<p>I want to go into the field of cognitive/behavioral neuroscience. I have about a B average in my college pre-calc course and am somewhat struggling with it, so I can't see much success in the future with calculus. Will I need to be proficient at calculus if I wish to be successful in this field? Thanks.</p>
<p>Not at all. If anything, stats is more useful in neuroscience ( and easier). At my school I don’t think we’re even required to take calculus for a neuroscience major. We only have to take two semesters of statistics.</p>
<p>If I were you I would switch from neuroscience to an engineering/econ/math/business degree because job prospects for the sciences (even at the phd level) are poor. Anything a science major can do, an engineering major can do just as well if not better.</p>
<p>I would suggest looking into biomedical engineering if your interest is neuroscience. That way your options are open and if you really want to do neuroscience research, you can still apply to neuro grad program after you complete your BS.</p>
<p>Most neuro degrees require calculus as far as I know. But nothing beyond that so if you can survive it, then OK. Also, if you’re struggling with calculus, it could turn around in college. I did OK on Calc in HS (Bs, Cs) but did much better at it in college (As and Bs). Big warning - if calc is really difficult for you, then engineering is NOT for you. Engineers take math well beyond calculus and expect to be good at it. You’d be best to try to neuro track in that case and hopefully go to med school.</p>
<p>^ “You’re struggling with calculus…get a math or engineering degree!”</p>
<p>Stay classy, CC</p>
<p>You don’t have to be good at math to pursue a career in engineering. You have to be willing to put in the time and effort and your grades will fall in place. The point of a higher education is to learn. </p>
<p>If you show up to class, pay attention, do the readings/hw, go to office hours, and study for tests and quizzes, then upper level math classes won’t be so bad. People need to stop thinking they suck at math and just put in the time.</p>
<p>If someone doesn’t enjoy math and struggles with it and doesn’t want it to factor into their future career, why on earth would you suggest they go into engineering? You can do well in a class if you study hard and pay attention, sure. It doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to make into your career. You assume what you want or what makes the most money is the best career advice and it’s not.</p>
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<p>I’m not saying whatever makes the most money is the best career, I’m saying whatever gets you a job is a good career. A BS in neuroscience will get you nowhere. A masters is equivalent to a BS with 2 years experience and job prospects are still poor. </p>
<p>Good luck at the PhD level. There are so many PhDs pumped out each year that it’s extremely difficult to secure a job and you’re overqualified for most jobs if you can’t make use of your degree.</p>