Mindful Thinking

For students who are interested in advancing the understanding of human thought, emotion and behavior, look no further than Washington State University Vancouver. New this fall, students may seek a degree in neuroscience.

Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system—including the brain, spinal cord and networks of sensory nerve cells, or neurons, throughout the body. It focuses on the connection between the brain and behavior, and provides an additional degree option for students interested in health-related careers.

Pictured above—WSU Vancouver neuroscience faculty left to right: Allison Coffin, Michael Morgan, Christine Portfors, and Barbara Sorg

Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary degree that will require students to take classes in biology and psychology in addition to neuroscience. Participation in neuroscience research or outreach will also be a key part of the neuroscience educational experience at WSU Vancouver. Students can expect to work with faculty on research projects or contribute to research at neighboring organizations such as Oregon Health & Science University or the Legacy Health Research Institute.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience are likely to find work in research laboratories as technicians, in pharmaceutical or health-product companies as marketing or sales representatives, and in federal, state and local public health programs as health analysts or managers.

Illustration of neurons in brain A neuroscience degree also provides excellent preparation for medical school or advanced degrees in other health-related fields such as veterinary medicine and pharmacy, both of which are offered through WSU in Pullman and Spokane respectively. In addition, neuroscience students interested in a career as a biomedical researcher or university professor will be well prepared to continue their education in graduate school.

There is increasing demand at WSU Vancouver for pre-health degrees such as biology and psychology. The number of certified biology majors more than doubled from fall 2007 to fall 2011, and the number of certified psychology majors jumped almost 50 percent in the same time period. The addition of neuroscience offers students another pathway to the health-related fields.

“We are very excited about offering a neuro-science degree. Neuroscience is a cutting-edge field. Many of the exciting advances in our understanding of and treatments for neuro-logical and psychiatric disorders are coming from neuroscience,” said Karen Schmaling, vice chancellor for academic affairs at WSU Vancouver.

Anyone who is interested in exploring the neuroscience degree at WSU Vancouver may visit vancouver.wsu.edu/neuroscience or call 360-546-9459.

This article appears in the Fall 2012 issue of NW Crimson & Gray Magazine.

NW Crimson & Gray magazine is a quarterly magazine produced by Washington State University Vancouver that highlights the WSU Vancouver community and higher education in SW Washington. Subscribe for free or download the issue online.