B.S Neuroscience

Someone facing a digital screen with neurotransmitters placed on their head.

Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience at Tarleton State University 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, animal behavior, functional neuroanatomy, and neurophysiology.

To align with students’ diverse career goals, the Neuroscience major will offer four concentrations beginning in Fall 2027, each pairing a rigorous neuroscience foundation with the coursework needed for a specific graduate or professional pathway, within a standard four-year, 120-credit plan. Students will select from: General Neuroscience; Pre-Medicine; Pre-Physical Therapy/Pre-Occupational Therapy; or Cognitive-Behavioral Neuroscience.

Neuroscience Program Benefits

  • Hands-on experience with modern research techniques—human neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and behavioral assays
  • Direct faculty mentorship on active research projects, with opportunities to present at local, regional, and national conferences
  • Professional-school ready in four years. Complete all medical school (TMDSAS/MCAT) or physical therapy (DPT) prerequisites inside the 120-credit neuroscience degree, with no extra semesters.
  • Direct pipeline to Tarleton State’s own Doctor of Physical Therapy program, Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, and forthcoming Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program.
  • Curriculum emphasizing experimental design, data analysis, and lab-based collaboration
  • A Neuroscience minor available for students in Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, and more!
  • Graduates will pursue careers in healthcare, research, biotech, and education, or continue into medical, graduate, or professional schools

Courses

Visit the University Catalog

More About the Program

Tarleton State’s undergraduate neuroscience program launched in 2024 and has grown consistently every year, mirroring national demand: the number of neuroscience majors nationwide grew dramatically between 2008–09 and 2023. Beginning Fall 2027, the program’s four career-aligned concentrations make Tarleton State one of the few Texas universities with a formalized pre-medicine neuroscience pathway. Neuroscience students can pursue opportunities to participate in research using cutting-edge technologies under the supervision of faculty engaged in active research across a wide range of areas:

  • Alterations and Drug Adaptations in Physiology and Translational Neuroimaging (ADAPTiNg) Lab — effects of substance use on brain function — Dr. Tracy Brown
  • Applied Motor Control & Performance Lab — nervous system control of movement — Dr. Micheal Luera
  • SYNC Lab — social communication, development, and neuroimaging — Dr. David I. Leitman
  • The Sensory-Motor Neurointegration Lab (SMN) — interactions between the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system — Dr. Jesús Hernández-Sarabia

Together, these research opportunities can provide neuroscience students with hands-on experience using diverse approaches to study the brain and nervous system while preparing them for careers in research, healthcare, and related fields.

Offered Concentrations

Four concentrations, effective Fall 2027:

Video Overview

Learning Outcomes

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

Neuroscience Career Outcomes

  • Physician (MD/DO, after medical school)
  • Physical Therapist (DPT, after PT school)
  • Occupational Therapist (OTD, after OT school)

Neuroscience Admissions Requirements

  • Standard Tarleton State University freshman or transfer admission — no separate program application is required to declare the neuroscience major.
  • Students entering Fall 2027 or later declare one of the four concentrations with advising support.
  • Transfer coursework is evaluated individually for equivalency by the designated concentration advisor. [Confirm any GPA or additional criteria with Admissions.]

Credit for Prior Learning

Transfer students: prior coursework at other institutions is evaluated for equivalency on an individual basis by the designated concentration advisor.

Learn about Credit for Prior Learning

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

Program Flyer

B.S. in Neuroscience 2026-2027 program snapshot
Download Program Flyer (PDF)

Advising Guide

B.S Neurosciences 2026-2027 Advising Guide
View the Advising Guide (PDF)
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