If you're considering a major in neuroscience, you're about to embark on a journey that will take you on an exhilarating ride through the mysteries of cognition, behavior, and beyond. But what can you do with a neuroscience degree?

In this blog, we’ll explore all the different paths you can take once you get your neuroscience degree, and shed light on what sets each path apart. 

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What is Neuroscience?

Simply put, neuroscience is the study of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and the intricate network of nerves throughout your body. It's all about understanding how our brains work, how they control our thoughts, emotions, movements, and everything else that makes us who we are.

Think about it—you're reading this because of your brain's incredible ability to process language, make decisions, and engage with the world. Neuroscience helps us understand the underlying mechanisms behind these processes. 

Many universities offer neuroscience as a major, allowing you to dive headfirst into this dynamic field. Imagine exploring topics like brain anatomy, neural networks, cognitive psychology, and even delving into the ethical questions that arise from our increasing knowledge of the brain.

What Can You Do With a Neuroscience Degree?

Whether you're curious about the roots of mental health, the mechanisms of memory, or the ways our brains adapt to new environments, neuroscience has something for you. 

A degree in neuroscience can open up a diverse range of options and career opportunities. Let’s take a look at some of the best paths you can take with a neuroscience degree:

The Academic Path: Professor or Researcher

What is it?

A world where you're not just a student but a torchbearer of knowledge. That's the essence of academia.

With your neuroscience degree, you can step into roles that span teaching, research, and the joy of expanding the frontiers of human understanding.

As an academic in neuroscience, you have a spectrum of roles to choose from:

1. Neuroscience Professor: Picture yourself in front of a classroom, sharing your expertise and igniting curiosity in the minds of future neuroscientists. You'll guide students through the intricacies of the brain, from anatomy to advanced research.
2. Research Scientist: Dive into the laboratory, where you'll explore uncharted territories of the brain. You could be studying disorders, developing new treatments, or contributing to groundbreaking discoveries.

What Sets it Apart?

If you're driven by a thirst for knowledge and a passion to contribute to the scientific community, academia offers an environment that thrives on your curiosity.

The satisfaction of mentoring students, the thrill of discovery, and the ability to influence the future of neuroscience are all part of the package.

The Journey

Start by excelling in your undergraduate degree. Then, pursue a graduate program (master's or PhD) to dive deeper into your chosen area of research.

As you delve into advanced studies, you'll develop expertise and skills that set you apart. Seek out opportunities for research assistantships, fellowships, and collaborations with established researchers to gain valuable experience.

Median Salaries

Professor (BLS): $79,640/yr

Research Scientist (Glassdoor): $108,366/yr

The Clinical Path: Neurologist or Neurosurgeon

What is it?

Imagine being at the forefront of understanding, diagnosing, and treating disorders of the nervous system. That's exactly what neurology and neurosurgery are all about.

As a neurologist, you'll focus on non-surgical treatments for neurological conditions, while a neurosurgeon takes on the surgical challenges of treating brain and spinal disorders.

What Sets it Apart?

If the opportunity to transform lives through science ignite your passion, then the world of neurology and neurosurgery could be your perfect fit. The chance to restore someone's mobility, alleviate their pain, or even save their life is both a rewarding privilege and a profound responsibility.

The Journey

After completing your degree, you'll move on to medical school to become a physician. From there, specialized training in neurology or neurosurgery awaits you, with fellowships and residencies designed to hone your skills.

Median Salaries

Neurologist (BLS): $224,260/yr

Neurosurgeon (Glassdoor): $399,260/yr

Neuropharmacology

What is it?

Beyond studying the brain's functions—you're unlocking its potential to heal and transform lives. That's the essence of neuropharmacology.

With your neuroscience degree as a foundation, you'll dive into the study of how drugs and compounds interact with the nervous system, paving the way for innovative treatments.

As a neuropharmacologist, your skills will be in high demand:

• Clinical Pharmacologist: You'll be at the forefront of testing new drugs and therapies in clinical trials, ensuring their safety and efficacy in treating neurological conditions.
• Medical Science Liaison: Bridge the gap between the scientific world and medical practice by providing healthcare professionals with up-to-date information on the latest advancements in neuropharmacology.

What Sets it Apart?

If the idea of contributing to cutting-edge medical breakthroughs excites you, then neuropharmacology offers a fulfilling path.

You'll be at the forefront of transforming scientific discoveries into tangible solutions, all while making a significant impact on patient lives.

The Journey

With a neuroscience degree, you’ll pursue graduate studies to gain specialized knowledge in the field. Seek out internships, research opportunities, and collaborations with pharmaceutical companies to gain hands-on experience.

Median Salaries

Clinical Pharmacologist (Glassdoor): $138,948/yr

Medical Science Liaison (Glassdoor): $193,020/yr

Neuropsychology

What is it?

With your neuroscience degree, you'll step into a realm where assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of cognitive deficits take center stage.

As a clinical neuropsychologist, you'll find a range of fulfilling roles: you’ll conduct detailed assessments to evaluate cognitive functions in individuals with brain injuries, disorders, or neurological conditions.

You'll also develop personalized treatment plans to help patients manage cognitive deficits and improve their quality of life.

What Sets This Path Apart?

If the idea of making a direct impact on individuals' lives by helping them navigate cognitive challenges resonates with you, then clinical neuropsychology offers a meaningful path.

You'll be the bridge between neuroscience and practical solutions that enhance the lives of those facing cognitive difficulties.

The Journey

Further your studies with a specialized program in clinical psychology or neuropsychology. Seek out internships, clinical experiences, and research opportunities to gain hands-on insights into the field.

Median Salaries

Neuropsychologist (Glassdoor): $129,169/yr

The Engineering Path: Neuroengineer

What is it?

With your neuroscience degree, you'll dive into a world where science fiction becomes reality through technological advancements.

As a neuroengineer, you'll combine neuroscience with engineering to develop technologies that interact with neural systems, such as neural prosthetics, deep brain stimulation devices, and brain-controlled robotics.

What Sets This Path Apart?

While other paths in neuroscience focus on research, diagnosis, or clinical care, neuroscience engineering stands out by channeling your passion for the brain into tangible solutions.

Instead of just understanding neurological conditions, you're actively developing devices that improve lives. 

You're designing brain-computer interfaces that empower individuals with disabilities, crafting neurotechnologies that reshape cognitive therapies, and paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries in artificial intelligence and neuroinformatics.

The Journey

Explore graduate programs or certifications in fields like biomedical engineering or neuroengineering. Seek out internships, research opportunities, and collaborations with tech companies to gain hands-on experience.

Median Salaries

Biomedical Engineer (BLS): $97,410/yr

Which path is right for you?

When considering which neuroscience path is right for you, it's important to reflect on your interests, strengths, and long-term goals. The field of neuroscience offers a diverse range of paths, each with its own unique focus and opportunities. 

Assess your passion for patient care, research, technology, or education, and explore the paths that align with your aspirations. Each path holds the promise of contributing to our understanding of the brain and making a positive impact, so take the time to weigh your options and choose the one that resonates most with your personal and professional goals.

If you’re unsure which path or university is the perfect for you, our expert strategists are here to help! Working with Crimson increases your chances of admission into your dream university by up to 7 times!