What Can You Do with a Neuroscience Degree?

Neuroscience is a subsection of biology. This specialized subject is based all around the human brain and peripheral nervous system. A neurologist studies many different topics relating to the brain, including how it performs cognitive tasks, the different systems and structures which form the brain, and how a person’s nervous system works.

Even though it is a specialized area of biology, there are plenty of people who pursue a neuroscience degree. This guide will help to explain why that is the case. Read on for more information about why you should study for a degree in neuroscience, and the type of career paths available following graduation.

Should I become a neuroscience major?

If you want to study neuroscience, you must have a strong passion for science – and a particular focus on the human body. If you also want to play an important role in helping humans develop and improve their health, neuroscience careers can make that a reality.

Regarding the latter point, a neuroscientist often examines health and development issues that originate in the brain. These can include Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Down syndrome, brain tumors, schizophrenia, addiction, and ADHD. Due to clinically researching major health problems like these, neuroscientists can play an essential role in improving people’s lives.

Even though neuroscience is relatively new when compared to other types of medical sciences, it is evolving at a rapid pace. It has even developed numerous niche subfields, including neurolinguistics, electrophysiology, and neuroendocrinology. The way neuroscience is developing means it is a great industry to enter in terms of emerging career opportunities.

What can I do with a neuroscience degree?

Despite being a specialized area of science, a neuroscience degree can lead to a wide variety of different career opportunities. These job roles are not simply restricted to the health sector, either. A background in neuroscience can even help you to find work in sectors like business and law, government, and consulting.

The following examples will show a small number of jobs with a neuroscience degree that is available.

Neuroscientist

The most obvious route to take with your degree, of course, is to move into a neuroscientist role. This essentially expands on your studies when earning your degree, putting it into a practical situation and helping to develop solutions to various health issues relating to the brain.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that, in 2019, medical scientists, in general earned an average annual salary of $88,790. Between 2019 and 2029, the job outlook for this role is also projected to grow by 6%

Clinical psychologist

Clinical psychologists observe, interpret, and recording how individuals relate to each other and their environments. This is done by studying social, emotional, and cognitive processes, and the findings are used to improve behaviors and processes. With a neuroscience degree, you can specialize in psychology that revolves around behavioral neuroscience.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that psychologists received a median wage of $80,370 in 2019. This profession is also anticipated to grow by 3% between 2019 and 2029.

Social worker

A social worker is responsible for helping patients to resolve and cope with problems affecting their everyday lives. This might not seem the most logical career path with your neuroscience degree. However, a neuro background can help in understanding specific problems affecting neurological patients.

In 2019, a social worker was rewarded with an average yearly wage of $50,470. While this isn’t one of the top examples of a neuroscientist salary, it is a role that is in high demand across the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 13% growth in demand for social workers between 2019 and 2029 – which could bring about a further 90,700 jobs in this field.

How do I decide on a college?

Unlike other subjects that fall under science, not every college is going to offer a neuroscience program. While this automatically helps to narrow down your choices, there’s still plenty to ponder when opting for the right place to study.

The program itself is going to be a major factor, of course. Other important elements include location and living costs. One point you should never overlook is the college’s campus. You want a campus that delivers comfort and promotes positive study.

Yet you’re not going to find out any negative aspects about a campus from the college itself, or those small details like the best food joints in the area. There’s only one place where you can enjoy that type of information: CampusReel.

CampusReel is built on student contributions. The platform boasts over 15,000 videos produced by students across the country, all on-site at their campus where they reveal all you need to know about dorm rooms, societies, laundry facilities, and so much more.

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