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Behavioral Neuroscience

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (B.A., B.S.)

Undergraduate Major

Allendale • Face to face (?) • 120 Credits

Behavioral neuroscience studies the interactions between the nervous system and behavior, focusing on development, function, and practical applications for everyday behavior and disorder treatment.

Overview

The program offers diverse courses, research opportunities, and a student-focused education, preparing graduates for careers in academia, research, industry, and health-related fields. Grand Valley's behavioral neuroscience program enables students to apply classroom knowledge to everyday behavior and the treatment of disorders. 

You will take a variety of core courses in biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and psychology. You will explore research methods with hands-on experiences in labs, and choose from electives like cognitive neuroscience and psychopharmacology. You are also required to take two courses from different departments to broaden your knowledge base.

Studying behavioral neuroscience at Grand Valley offers a wide range of courses and research opportunities due to the diverse interests and training of faculty. You can expect a high-quality, student-focused education and the chance to work closely with faculty on research projects. The program fosters an atmosphere of inquiry, integrity, engagement, community, curiosity, and creativity. Additionally, there are study abroad opportunities in 25 countries.

Department of Psychology

gvsu.edu/psychology
2224 Au Sable Hall
(616) 331-2195

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions

Career Opportunities

Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Top skills
  • Speaking
  • Instructing
  • Learning Strategies
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 46,406.69 10%
$ 60,100.88 25%
$ 85,823.68 50%
$123,123.26 75%
$166,433.09 90%

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

Top skills
  • Writing
  • Active Learning
  • Science
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 61,472.95 10%
$ 73,294.42 25%
$ 81,261.25 50%
$100,739.11 75%
$165,191.84 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Top skills
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 81,785.60 10%
$104,083.20 25%
$135,179.19 50%
$178,235.20 75%
$239,200.00 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Coordination
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 81,785.60 10%
$104,083.20 25%
$135,179.19 50%
$178,235.20 75%
$239,200.00 90%

Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

Top skills
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 48,037.57 10%
$ 63,155.33 25%
$ 80,378.85 50%
$111,834.86 75%
$134,401.88 90%

Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Top skills
  • Speaking
  • Instructing
  • Learning Strategies
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 46,446.25 10%
$ 60,565.21 25%
$ 83,891.16 50%
$121,619.93 75%
$178,853.17 90%

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

Top skills
  • Writing
  • Active Learning
  • Science
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 61,467.33 10%
$ 77,001.82 25%
$100,557.24 50%
$134,905.82 75%
$169,934.36 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Top skills
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 79,830.40 10%
$114,108.79 25%
$161,179.19 50%
$214,822.40 75%
$293,815.57 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Coordination
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 79,830.40 10%
$114,108.79 25%
$161,179.19 50%
$214,822.40 75%
$293,815.57 90%

Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

Top skills
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 53,843.05 10%
$ 67,322.79 25%
$ 92,785.15 50%
$121,484.53 75%
$161,556.45 90%
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Scholarships

Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.

Grand Valley offers myScholarships (a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities. myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you to scholarships for which you might qualify.

Student Organizations

Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:

Career Advising

Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.

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Page last modified June 5, 2025