Academics > Majors and Areas of Study > Neuroscience > Career Options



Students who graduate from the Neuroscience program at Thiel will have many career options open to them.

Medical Specialists associated with the nervous system (requiring advanced degrees)

Neurologist – MD trained to diagnose and treat diseases of the nervous system
Psychiatrist – MD trained to diagnose and treat disorders of mood and personality
Neurosurgeon – MD trained to perform surgery on the brain and spinal cord
Neuropathologist – MD or PhD trained to recognize changes in nervous tissue that result from disease
Clinical neuropsychologist – PhD trained to deliver and interpret neuropsychological assessments

Types of Experimental Neuroscientists (requiring advanced degrees)

Computational neuroscientist – uses mathematis and computers to construct models of brain function
Developmental neurobiologist – analyzes the development and maturation of the brain
Molecular neurobiologist – uses the genetic material of neurons to understand the structure and function of brain molecules
Neuroanatomist – studies the structures of the nervous system
Neurochemist – studies the chemistry of the nervous system
Neuroethologist – studies the neural basis of species-specific animal behaviors in their natural settings
Neuropharmacologist – examines the effects of drugs on the nervous system
Neurophysiologist – measures the electrical activity of the nervous system
Physiological psychologist/psychobiologist – studies biological basis of behavior
Psychophysicist – quantitatively measures perceptual abilities

Opportunities with a Bachelor's Degree
Science technician – run laboratories, maintain equipment, monitor experiments, work with scientists conducting research
Psychiatric technician – assisting psychiatrists in monitoring patients, reporting to medical staff, may provide therapeutic services, may administer biofeedback and EEG services
Pharmacy technician – work in retail pharmacies, help distribute medications, verify prescription information, perform clerical duties

References

Bear, MF, Connors, BW and Paradiso, MA. (2007). Neuroscience, Exploring the Brain. (3rd Edition). Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins: Philadelphia, PA.

Kuther, T.L. & Morgan, R.D. (2007). Careers in psychology: Opportunities in a changing world. (2nd edition). Thompson/Wadsworth: Belmont, CA.