Neuroscience Major
Biology

Bethel’s B.S. in Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary major offered by the biology and psychology departments and includes chemistry, mathematics, and related courses. This intensely research-focused degree will prepare you for competitive graduate and medical schools and for success in your future career.
Why should I study neuroscience?
The neuroscience field continues to grow and become more in demand. Our students will be placed at the forefront of demand in emerging careers that utilize the skills and knowledge that a foundation in neuroscience provides. Your Bethel professors possess expertise in their varied research interests and are committed to leading you toward excellence and distinction through hands-on experiences both inside and outside the classroom. The neuroscience degree gives you the flexibility to pursue a wide variety of interest areas while helping you stand out as you pursue advanced degrees and career opportunities.
What can I do with this degree?
Students who major in neuroscience at Bethel will be prepared to pursue graduate programs in:
- Neuroscience
- Neuropsychology
- Occupational therapy
- Dentistry
- Medicine
- Optometry
- Physical therapy
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Speech pathology
- Veterinary medicine
Students can pursue careers in:
- Academia
- Audiology
- Artificial intelligence
- Biotechnology
- Clinical research
- Marketing consulting
- Mental health
- Pharmaceutical sales
- Public Policy
- Research
What skills will I develop?
Our students will gain skills in:
- Data analysis
- Research techniques
- Experimental design and interpretation
- Behavioral analysis
- Human cadaver dissection
- Small animal surgery
- Critical thinking
- Written and verbal communication
- Understanding the relationship of science to biomedical, economic, and ethical opportunities and challenges
- Integrating the Christian faith with neuroscience
You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in the R.E.A.L. Experience—a program specifically designed to help you gain the relevant, hands-on experience employers desire—so that when you graduate, you’ll be as impressive in practice as you are on paper.
What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?
Conduct Independent Research
Students will complete a research project one-on-one with a faculty member, and professors help students access research opportunities outside of Bethel. The research-focused intensity of the neuroscience major is unique to Bethel and gives students the research and publication experience that graduate schools look for in applicants.
Gain Extensive Lab Experience
The blending of biology and psychology provides students with skills in animal and human research techniques. Bethel’s research methods course includes 8 hours of lab each week.
Complete Pre-Med Requirements
Students can choose the course of study built into the neuroscience major that will allow them to complete all pre-med requirements.
4
National awards for Biology Honor Societies
28
national and regional student research presentation awards
Recent News
The Story of Quadruple—maybe Quintuple—Major Michael Opheim ’24
June 01, 2023 | 12:45 p.m.
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OCT 10 2023
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I was well-prepared to do a lot of work, and Bethel’s arduous biology and chemistry classes helped me understand the foundations of science really well.
Rachael Goldsmith ’19Hennepin Healthcare
The neuroscience program taught me a lot of valuable, hands-on, and applicable lab skills that graduate students—and even post-doctoral students—have not gotten a chance to practice and learn yet.
Elizabeth Dao ’20It's difficult to overstate the significance of the Bethel neuroscience professors and program in my life trajectory. You may find brilliant neuroscientists at any number of universities; however, you'd be lucky to find the degree of care and intentionality—combined with brilliance—that I found in my Bethel professors.
Rachel Wahlberg ’19
I’m going to graduate from Bethel having done things that I would have never thought I could do, and research was a big one.
Maria Pecoraro ’19University of Minnesota Medical Center

Research definitely gave me the confidence that I have something that I can contribute and something that shows too that I’m willing to work hard to get the results. And it sort of opened the door for a lot of things in my life.
Jennifer Berger. ’07Children’s Minnesota

The Environmental Studies program prepared me as a well-rounded student. I gained the field skills to study ecology, and also the ethical perspectives behind environmental stewardship. The professors are knowledgeable and passionate, which is passed on to their students.
David Petry '13Grad School: M.S. in Biological Sciences at Eastern Illinois University

While working with the Conservation Corps, I found that Bethel's Environmental Studies program gave me a lot more experience and made me more well-rounded than many of the other environmental studies students.
Kevin Berens '13Current job: Park Overseer, Parks and Trails Division of Minnesota DNR

My favorite part of Environmental Studies courses was hands-on lab experience outside, connecting classroom learning to nature. Creation Restoration was a great way to put our coursework into practice on campus. Bethel's Environmental Studies program equipped me to steward Creation.
David Petry '13Grad School: M.S. in Biological Sciences at Eastern Illinois University
Having a good relationship with your professors and classmates makes a world of difference. My experience was greatly improved by knowing I had professors that cared for me as a whole person not just a student. Having classmates to lean on and discover cool neuroscience things together just added to the fun that neuroscience in general provides.
Shannon McCollough ’20
My college experience not only gave me the knowledge I needed to pursue a career in medicine, but also provided me with opportunities to gain real-life skills that increased my confidence as both a researcher and a Christian. Having this experience in a Christian environment allowed me to learn with others who share similar core values and reminded me that faith can exist in every aspect of our lives.
Hannah Manion '18The biology department was integral in getting me where I am today. It provided research opportunities, unique experiences such as interim in the Galapagos Islands/Amazon Rainforest/Ecuador, personal relationships with professors, and the academic foundation to smoothly transition to medical school.
Nate Paulson '10Currently: University of Virginia Anesthesiology Resident; received M.D. from University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine
What I deeply enjoyed about the neuroscience program is the open minded environment. I loved how we were able to have conversations that weren't typical in the faith community or the science community, but delved into both.
Alexa Hanowski '20
The people at Bethel helped me determine the kind of person I wanted to be, before I knew what kind of doctor I would be. Bethel’s influence is essential to my work as a future physician and follower of Jesus.
Brett Einerson '06Current Job: Resident Physician at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine

My foundational education at Bethel really influenced my choice to pursue academic medicine instead of just clinical care. I’m so appreciative of the professors and their gift of incredible dedication to their students, while always giving God the glory!
Jonathan Eliason '92Current Job: S. Martin Lindenauer Collegiate Professor of Vascular Surgery; Co-Director, CVC-Multidisciplinary Aortic Program; Associate Professor of Surgery, University of Michigan