Behavioral Neuroscience Major

Serve others by discovering how the brain works.

Study how our thoughts, feelings, and actions connect to our nervous system by combining psychology, chemistry, biology, and math. Get hands-on experience studying the brain through labs and collaborative research. In the Behavioral Neuroscience program, you'll learn to approach the human experience with compassion and integrity. This program offers exciting learning opportunities that will prepare you for your future career or graduate studies.

Degree Snapshot

Undergraduate - Bachelor's

Degree Types: BA

Program Credits: 124

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What will I learn?

Through Houghton’s Behavioral Neuroscience Major, you will:

Discover connections between the brain and nervous system and how they impact our thoughts, feelings and choices
Pull together important concepts from social, developmental, and clinical psychology, biology, chemistry and mathematics.
Engage in labs and collaborative projects
Use state of the art equipment for data collection
Test theories by experimenting in the laboratory and in the world
Gain hands-on experience and develop research skills
Collaborate with faculty on research projects

Why study Behavioral Neuroscience at Houghton?

Hands-on Experience & Research

Conduct brain and spinal cord dissections while collecting real-time data using advanced tools like the 64-channel EEG system, EMG, EKG, and EOG. You'll develop as a researcher by formulating your own questions and designing experiments to find answers. Working alongside faculty and peers on laboratory and online research could lead to publications in peer-reviewed journals or presentations at conferences and symposiums.

Personalized Mentorship

In the Behavioral Neuroscience program you’ll have the opportunity to work one on one with your professors. Professors will help you develop critical thinking and content mastery. They will encourage your growth and development along your career path as you pursue God’s calling for your life. This includes feedback on written and oral communication, support with research, personalized course selection and mentorship.

Christian Worldview Focus

Learn about behavioral neuroscience through a Christian lens at Houghton, where faculty integrate their faith into teaching and research. Your professors will nurture both your academic and spiritual growth, engaging you in thoughtful Biblical discussions about fundamental questions in the field. Together you'll explore complex issues like the relationship between mind and neurons, and how Christian beliefs shape our approach to supporting those facing emotional and behavioral challenges.

Courses & Degree Requirements

Popular Courses

PSY 354 Brain and Behavior

Discover connections between the brain, nervous system, and physiology, and how that impacts behavior. This includes brain basis of sensation, emotion, aggression, learning, communication and mental disorders.

BIOL 355 Introduction to Neurobiology

This class gives an overview of neurobiology. You will study action potentials, synaptic transmission, sensory and motor transduction, anatomy and development, memory and learning, and aging and disease.

PSY 301 Psychology of Personality

Learn about what makes up a normal personality - including how it develops, changes, and what shapes it. You'll study how to measure and understand different personality types. The course focuses on modern theories and the latest research in personality psychology.