Frequently Asked Questions

If an accepted student has an extenuating circumstance, the director of admissions will review their case for a major change from May 1 - June 1 for freshman applicants and from June 1 – June 5 for transfer applicants through a formal appeal process. Students should send an email to appchange@vt.edu. Major changes will not be considered prior to May 1.

You can change your major during major change windows at the end of each term. Simply request an appointment with a Neuroscience advisor to discuss the process.

"Absolutely! We are housed in Sandy Hall which is located on the drillfield (210 Drillfield Drive). Please email  Sarah Bechtel with advance notice to set up a visit. You can also reach out to Mohammad Sabbagh to schedule a 1 on 1 shadow with one of our current student ambassadors." 

Yes, Biological Sciences students can double major with Neuroscience. Schedule an appointment with an advisor to discuss your plan of study.

Each of the majors is different depending on what career path you wish to enter. For example, Clinical Neuroscience is a good major for those pursuing medical careers. The four majors are established to streamline advising and to help students better focus on an area of interest within the field of Neuroscience. For more information on the majors, see our Curriculum.

Yes, though specific resources vary by course. For non-NEUR courses at the introductory level, the Student Success Center offers tutoring services. For NEUR courses, students should reach out to their professors and/or other students. For general inquiries about on-on-one tutoring services, email neuroadvising@vt.edu and an advisor will be able to refer you to Neuroscience tutors.

All students with disabilities are urged to visit Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)

Many of our faculty are active in research. The best way to find undergraduate research opportunities is to visit our research areas page and come up with a list of faculty you’d be interested in. Students can email these faculty and ask if there are any spots available. Securing a research opportunity is an informal process so seek advice from an advisor if you need help.

The breakdown for suggested courses to take for each semester and school year changes acording to the major you have selected. Please check our Curriculum.   

The answer depends on what courses you have done in the past year/s. Since every student is different, it is best to consult with an advisor.

Neuroscience and psychology are two very distinct fields. Neuroscience focuses on the nervous system, which can include the brain structure and functions at the molecular and cellular level and how the brain affects behavior, cognition, diseases, and more. Psychology is the study of behavior. Students in the Neuroscience program are required to build a strong mathematical and scientific foundation.

 If you are planning to visit Virginia Tech and would like to shadow a Neuroscience student or to speak with one, email neuroadvising@vt.edu with advanced notice (at least two weeks before visiting) and we will be able to honor your request.