The University of New Orleans will offer a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience after the new program was approved this week by the Louisiana Board of Regents. The degree program will prepare students for employment or graduate school in the broad field of neuroscience, which is the study of the nervous system, its functions and its disorders.

Neuroscientists focus on the brain and how it generates behavior and cognitive functions. The neuroscience degree program is interdisciplinary, with courses taught by faculty members from different departments, including psychology, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, mathematics and philosophy.  

“Neuroscience is a discipline that has become a major field of research and medical application in the past 40 years,” said Roberto Refinetti, professor and chair of psychology. “This new program will provide UNO students with the possibility of majoring in this important field. The program will also reinforce and expand trans-disciplinary initiatives, as well as STEM initiatives, at UNO. Furthermore, the program will provide a distinctive opportunity for undergraduate education to citizens of Louisiana and neighboring states.”
 
The neuroscience degree program will serve as an excellent pathway to medical school and other allied health programs. It will also open up opportunities for partnerships with educational institutions and healthcare providers in the neurological field, according to Steve Johnson, dean of the College of Sciences.

Neuroscience meshes with human and veterinary medicine, medical research, pharmaceuticals and technology development. Potential student internships exist in areas including biomedical imaging, drug and materials discovery, animal behavior studies, premedical training experiences, working with special needs pediatric populations, and working with elderly people with dementia and memory issues.

“We are very excited about this new interdisciplinary degree program involving so many departments in the College of Sciences,” Johnson said. “Our outstanding faculty will provide training and education in this cutting-edge discipline with strong support from Ochsner, Team Gleason Foundation and LSU Health Sciences Center. We look forward to our first cohort joining the program in fall 2025.”