Iona University Announces Bachelor of Science Degree in Neurosciene

Iona University today announced the addition of a new Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience, developed for students with an interest in learning about the brain and nervous system at multiple levels, including how it affects behaviors, thoughts and emotions.

A comprehensive learning experience offered through the University’s School of Arts & Science, Iona’s new neuroscience major is a blend of psychology, biology, philosophy, chemistry, computer science, speech communication studies and more. Taught by faculty who are also active scientists, students will benefit from an interdisciplinary approach that will allow them to complete personalized courses of study, tailoring their degree based on their interests and career goals.

“Neuroscience majors will explore all aspects of the brain, specifically examining how brain functions are the foundation for all behavior,” said Sarah Wong-Goodrich, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology. “At the end of their journey, every student will walk away with an understanding of how the brain and nervous system change throughout life, as well as the impact that factors such as disorders, injuries, diseases and medications have. We are thrilled to launch this critical area of study at Iona and look forward to the work students will do to make important contributions to this exciting field.”

Depending upon their interests and postgraduate career plans, neuroscience majors will have the option to specialize in how genes, proteins and other molecules underlie nervous system structure and function (cellular/molecular neuroscience), or study the neural mechanisms of cognition and behavior (cognitive/behavioral neuroscience). If a student is unsure of which path to take, faculty are available to discuss the nuances of each specialty so they can move forward confidently toward their goals.

In launching this new major, Iona students will be well equipped for pursuing research- or clinical-based doctoral or master's programs, careers in biomedical and behavioral sciences (including the biotech/pharmaceutical industry), careers in the health professions and much more.

Students within the major who are also interested in pursuing a health profession track such as pre-med, pre-dental, pre-occupational therapy and more, will have the opportunity to work closely with a dedicated health professions advisor who will help prepare them for their next academic chapter. For students majoring in another field who are interested in neuroscience, Iona offers a minor that can be completed in 18 – 25 credits.

Classes for neurosciences majors are scheduled to begin in the Fall 2023 semester.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM HERE