The term "neuroscience" was coined in the 1960s to name an interdisciplinary field that focused on both the normal and abnormal structure and function of the nervous system.
That field now sits at the intersection of biology, chemistry and psychology, and the neuroscience major at Dickinson provides students with rigorous, laboratory-based exposure to the fascinating multidisciplinary study of the brain. Featuring advanced opportunities for research and integrated mentoring, the program is ideal for students planning graduate or professional study in neuroscience, biology, chemistry, psychology, medicine and other related fields.
Upper-division courses allow the student to bring research skills to bear in the laboratory and to integrate skill and knowledge gained in introductory courses. The elective requirements in the major allow students to explore the many facets of neuroscience, and students can then choose to focus on molecular or molar approaches to neuroscience; choose to emphasize biology, chemistry or psychology within their neurosciences major; and explore the ways other fields—such as anthropology, philosophy or sociology—intersect with neuroscience.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH
National Institutes of Health
Shire Pharmaceuticals
Society for Neuroscience
Takeda Oncology
Graduate Schools:
University of Pennsylvania
Teachers College, Columbia University
University of South Carolina
Georgetown University
Ohio State University
University of Arizona
Where Students Have Interned
Boston Children's Hospital
Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children
La Cruz Roja (the Red Cross), Málaga, Spain
Mayo Clinic (summer undergraduate research fellowship)
Johns Hopkins Medicine
World Health Organization
Children's National Medical Center
Student Perspectives
“What I love best about the neuroscience major is learning about the nervous system and the brain, along with the coordination that happens between the brain and the body. I find this fascinating, because this dynamic system governs how we function as persons, and it controls simple and complex human behaviors. Aside from the amazing education, the best thing about my Dickinson experience is meeting new people from all over the world and learning about their cultures and ways of life.”
“It was awe-inspiring, and it confirmed my love of neuroscience.” Future neuroscientist Leo Burchell ’27 describes that remarkable moment, shares his appreciation for poetry and more.
Through an impactful internship, neuroscience major Rachel Lind '25 studied mild traumatic brain injury and contributed to research published in a scientific journal.