Neurobiology and Behavior: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Neurobiology and Behavior is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding how nervous systems—across both vertebrate and invertebrate species—govern complex behaviors and cognitive processes. This program integrates biological, computational, and psychological perspectives to explore the neural mechanisms underlying perception, learning, emotion, and decision-making.
- Neuronal systems and circuits: Examination of how individual neurons and interconnected networks process and transmit information within the nervous system.
- Behavioral and cognitive processes: In-depth study of how neural activity translates into observable behaviors and higher-order mental functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving.
- Computational neurobiology: Application of mathematical modeling and data analysis techniques to simulate and predict neural dynamics and system-level behavior.
- Neurological and psychiatric disorders: Investigation into the behavioral symptoms and underlying neural dysfunctions associated with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, depression, and autism spectrum disorders.
Neurobiology and Behavior Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Neurobiology and Behavior Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Neurobiology and Behavior degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists and Biological Scientists, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 370,130 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists 19-1042 | $100,590 | $61,860 - $168,210 | 156,300 | $48.36 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other 19-1029 | $93,330 | $54,500 - $159,780 | 59,710 | $44.87 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1042 | $83,460 | $50,760 - $169,560 | 53,250 | N/A |
Neurobiology and Behavior Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $74,817 in Vermont to $143,303 in California—a 92% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 370,130 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Neurobiology and Behavior by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 8 institutions offering Neurobiology and Behavior programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Neurobiology and Behavior is found at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) (67 graduates), Loyola University Chicago (LUC) (49 graduates), University of Michigan, Dearborn (21 graduates), University of California (UCI), Irvine (20 graduates), and Saint Edward's University (17 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 183 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Valley State University (GVSU) |
Bachelor's
|
67 | Allendale, Michigan | Public | gvsu.edu |
| Loyola University Chicago (LUC) |
Bachelor's
|
49 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | luc.edu |
| University of Michigan |
Bachelor's
|
21 | Dearborn, Michigan | Public | umdearborn.edu |
| University of California (UCI) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
20 | Irvine, California | Public | uci.edu |
| Saint Edward's University |
Bachelor's
|
17 | Austin, Texas | Private | stedwards.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Postbac Cert.
|
6 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Cornell University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Ithaca, New York | Private | cornell.edu |
| La Sierra University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Riverside, California | Private | lasierra.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Neurobiology and Behavior programs
How much can I earn with a Neurobiology and Behavior degree?
Salaries for Neurobiology and Behavior graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earn around $100,590. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $143,303 compared to $74,817 in Vermont. Approximately 370,130 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Neurobiology and Behavior programs?
Currently 8 accredited institutions offer Neurobiology and Behavior degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Grand Valley State University (GVSU) (67 graduates), Loyola University Chicago (LUC) (49 graduates), and University of Michigan, Dearborn (21 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Neurobiology and Behavior growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 64 in 2010 to 183 in 2023-24. This represents a 186% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Neurobiology and Behavior degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, and Biological Scientists, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 370,130 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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