Careers in Neuroscience
Neuroscience is a growing field of study. An undergraduate degree can prepare students to enter a number of graduate and professional programs in neuroscience, psychology, medicine and healthcare. Some neuroscience specialties include:
- Neurotechnology: combining engineering and technology with neuroscience including how to improve and epair brain function.
- Neuroprosthetics: the interface between man and machine.
- Neuroethics: the social, legal, and ethical consequences of advances in brain research.
- Neuroeconomics: risk-taking and decision-making that influence business and the economy.
- Neuroaesthetics: creativity and the brain.
A career in neuroscience can take you many places. Whether it's in a clinical or research setting, there are numerous opportunities in the field.
Medicine/Healthcare and Psychology
Potential Employers
- Government
- National Institutes of Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Food and Drug Administration
- Armed Services
- Group or private practice
- Health clinics
- Health networks
- Nursing homes
- Rehabilitation centers
- Mental health institutions
- Correctional facilities
- Colleges or universities
- Medical schools
Strategies (General Healthcare)
- Meet with a pre-health advisor periodically to discuss curricular decisions.
- Maintain a high grade point average, particularly in the sciences, to improve chances of admission to graduate or professional school.
- Secure strong faculty recommendations.
- Seek experience in health care settings through volunteer positions, research positions or internships to test interests and increase marketability.
- Participate in service-oriented organizations, medical missions, remote healthcare clinics and professional societies in your target field.
- Research accredited institutions. Check graduation rates, success rates on licensing exams, cost, location, etc. If possible, speak with current students.
Strategies (Psychology)
- Graduate programs in clinical psychology should be accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).
- Graduate programs in counseling should be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
- Research certifications through the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology and the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology.
Research and Development
Potential Employers
- Government
- Centers for Disease Control
- National Institutes of Health
- National Science Foundation
- USAID
- Public Health Organizations (state, local, international)
- World Health Organization
- Oxfam America
- Doctors Without Borders
- United Nations
- Research Foundations
- University Science Centers
Strategies
- Develop a solid background in statistics, mathematics and the software utilized for statistical analyses.
- Gain experience with research. Volunteer to assist professors with research or apply for summer programs and internships.
- Develop strong communication skills, knowledge of funding sources, grant writing techniques and submission procedures.
- Considering earning a graduate degree in clinical psychology, experimental psychology or statistics.
Legal Field
Potential Employers
- Corporations (biotechnology)
- Trade and professional associations
- Political action committees
- Law firms
- Public interest advocacy groups
- Legal aid societies
- Government
- Congress
- Center for Disease Control
- Food and Drug Administration
- National Institute of Health
Strategies
- Develop strong research and writing skills.
- Enhance communication skills through public speaking courses, debate team or Toast Masters (a public speaking organization).
- Maintain current knowledge of industry trends, laws and policies specific to area of interest.
- Acquire internships in federal or state government.
- Utilize applicable websites and seek assistance from your college career center.
- Take courses in history, political science and/or legal studies to supplement science curriculum.
- To pursue a J.D., participate in mock trial and pre-law associations, and learn law school admissions process.
Business
Potential Employers
- Manufacturing companies
- Biotechnology
- Neurotechnology
- Agricultural chemicals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Medical device and equipment
- Consulting firms
Strategies
- Develop excellent communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrate a high energy level.
- Take courses in anatomy, pharmacology and chemistry to supplement curriculum. Consider a business minor.
- Seek experience through part-time jobs and internships in business; experience in sales may be necessary for some positions.
- Be prepared to start in entry level positions, such as management trainee programs.
- Consider an MBA or Professional Science Master's to advance into higher levels of business management, consulting and brand management.
Education
Potential Employers
- Public and private schools, K-12
- Two-year community colleges/technical institutes
- Four-year institutions
- Professional/Medical Schools
- Neuroscience, Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy,
- Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine
- Libraries (medical or other)
- Public Health Organizations
- Research Foundations
- University Science Centers
Strategies
- Complete a teacher preparation program for K-12 positions, which varies by state. A content area is required for secondary education licensure in most states.
- Master's degrees may be sufficient for teaching at community or two-year institutions.
- Seek a Ph.D. in psychology, biology, neurosciences, etc. for teaching opportunities at colleges and universities.
- Conduct research or assist in research at the undergraduate level and maintain a high GPA to secure strong personal recommendations.
- Pursue a master's degree in college student personnel, higher education administration for student affairs or administrative positions.
- Earn a master's degree in library or information sciences from a program accredited by the American
- Library Association (ALA) for medical library positions.
Media and Design
Potential Employers
- Science/Education
- Journals
- Publishing companies
- Educational textbooks
- Blogs
- Websites
- Industry
- Architecture
- Toy design
- Film
- Media
Strategies
- Pursue courses in medical illustration or medical, neurological, biological or ophthalmic photography, depending on your goal.
- Develop strong writing skills and a portfolio of published works.
- Take advanced courses in technical writing or journalism classes or consider a minor in either.
- Join professional associations like the National Association of Science Writers or the Public Relations Student Society of America.
- Seek related volunteer or paid experiences with student/local publications or blogs to increase marketability.
- Consider earning an advanced degree in a communications field to specialize in scientific journalism.
Source: The University of Tennessee Center for Career Development, 2016