorship, cutting-edge lab experiences, and a future-facing curriculum, the BS in Neuroscience at Tarleton State University prepares students to meet the demands of one of today’s fastest-growing scientific fields.

Program Benefits

  • Expand your understanding of neurobiology through a varied curriculum
  • Make discoveries in hands-on laboratory classes
  • Collaborate with faculty on research projects
  • Present your research at conferences
  • Work as a teaching or research assistant, or as a tutor

Courses

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More About the Program

Research Spotlight:

Dr Amber Harris Bozer. The Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychophysiology lab led by Dr. Amber Harris Bozer is focusing on their NIH-funded study (1R15NS137286-01A1) which aims to uncover how this brain processes the sensory and emotional dimensions of chronic pain using EEG. This team will create a comprehensive, cortex-wide EEG profile of pain perception in a very large sample of participation with chronic knee osteoarthritis. Students on the team are learning how to collect EEG data using a 256-electrode system, process EEG data, compute statistical analyses, generate figures, present data at academic conferences, and more. The study addresses a gap in pain neuroscience using a methodologically rigorous approach, offering new insights into the neural underpinnings of pain. Student Spotlight: Sierra Washington. Sierra will join the Neural Health Research Laboratory at Syracuse University as a Graduate Assistant, where she will begin her doctoral training in motor neuroscience. This research group focuses on understanding the neural control of movement and how these mechanisms adapt with aging and/or physical training. Using advanced neurrophysiocological techniques- including brain stimulation, functional neuroimaging, and nerve conduction studies- the team investigates strategies to reduce fall risk in older adults through targeted physical activity interventions and improved diagnostic methodologies. Sierra will contribute to ongoing research development while expanding her expertise in neruomechanics and applied translational science. During her time at Tarleton State University, Sierra served as a Graduate Assistant in the Human Performance Laboratory, where she played a central role in numerous studies and contributed to over 20 abstracts and poster presentations at local, regional and national conferences. She is currently preparing multiple peer-reviewed manuscripts based on findings from both independent and collaborative projects. Sierra's recent accolades include 1st place award at the South-Central Society of Biomechanics conference and a 2nd place finish in the Graduate Student Poster Presentation category at the REID Annual Research Symposium. As she transitions into the next stage of her academic career, Sierra will continue to develop as a dynamic researcher in the field of movement neuroscience. Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Jesus Hernandez-Sarabia runs our the Sensory-Motor Neurointegration Laboratory (SMN) that investigates the interactions between the sensory-motor nervous system and the musculoskeletal system in neurotypical and neurodivergent populations. He investigates the neural mechanisms that enable sensory-to-motor transformations for purposeful movements and examines the impact of exercise on these mechanisms. Our lab employs a range of powerful, non-invasive experimental techniques, including brain imaging, peripheral nerve stimulation and electromyography.

Video Overview

Learning Outcomes

  • Synthesize knowledge of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry, and neuropharmacology from the cellular to the systemic level. (knowledge outcome)
  • Perform research techniques such as electrophysiology, neuroimaging, behavioral analysis, and statistical analysis as these techniques apply to knowledge of neuroscience. (skill outcome)
  • Develop practical lab skills that involve evaluating neuroscience literature, designing experiments, and conducting experiments through independent or supervised research. (skill outcome)

Career Outcomes

  • Research Assistant or Laboratory Technician: Conducts experiments, collects and analyzes data, and supports neuroscience research in university, hospital, or biotech labs.
  • Clinical Research Coordinator: Oversees and manages medical studies and clinical trials, ensuring compliance with protocols and regulatory standards.
  • Pharmaceutical or Medical Device Sales Representative: Uses neuroscience knowledge to communicate the benefits of medical products to healthcare providers and drive sales.

Admissions Requirements

  • Minimum 2.5 GPA
  • High school Degree, or equivalent
  • (Tarleton State University Standard requirements)

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

Program Flyer

B.S in Neuroscience Flyer
Download Program Flyer (PDF)

Advising Guide

B.S Neurosciences 2025-2026 Advising Guide
View the Advising Guide (PDF)
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