Neurobiology and Neurosciences: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Neurobiology and neurosciences encompass the scientific exploration of the nervous system, focusing on its structure, function, development, and disorders. This interdisciplinary field integrates principles from biology, chemistry, physics, and computational modeling to uncover the mechanisms underlying brain activity, behavior, and neurological health. Students engage in rigorous study of neural systems across multiple levels, from molecular and cellular processes to complex cognitive functions.
- Neural Development: Investigates how nervous systems form during embryogenesis and early life, including the molecular and cellular events guiding neuron differentiation and circuit formation.
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology: Examines the biochemical and genetic foundations of neuron function, including ion channels, neurotransmitter systems, and intracellular signaling pathways.
- Systems Neuroscience: Explores how neural circuits and brain regions coordinate to produce perception, movement, emotion, and cognition through integrated network activity.
- Behavioral Neuroscience: Studies the biological basis of behavior, analyzing how brain function influences learning, memory, motivation, and decision-making processes.
- Neurophysiology: Focuses on the electrical and chemical signaling mechanisms within neurons and neural networks, including action potentials and synaptic transmission.
- Neuroimaging and Computational Modeling: Applies advanced techniques such as fMRI, EEG, and neural network simulations to visualize and predict brain function and disease progression.
- Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders: Analyzes the pathophysiology of conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, depression, and schizophrenia, with emphasis on identifying therapeutic targets.
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Neurobiology and Neurosciences 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 Neurosciences 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 Neurosciences by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 10 institutions offering Neurobiology and Neurosciences 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 Neurosciences is found at University of California (UCSD), San Diego (187 graduates), Loyola University Chicago (LUC) (54 graduates), University of Southern California (USC) (20 graduates), Western New England University (WNE) (11 graduates), and Carlow University (10 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 299 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
University of California (UCSD) |
Bachelor's
|
187 | La Jolla, California | Public | ucsd.edu |
Loyola University Chicago (LUC) |
Bachelor's
|
54 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | luc.edu |
University of Southern California (USC) |
Bachelor's
|
20 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
Western New England University (WNE) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Springfield, Massachusetts | Private | wne.edu |
Carlow University |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | carlow.edu |
Lipscomb University |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | lipscomb.edu |
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Pasadena, California | Private | caltech.edu |
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | cmu.edu |
Wesleyan College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Macon, Georgia | Private | wesleyancollege.edu |
Michigan State University (MSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Neurobiology and Neurosciences programs
How much can I earn with a Neurobiology and Neurosciences degree?
Salaries for Neurobiology and Neurosciences 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 Neurosciences programs?
Currently 10 accredited institutions offer Neurobiology and Neurosciences degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of California (UCSD), San Diego (187 graduates), Loyola University Chicago (LUC) (54 graduates), and University of Southern California (USC) (20 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 Neurosciences growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 19 in 2010 to 299 in 2023-24. This represents a 1,474% 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 Neurosciences 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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