Curriculum

Clinical Neuroscience

The Clinical Neuroscience major is designed for students planning to pursue careers in health-related professions, including medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physician assistant programs, physical therapy, and nursing. Most students in this major are on a pre-med track. The  curriculum was developed with direct input from several medical schools in Virginia to ensure strong alignment with the academic and professional expectations of those programs.  This major consistently sees more students accepted into medical school than any other at Virginia Tech.

The coursework provides a comprehensive understanding of the genetic, cellular, and molecular mechanisms underlying neurological diseases and disorders, while also emphasizing how these discoveries translate into clinical care. The curriculum is a  carefully prescribed sequence of courses and limited elective options to ensure students remain on track for competitive health professional programs. Students in this major will explore the biological basis of disease, diagnostic reasoning, and the societal role of healthcare, all within a neuroscience framework.

Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience

The Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience major is the most flexible of the neuroscience degree options and is ideal for students interested in how the brain gives rise to behavior, decision-making, and complex mental processes. This major brings together biological, cognitive, and behavioral perspectives to explore topics such as memory, language, mood, sleep, learning, perception, and attention.

Students examine how brain function shapes individual and social behavior and consider how neuroscience contributes to our understanding of mental health, human interaction, and society. The curriculum provides strong overlap with interests typically found in psychology, while maintaining a clear foundation in the biological sciences.

Because of its broad scope and adaptability, this major supports a wide range of future goals—including graduate study in psychology, behavioral or cognitive neuroscience, as well as careers in law, public health, business, education, and policy. Its flexibility makes it a strong choice for students who want to keep multiple pathways open while building a solid foundation in both neuroscience and the study of behavior.

Computational and Systems Neuroscience

The Computational and Systems Neuroscience major is designed for students interested in understanding the brain through data-driven, mathematical, and systems-level approaches. This interdisciplinary major combines neuroscience, computer science, mathematics, and engineering to explore how complex neural systems function—and how they can be modeled, analyzed, and interpreted.

Students in this major study how the brain processes information, controls behavior, and generates cognition by using computational tools to interpret large datasets and simulate neural activity. They also examine how these methods can be applied to real-world challenges, including neurological disease, brain-computer interfaces, and the development of artificial intelligence.

This major is especially well suited for students who enjoy quantitative reasoning and want to explore cutting-edge fields such as AI, machine learning, neuroengineering, and human-computer interaction. Coursework emphasizes the development of strong skills in mathematics, statistics, and computer programming, alongside training in neural systems and cognitive processes.

Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in research, data science, AI development, biomedical technology, or for continuing on to graduate or professional school in a wide range of disciplines.

Neuroscience

The Neuroscience major is designed to provide students with a broad and customizable path through the field, making it well suited for those who want to explore diverse areas of neuroscience. It is especially appropriate for students planning to pursue graduate school, remain in academia, or build a career in research.

The Neuroscience major emphasizes the biological and molecular foundations of the nervous system, while allowing students to tailor their coursework to match their interests and long-term goals. This major is a good choice for pre-med and other pre-health students seeking a strong foundation in neuroscience while seeking flexibility in coursework.

Because of the increased flexibility in course selection, students in the Neuroscience major often have more time to participate in undergraduate research. Many work in research laboratories where they engage in discovery, contribute to ongoing studies, and gain valuable hands-on experience. These opportunities not only reinforce core concepts but also help open doors to future academic and professional pathways.

The Neuroscience major is highly flexible and well-suited for students interested in pursuing any aspect of neuroscience as a career.