Was wondering if anyone had some info on how the neuroscience program at Pitt is? I am more interested in the cognitive science aspect of neuroscience and I know neuroscience majors tend to be more pre-med. Would appreciate any comments on if it would be a good fit.
Pitt’s undergraduate neuroscience is among the oldest undergraduate neuroscience programs in the world. It is a full-fledged department, with its own faculty, staff, and course offerings, and most importantly, a multitude of varied opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in significant, extended research projects on campus. These opportunities extend beyond the department into the very large and robust neuroscience community at the university. For perspective on Pitt’s neuroscience community, and what types of research you could be exposed to at Pitt, see the Center for Neuroscience website listing of affiliated faculty at http://cnup.neurobio.pitt.edu/people/faculty.aspx?by=x1
Pitt’s program is not one that was tacked on to a psych or biology department because “neuroscience” became a trendy major. You won’t find better undergrad neuroscience preparation or training elsewhere. I say that as someone that spent time researching in and teaching undergraduate neuroscience in the Ivy League and other schools around the country.
That said, you should examine undergraduate programs based on your expected interests with the intent, as with any research-oriented discipline, that you will be seeking out undergrad research opportunities with the hope of obtaining some sort of authorship on real research projects while an undergrad. Go to the webpages of the programs at the schools you are interested in and investigate both the faculty and courses that are offered to undergraduates and get a feel for whether these programs and opportunities will meet your interests.
Thank you so much for this post @wgmcp101 . My D just committed to Pitt today and she’s a Neuroscience major. Very excited for her.