9 jobs and career paths for neuroscience majors

What is neuroscience?

Neuroscience is the study of the brain and the nervous system and their role in human behavior, cognition, emotion, consciousness and experience. This is a field built for curious minds, futurists and anyone interested in the science of thinking.

Neuroscience has applications in fields ranging from behavioral health and clinical research to biomedical engineering, data science and emergent technology.

What you’ll learn as a neuroscience major

As a neuroscience major at Arizona State University, you’ll step into a dynamic and rapidly evolving field of science. This interdisciplinary program combines biology, psychology, chemistry, mathematics and engineering to examine how the brain and nervous system shape who we are and our interactions with the world around us.

You’ll begin with foundation courses such as NEU 101 - Introduction to Neuroscience and NEU 290 - Research Methodology that set the stage for advanced learning.

“NEU 290 is critical for understanding the scientific process, which is the backbone of any scientific field,” noted Dr. M. Foster Olive, a professor and associate director of undergraduate neuroscience at ASU.

As you advance, you’ll explore the brain through four key levels of analysis:

• Behavioral neuroscience: Studies how neural activity translates into observable behavior, often through animal models.
• Cellular and molecular neuroscience: Investigates how neurons and their biochemical processes give rise to brain function.
• Cognitive neuroscience: Connects brain processes to memory, decision-making, attention and consciousness using noninvasive imaging.
• Systems neuroscience: Examines how networks of neurons form pathways that control movement, perception and behavior.

You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in Online Undergraduate Research Scholars (OURS) program projects, where you can apply what you’re learning in real-world research settings.

Shannon Eaton, an assistant teaching professor of psychology at ASU, highly recommends getting involved in this type of research. “Gaining hands-on experience, thinking up questions, analyzing data, and writing up research is a huge part of science. That experience is incredibly useful.”

Exploration and adaptability are core to success in this field.

“Becoming comfortable in the unknown is an important skill,” Eaton noted. “Neuroscience is a relatively new field and we don’t have all the answers. We need to be resilient in class and in our research when things don’t work out the way we think. As a scientist, it should be encouraging to not have all the answers; it means there are so many aspects that are left for us to uncover and learn about.”

This program builds a foundation for graduate school, advanced research, clinical training and technical specialization, leading to careers in medicine, therapy, biotechnology, academia and beyond.

9 top jobs and career paths for neuroscience majors

Included is the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the median annual wage for the roles as of May 2024, and the projected growth in employment for these roles from 2023-2033.

• Data scientist: Use data science and statistics to interpret research findings and behavioral trends.
  • $112,590
  • Projected 36% job growth (much faster than average)
• Behavioral and mental health counselor: Assist patients with mental health, developmental or behavioral conditions in therapeutic settings.
  • $59,190
  • Projected 19% job growth (much faster than average)
• Speech-language pathologist: Assess and treat communication disorders linked to brain and nervous system conditions.
  • $95,410
  • Projected 18% job growth (much faster than average)
• Physical therapist: Help patients recover movement and manage pain after neurological injuries or conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s disease or spinal cord trauma.
  • $101,020
  • Project 14% job growth (much faster than average)
• Medical scientist: Conduct research to understand human diseases, often studying neurological disorders, brain function or the effects of treatment on the nervous system.
  • $100,590
  • Projected 11% job growth (much faster than average)
• Health education specialist: Develop, implement and evaluate programs that teach members of your community about conditions affecting their well-being.
  • $63,000
  • Projected 7% job growth (faster than average)
• Neuroimaging technician: Operate imaging technologies such as MRI and EEG to help visualize brain activity in research and clinical settings.
  • $78,980
  • Projected 6% job growth (faster than average)
• Clinical laboratory technologist and technician: Support brain and behavioral studies by collecting data, managing lab tools and assisting with experiments.
  • $61,890
  • Projected 5% job growth (as fast as average)
• Scientific writer: Communicate complex neuroscience topics clearly for articles, exhibits, educational content or public outreach.
  • $91,670
  • Projected 4% job growth (as fast as average)

Not sure which job most interests you? Both Olive and Eaton emphasize that there’s no single path for neuroscience majors.

“Don’t be afraid to take a gap year or two in an effort to explore different options and find the right path for yourself,” recommended Olive. “It’s not uncommon for students just finishing a bachelor’s degree to still be a little uncertain about which specific avenue in neuroscience they want to pursue.”
Eaton added, “There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to your path. Learning about yourself and what you enjoy and what you don’t enjoy are more important than picking a major or a career.”

And sometimes, that exploration leads to surprising destinations.

“One of my students currently works for an aquarium as a penguin trainer after taking my Neuroscience of Learning class,” said Eaton.

With a range of electives, real-world research opportunities and the guidance of engaged faculty, ASU’s neuroscience program gives you the freedom to shape a future that aligns with your curiosity, equipping you for graduate school, entering the workforce or forging your own unique path.

Earn your neuroscience degree with ASU Online

If you’re ready to explore how the brain works — and how that knowledge can power change — ASU Online’s Bachelor of Science in neuroscience offers a flexible, curiosity-driven path forward. Designed by expert faculty who understand both the complexity of the field and the individuality of each student’s journey, this program invites you to study cognitive, behavioral, molecular and computational neuroscience through a real-world lens.

You’ll develop skills in:

• Critical thinking, communication and problem-solving
• Data analysis and statistics
• Genomics and molecular techniques
• Neural imaging tools such as EEG, MEG and fMRI
• Scientific research and experiment design

The program encourages you to explore broadly and deeply.

“Start to immerse yourself early on in the different disciplines in neuroscience,” recommended Olive. “It’s good to vary your experiences to find your passion.”