<p>I'm currently a second semester sophomore majoring in psychology. I chose psych because it interested me but I haven't been sure what more specific area I would like to do. Recently I have found myself very interested in neuroscience however I'm not sure if it would be possible for me to get a masters or Ph.D in neuroscience with a bachelors in psychology? Are there any subdivisions that kind of connect neuroscience and psychology that would be more logical for me to look at?</p>
<p>Absolutely. I’ve been admitted to 3 programs, one of which was my “top” choice as a psychology major. That’s part of the beauty of neuroscience as a burgeoning field; it’s ridiculously cross disciplinary. You could also go down the behavioral neuroscience (generally under psychology) if you did not want to make the jump straight to neuroscience.</p>
<p>My suggestion to you would be to take the requisite “hard” science courses while you can (if you haven’t already). That was one of my biggest deficiencies, and I was straight up with the adcoms that although my background was not as robust as some of the other applicants I was working hard on my own to fill in the gaps in my knowledge.</p>
<p>My other suggestion would be to start looking for research experience (again, if you haven’t already) ASAP. It will help you find out whether neuroscience is something you really want to pursue further and will give you a better idea of your area of interest when you apply.</p>
<p>Yeah that’s the thing, I’m concerned about the science classes that I will need that aren’t required for me to take as a psychology major. I’ve already taken the non-science major biology class too which stinks because if I knew this a year ago I may have either held off on it or considered the science major one that isn’t just a joke. Also would higher level math courses be necessary for me to take as well? I have never taken calculus in high school so I don’t know if I’d do well there…</p>
<p>I second everything Muihtil said. I have been interviewing with Neuro programs these past couple months and have met numerous psychology majors also interviewing. </p>
<p>If you have a strong psychology background and if you are interested in behavior I would look into behavioral neuroscience labs/programs and see if they interest you. You may also like cognitive neuroscience. I can’t help much with these areas as I’m more interested in the cellular/molecular side of things. If your interested in that area I can help much more. </p>
<pre><code>Definitely get involve in research as soon as possible. The more the better and it will be the selling point of your application. I have been told bluntly by an admissions committee chair that they will not invite anyone without research experience. This should be your top priority if you are not already working in a lab.
As for coursework courses in Genetics, Biochemistry (or at least general chemistry), and Molecular/Cellular Biology are recommended. Of course Neuroscience coursework should be sought after if available. Most programs I applied to stated they desired applicants with upper level math experience but it typically isn’t required. Coursework in mathematics can only look good on your application so if you have the time it can only help.
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<p>What type of research experience are you guys referring to? For example, I am guessing that cognitive psychology research experience as an undergraduate doesn’t exactly count as “research experience” when you apply to Neuro programmes- right?</p>
<p>To some extent, research is research. Ideally, yes, you would have research experience in the exact field you want to go into, but there aren’t necessarily opportunities for that, or interests may change. So having cognitive psych research experience is still better than nothing. It doesn’t show you know certain lab techniques or programming, but it does show you know the research process and have the potential and willingness to do it. That’s hugely important - grad schools are looking for research potential.</p>
<p>Course you can. Question is, what happens when you get the PhD. Odds are, not what you think is gonna happen, and not better than what you thought was gonna happen.</p>
<p>Look for experimental psych research options. </p>
<p>The most helpful math classes will be statistics. </p>
<p>From what I have seen neuroscience has approaches based on biology and Psychology, you can pursue it either way, but as a psyche major, try to pick up basic boo major types of classes to fulfill breadth requirements.</p>