Overview
Matthew Bereza, Chair of the Division of Behavior Sciences
The Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Behavior at St. John Fisher University offers an interdisciplinary education grounded in the biological and psychological sciences. This program explores the structure and function of the nervous system and its complex relationship to behavior, cognition, and mental health. By integrating coursework in biology, chemistry, and psychology, the degree provides students with a rigorous foundation in neurobiology, cognitive neuroscience, and clinical dimensions of brain function.
Students gain a deep understanding of the nervous system at multiple levels—from molecular and cellular mechanisms to perception, movement, emotion, and higher-order cognition. Through this lens, the program prepares students to examine psychological, developmental, and neurological disorders with both scientific and clinical insight. Students also study historical and contemporary approaches, exploring how the field has evolved and how emerging research is shaping the future of brain science.
This major aligns closely with Fisher’s emphasis on health sciences, offering students an academic pathway that reflects the interdisciplinary demands of today’s healthcare and research careers.
Examining Theory and Discovering Applications
The neuroscience and behavior major consists of 49 credit hours, including CORE and elective coursework across biology, chemistry, and psychology. Foundational courses include General Biology I and II with lab, General Chemistry I and II with lab, and an introduction to the principles of psychology. Students also complete Research Methods & Writing and Basic Statistics to ensure a strong grounding in scientific analysis and empirical reasoning.
At the core of the major are behavioral neuroscience and neurobiology, which explore the biological basis of behavior, neural systems, and neurochemical signaling. Students then advance into specialized neuroscience content through courses such as Biological Basis of Perception and Movement, Cognitive Neuroscience, and Clinical Neuropathology. These courses provide in-depth exploration of how the brain governs physical and psychological functions and how disruptions to these systems manifest in disease and disorder.
The program offers a range of lab-based electives, such as Psychophysiology Lab, Cognitive Lab, and Introduction to Research, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in designing experiments and analyzing data. Additional upper-level coursework in cognitive processes, psychopathology, genetics, biochemistry, and health psychology provides a flexible and integrative approach to the discipline.
Select courses in this program are delivered in collaboration with RIZE Education, a national academic consortium that partners with institutions to offer high-quality, career-aligned coursework in specialized fields. The RIZE partnership allows students to access innovative neuroscience content through a hybrid learning model, combining online modules with campus-based academic support. Courses offered through RIZE—such as Biological Basis of Perception and Movement, Cognitive Neuroscience, and Clinical Neuropathology—feature dynamic content designed by expert faculty and are supported by robust monitoring systems to ensure student engagement and success.
Opportunities with a B.S. Degree In Neuroscience and Behavior
Graduates of the Neuroscience and Behavior program are well-positioned for a range of professional and academic pathways. The program’s scientific rigor and interdisciplinary scope prepare students for entry into graduate programs in neuroscience, psychology, biology, cognitive science, public health, and related disciplines. The degree also provides a strong foundation for students pursuing professional schools in medicine, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or physician assistant programs, particularly for those interested in neurology, psychiatry, or behavioral health.
By combining the expertise of Fisher faculty with cutting-edge specialized instruction through RIZE, this program offers students a forward-looking and adaptable neuroscience education. The result is a degree that not only reflects the complexities of brain and behavior but also responds to the growing need for professionals who can translate that knowledge into research, care, and innovation.