Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you completed college level precalculus I (PC1) and precalculus II (PC2) with a C+ or higher and transferred those credits to WWU, then you don’t need to take the ALEKS math placement assessment. The complete details about math prerequisites and ALEKS math placement assessment scores are available on the Core Math Flowchart PDF file available here.

If you take the ALEKS math placement assessment and achieve a score of 80 or higher, you will be exempt from CHEM 161 and PHYS 114 math prerequisites. Review the math prerequisite requirements for CHEM 161 and PHYS 114 and contact the advisor with any questions.

Steps to Declare BNS Pre-major
Step 1: Fill out section I only on the online form here
Step 2: At the end of the form enter bns@wwu.edu inside the email to box. 
Step 3: Submit the form. As the originator of the form, you will be updated by email when your form is completed. You can verify the change by looking at your degreeworks information. 

Why Declare a Pre-major? 

• The BNS pre-major is required for applying the BNS major, but admission to the BNS pre-major does not guarantee admission to the BNS major.
• The BNS pre-major is required to register for BNS 301- Statistics for Neuroscience course. 

Eligibility

• Students must have a Western GPA (based on at least 12 credits) of 2.90 or higher.
• In the absence of a Western GPA, a GPA of 2.90 or higher from an equivalent four-year institution (based on at least 12 credits) or a cumulative GPA from a completed Associates degree may substitute for the Western GPA.

No, you must have received final grades in all eight prerequisite courses required. CHEM 161, CHEM 162, CHEM 163, BIOL 204, BIOL 205, BIOL 206, PSY 101, PSY 220. Please note, AP exam scores that provide credit equivalency to any of these courses will count as the course being completed. Most often students will receive equivalency for PSY 101 and occasionally CHEM 161 and CHEM 162.

We encourage students to apply as soon as they become eligible during Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. Delaying your application may prevent you from registering for certain classes that you may only register for as a declared BNS major. Visit the major application page to review the requirements and short answer questions provided in advance.

Review the AP or IB exam name and score listing on the website here, to find the course credit equivalency. If you did not request a copy of your scores be sent to Western at the time of your examination(s), you will need to order your score report from the College Board. Western’s AP code is 4947. To contact AP Services by phone, call (888) 225-5427.

Visit our Getting Involved in Research page linked here to determine which faculty member’s research interests you the most. Next, contact the faculty member to introduce yourself and express your interest. Different faculty members have different protocols for accepting students into lab positions (some require an application, others don’t), and acceptance is often contingent on lab space availability. There are additional tips and information on the canvas course for both pre-major and behavioral neuroscience interest students.

Yes, it is! To do this you must complete a minor declaration form available on the Psychology Department Website linked here, and turn into the Registrar’s Office in Old Main 230. Visit the Psychology Minor catalog page for more details on the Psych minor.

Yes, it is! To do this, students must complete the admission and declaration process for both majors and satisfy all requirements for the majors, while ensuring that there is not more than a 50% overlap of credits applied to both majors. The advisor has a double major overlap excel calculator to share, if you need one reach out by email bns@wwu.edu.