Quick Links
To Schedule an Advising Appointment
Contact Amara Simons, BNS Program Specialist, via Calendly or email: simonsa7@wwu.edu
Reminder: you follow the degree requirements for the catalog year you became a major; if you have concerns regarding access to CHEM 251 or BIOL 323 (catalog years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025) contact Dr. Grimm
Starting Fall 2025 (catalog year 2025-2026) the BNS major has the following updates: BIOL 323 (cell/molecular) is no longer part of the BNS major (and no longer offered). Instead, BNS majors are required to complete BIOL 327 (molecular) and BIOL 328 (cell); these are new courses in Biology BNS majors are required to complete CHEM 351 (organic), but not CHEM 352 (organic); CHEM 352 is now in the electives list for the BNS major; CHEM 251 is no longer required for the BNS major BIOL 321 (genetics) is no longer required for the BNS major; BIOL 321 is now in the electives list for the BNS major
Scheduling in 2025-2026: Browse Classes for Winter and Spring 2026 classes is now available. Be aware of the following scheduling of BNS major requirement courses:
Fall 2025: BNS302 BNS305 BNS328 BNS401 PSY319 PSY321 PSY323
Winter 2026: BNS301 BNS302 BNS306 BNS328 (2 sections) PSY321 PSY323
Spring 2026: BNS305 BNS328 (2 sections) BNS401 (2 sections) PSY319 PSY322 PSY323
Click Here to Self-Enroll in the Behavioral Neuroscience Interest Canvas Course
When students self-enroll, they will receive event and registration announcements, information about applying to the major, and other tips related to exploring careers, research opportunities, and campus resources.
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.
Use this link to access a Word document with a template to create a path to graduation