Neuroscience, B.S.

The Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Saint Louis University is an interdisciplinary program that employs the tools and perspectives of biology, psychology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, philosophy and medicine to achieve a better understanding of brain structure, function and behavior.

A degree in neuroscience places SLU students in an excellent position to address the basic science of brain function. It offers many possibilities for applications within medicine, science and industry. Saint Louis University's neuroscience major offers courses that further the understanding of psychiatric, neurological and developmental disorders with the goal of developing innovative treatment options through basic and applied research.

Neuroscience is an appropriate major for students planning for postgraduate education in neuroscience or related professional fields.

Program Highlights

• SLU provides a genuinely interdisciplinary degree in neuroscience.
• Neuroscience is a growing field, with initiatives to develop innovative technologies to foster a better understanding of brain function.
• SLU's neuroscience program offers a rigorous and interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizing preprofessional training.

Curriculum Overview

Courses in SLU's neuroscience major include lectures, seminars and laboratory experiences. The curriculum includes four core neuroscience courses: Introduction to Neuroscience: Molecular, Cellular and Systemic; Introduction to Neuroscience: Behavioral and Cognitive; a neuroscience lab course; and a neuroscience seminar in the senior year.

Additionally, students are required to take related courses from the biology and psychology departments, and courses in chemistry, physics, mathematics and philosophy. Students must also complete SLU's University Undergraduate Core requirements.

Neuroscience students are required to complete a capstone learning experience consisting of several options, including research, practica or advanced coursework, all of which are designed to provide the opportunity to integrate coursework with an active learning experience and to give students exposure to the breadth of the field of neuroscience and the potential for understanding its applications in the real world.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

SLU's neuroscience program features opportunities for research through existing collaborations with the biology and psychology departments and the Institute for Translational Neuroscience.

Careers

Graduates with a B.S. in neuroscience have a strong outlook for future employment. They will be able to find work in industries such as medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, education, computer science and artificial intelligence.

An undergraduate degree in neuroscience from Saint Louis University provides a solid base for students interested in attending graduate school, medical school or working in psychology, biology, chemistry, physics, biomedical engineering, law, medicine or philosophy.

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application and the Coalition Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. 

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED or HiSET.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• All academic records must include an English translation. An official course-by-course transcript evaluation may be required and accepted.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Cost of Attendance

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
• Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2025, 99.6% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $517 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by Feb. 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

1. Graduates will be able to identify core concepts of neuroscience.
2. Graduates will be able to synthesize information to formulate hypotheses, design experiments and engage in scientific research.
3. Graduates will be able to communicate neuroscientific information in a clear, reasoned manner, both verbally and in writing.
4. Graduates will have the foundation to successfully pursue post-baccalaureate education and/or professional careers.

Neuroscience students must complete a minimum of 70 credits for the major.

Continuation Standard 

Students must maintain a 2.70 major grade point average (GPA). Students who fall below a 2.70 average major GPA will be placed on program probation. If the student fails to obtain at least a 2.70 average major GPA after two consecutive semesters on program probation (excluding leave of absence semesters) the student will be dismissed from the program.

Biology Elective Courses 

Students must take a one-credit biology lab to be selected from courses with the "Neuroscience - Biology Lab" attribute.

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Biology Lab Course

​Psychology Elective Courses

Interdisciplinary Elective Courses

Capstone Courses 

Humanities Courses

Pre-Professional Health

Students taking a pre-professional health curriculum will be required to complete additional course requirements for medical or other professional schools as outlined by the pre-professional health studies program.

This roadmap is just one example of a semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. There are other plans students can and do take. The plan of study for each particular student is established in consultation with each student’s academic advisor; this roadmap does not replace academic advising appointments.

Roadmap notes:

• This Roadmap assumes full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
• Courses/Milestones marked with an “!” are critical and must be completed in the semester listed in the Roadmap to ensure a timely graduation.
• Course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Traditional Track

Preprofessional Health Track 

For additional information about this program, please contact neuroscience@slu.edu or call 314-977-9705.