B.A. in Women & Gender Studies
Queens College offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across variou...
B.A. in Neuroscience
New York City, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Neuroscience at Queens College is specifically designed for talented students with a keen interest in engaging in compelling research related to the brain and behavior. It is an interdisciplinary, research-based degree that prepares students for competitive postgraduate programs in neuroscience, behavioral neuroscience, neuropsychology, or professional schools such as medical or dental school, as well as for direct entry into research roles. A hallmark of the program is the requirement for students to conduct research for a minimum of one year, write an honors thesis based on their findings, and present their research in a public forum, ensuring a deep dive into scientific inquiry.
STEM-Designated Yes, the B.A. in Neuroscience at Queens College is officially a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) designated program. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students, as it can qualify them for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period after graduation. The STEM designation reflects the program's rigorous scientific curriculum, emphasizing quantitative methods, experimental design, and the application of technology to understand biological systems, which are highly valued in scientific and research-driven careers.
Curriculum The curriculum for the B.A. in Neuroscience is comprehensive and rigorous, requiring substantial coursework across multiple scientific disciplines. Beyond general education requirements, the major includes core courses from both Biology and Psychology departments, such as "General Psychology," "Behavioral Neuroscience," "General Biology I & II," "General Chemistry I & II," and "Statistical Methods." Students also take courses like "Cellular Biology" and "Experimental Psychology," which further develop their laboratory and research skills. A selection of Neuroscience Electives allows students to explore specialized topics in areas like sensation and perception, neuroscience of memory, psychopharmacology, genetics, animal behavior, and biochemistry. The curriculum culminates in the mandatory independent research course, thesis writing, and public presentation, reinforcing a strong foundation in scientific methodology and communication.
Research Focus A central pillar of the Queens College Neuroscience program is its strong emphasis on undergraduate research. Students are required to conduct research in an approved laboratory for at least one year, collaborating with faculty mentors from the Biology, Psychology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry departments. Faculty research interests are diverse and span various aspects of neural underpinnings of sensorimotor, cognitive, and behavioral functions. This includes studies on mechanisms underlying human performance, mobility, health and well-being, neural plasticity, changes across the lifespan, and the restoration of functions in clinical populations (e.g., stroke survivors, individuals with Parkinson's disease). The department also has strong offerings in computational neuroscience, reflecting the growing role of coding and data analysis in modern neuroscience. This hands-on research experience allows students to contribute to cutting-edge scientific discoveries and develop advanced laboratory skills.
Industry Engagement Queens College actively supports its Neuroscience graduates in their career pursuits through various resources. The Center for Career Engagement and Internships provides comprehensive career advisement, workshops, and access to job and internship postings via platforms like Handshake. For Neuroscience students, the emphasis on year-long research with faculty mentors provides invaluable practical experience that is highly sought after by research institutes and industry. Graduates are well-prepared for roles as research assistants/associates in academic, government, or industry labs (especially biotechnology and pharmaceuticals). The college also offers robust support through its Health Professions Advisory Services for students planning to apply to medical, dental, or other health professional schools, providing academic and off-campus opportunities to strengthen their applications.
Global Perspective Queens College's inherent diversity, with students representing numerous countries and cultural backgrounds, naturally enriches the global perspective within the Neuroscience program. While the core scientific principles of neuroscience are universal, discussions in related courses can benefit from diverse cultural insights into health, disease perception, and approaches to scientific inquiry. The program's focus on preparing students for postgraduate studies and research roles often positions them for collaborations with international research teams or for pursuing opportunities in global scientific communities. The college's commitment to supporting international students also fosters a multicultural learning environment that broadens students' understanding of global scientific endeavors and ethical considerations in neuroscience research.
Location
New York City, New York
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 19207
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 44 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Queens College, United States of America, is supporting international students through various scholarship opportunities designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Queens College offers a range of merit-based scholarships specifically available to international students. These awards are typically granted based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and overall potential. Some scholarships are automatically considered during the admissions process, while others may require separate applications.
Queens College Foundation Scholarships: The Queens College Foundation administers several scholarships funded by alumni and donors. These scholarships reward outstanding academic performance and community service. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities and apply early to maximize their chances of receiving aid.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Queens College provide scholarships for students excelling in their respective fields. International students can inquire within their chosen department about specialized awards, grants, and assistantships that may be available during their studies.
External Scholarships: Queens College encourages international students to seek external scholarships offered by governments, private organizations, and international education foundations.
Queens College's Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Neuroscience provides a rigorous, interdisciplinary, and research-focused education, highly preparing graduates for advanced studies or entry-level positions in scientific and healthcare fields. The program's strong emphasis on hands-on research, including a thesis and public presentation, equips students with invaluable laboratory skills, critical thinking, and data analysis abilities.
Research Assistant/Associate: This is a common and direct path for Neuroscience B.A. graduates. They work in academic labs, pharmaceutical companies, or biotechnology firms, assisting senior scientists with experimental design, data collection, analysis, and laboratory management. Their required year-long research experience at Queens College makes them highly competitive for these roles.
Lab Technician: Graduates can secure positions as lab technicians in various scientific settings, performing diagnostic tests, preparing samples, operating lab equipment, and ensuring the smooth functioning of research or clinical laboratories.
Clinical Research Assistant/Coordinator: These professionals work within clinical trials, assisting with patient recruitment, data management, regulatory compliance, and ensuring the ethical conduct of studies investigating new treatments for neurological or psychological conditions.
Health Professions (Pre-Med, Pre-PA, Pre-PT, etc.): A Neuroscience B.A. provides an exceptional foundation for pursuing advanced degrees in various health professions. Graduates are well-prepared for medical school (MD), physician assistant programs (PA), physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), or even dentistry, due to their comprehensive understanding of the human body and nervous system.
Science Writer/Editor: With their strong analytical and communication skills, Neuroscience graduates can translate complex scientific information into accessible language for various audiences. They may work for scientific journals, medical publications, educational institutions, or public outreach initiatives.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative: Companies developing drugs for neurological and psychiatric conditions value representatives who understand the underlying science. Graduates can educate healthcare professionals about new medications and therapies.
Neurodiagnostic Technologist (with specialized training): While often requiring additional certifications, a Neuroscience background is an excellent starting point for roles like EEG (electroencephalogram) or EMG (electromyography) technologists, who operate equipment to measure brain and nerve activity.
Behavioral Health Technician/Counselor Assistant: Graduates can work in mental health clinics, rehabilitation centers, or residential facilities, providing direct support to individuals with neurological or mental health disorders, assisting with therapy plans, and observing behaviors.
Biotechnology Specialist: The interdisciplinary nature of Neuroscience, particularly its molecular and cellular components, prepares graduates for roles in the growing biotechnology sector, working on the development of new treatments, diagnostic tools, or bio-engineered solutions related to the nervous system.
Data Analyst (Healthcare/Scientific Data): Neuroscience involves significant data generation and analysis. Graduates with strong quantitative skills can pursue roles analyzing large datasets in healthcare, public health, or scientific research, identifying trends and insights related to neurological conditions or treatments.
