Hey there, future brain explorers! If you’re curious about unraveling the mysteries of the mind, you’ve landed in the right spot. Our Behavioral Neuroscience major is like a thrilling blend of science and psychology, sprinkled with a dash of curiosity and a lot of neuron-firing excitement!
Picture this: You’ll be diving headfirst into the intricate dance between biology, chemistry, and psychology—the ultimate brainy trifecta! Whether it’s examining tissue under a microscope, decoding neurotransmitter secrets, or pondering the profound questions of consciousness, we’ve got it all.
And guess what? If your neurons start firing with questions (and trust us, they will), shoot us an email at bns@wwu.edu. We’re here to unravel those synaptic knots!
Oh, and don’t miss out on our advising appointments—whether you prefer a cozy Zoom chat, a good ol’ phone call, or an in-person brainwave session. Just click here to schedule an advising appointment.
Welcome aboard, fellow brainiacs! Let’s explore the neural pathways together!
Interested in the Behavioral Neuroscience major?
This major provides great preparation for students interested in pursuing many different neuroscience related jobs or any field that requires a solid foundation in the sciences. Most common are healthcare fields, graduate school, and entry level positions in research and healthcare. We have more job examples and details on the Careers Page of our website, click here to review some of the most common options.
Learn More About How to Apply
These eight essential prerequisite courses are the building blocks for applying to the major.
- PSY 101
- PSY 220
- CHEM 161
- CHEM 162
- CHEM 163
- BIOL 204
- BIOL 205
- BIOL 206
Students applying to the Behavioral Neuroscience major must first meet the following requirements:
- Successfully declared a BNS pre-major
- Complete at least 75 undergraduate credits
- Complete at least 12 credits at WWU
- Complete the following courses with an average grade point of 2.9 or higher: CHEM 161, CHEM 162, CHEM 163; BIOL 204, BIOL 205, BIOL 206; PSY 101, and PSY 220.
Visit our major application page for additional information about applying to the major.
Current WWU Students Considering a Behavioral Neuroscience Major
Current WWU Students are welcome to attend our quarterly major information session presentations announced on the canvas page for students with a Behavioral Neuroscience Interest. WWU Students can self-enroll by clicking the link here. You can also contact a student ambassador by visiting their page linked here, or schedule an advising appointment with the major advisor by clicking here.
Prospective WWU Students with a Behavioral Neuroscience Interest
Admission to WWU does not guarantee admission to the major. The major has several eligibility requirements that must be met before applying. You are welcome to contact a student ambassador by visiting their page linked here, or schedule an advising appointment with the major advisor by clicking here to help answer all your questions.
Learn More About the Major and Which Classes to Take During Your First Year
What is Behavioral Neuroscience?
Behavioral neuroscience explores the role of the nervous system in normal and abnormal behavior, thought, and emotion. This interdisciplinary field provides students with the specialized preparation and technological sophistication critical for success in a variety of graduate-training programs, including neuroscience, psychology, pharmacology, mental health, and neurobiology; and in health care, including medicine and dentistry. For those students who do not anticipate pursuing post-graduate education, the degree program provides an excellent platform for entry-level positions in such areas as biomedical research and the pharmaceutical industry. This major emphasizes an understanding of nervous system structure and function from the molecular/cellular level to the whole organism systems level. For example, behavioral neuroscientists study the neurobiological basis of normal learning and memory, psychiatric illnesses such as depression, schizophrenia, drug abuse and neurological illnesses such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Alzheimer’s Disease.
In addition to coursework, students are encouraged to collaborate with faculty members on original research relevant to their interests and goals.
What Classes Do I Have to Take?
To become eligible to apply for the major, there are some prerequisite classes you need to take. Here’s your roadmap of a possible first year at WWU:
Option 1
| Fall Quarter Classes | Winter Quarter Classes | Spring Quarter Classes |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 161 | CHEM 162 | CHEM 163 |
| BIOL 204 | BIOL 205 | BIOL 206 |
| PSY 101 | PSY 220 | BNS 301 |
Option 1: If no math prerequisites are needed before starting CHEM 161
Option 2
| Fall Quarter Classes | Winter Quarter Classes | Spring Quarter Classes |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 114 | MATH 115 | CHEM 161 |
| PSY 101 | PSY 220 | BIOL 204 |
| GUR | GUR | GUR |
Option 2: If you’re working on your math prerequisites, no worries! You can focus on those and your General University Requirements (GURs) in the meantime. Which math class you can start on is based on your ALEKS math placement assessment or transfer math courses.
Visit the university catalog AY 24-25 to review complete details and curriculum requirements here.
First-Year Students
Consider registering for the Viking Launch Program and choose BNS 195 Foundations in Behavioral Neuroscience! Viking Launch is a week-long program designed to help incoming first-year students at Western Washington University transition to college by providing academic and social integration before the fall quarter begins. During Viking Launch, you’ll participate in engaging college success workshops and community-building and recreational activities that will make your transition to college a fun-filled experience. Plus, you’ll take a 2-credit seminar course to kickstart your academic journey! Visit the Viking Launch Website to learn more by clicking here.
Transfer Students
It is recommended to reach out to the major advisor early to help review transfer course equivalencies and course planning. Some classes are only offered during specific quarters and the advisor is happy to help draft an education planner to help you with achieving your goals!
Transfer Equivalencies from a WA State College
To check the transfer equivalency for a previously completed or in progress college course taken at a Washington State school, visit the Transfer Equivalency Guide by clicking here.
Transfer Equivalencies From a College Outside WA State
You may need to submit previously completed biology, chemistry, or psychology course syllabus and other required material for evaluation by WWU. The department you submit the information to will depend on the course subject. Please contact the BNS advisor with any questions.
Biology Department Transfer Student Website Click Here
AP or IB exam scores and college credit
To find course credit equivalency, review the AP or IB exam name and score listing on the website here. 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. The scores will not transfer with another institutions official transcripts, and the original test scores must be submitted to WWU directly.
Post Baccalaureate Students
Ready for a new career or need to take some additional college classes in preparation for a graduate program?
Space for post-baccalaureate students is limited, and therefore admission is competitive. Proposed program of study, preparation for major, cumulative academic record, related experience, space availability and clarity of academic and career goals are the most important factors considered in the application review.
Many post-baccalaureate students will find their educational needs can be met through enrollment options offered through Outreach and Continuing Education supported location programs, Western’s program for non-matriculated students or – in the case of lower division coursework – their local community college .
Please review the Admissions website for Post-Baccalaureate students by clicking here, and schedule an advising appointment with the major advisor by clicking here.