Find Your Dream Program


Neuroscience (B.S.)
Program insights
Date posted
November 4, 2025
Deadline
February 28, 2026
Study location
Baltimore
Tuitions
Min: 63,000$/year
Level
Undergraduate
Qualification
High school diploma
Duration
3 - 5 Years
Gender
All
Description
Neuroscience explores the nervous system from molecules and cells to circuits and cognition. This interdisciplinary major brings together Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Biophysics, Cognitive Science, and Psychological & Brain Sciences—plus the Krieger Mind/Brain Institute—to give students both a broad foundation and depth in a chosen focus area.
Why this program
Interdisciplinary training: Biology, chemistry, physics, math, computing, and psychology all in one curriculum.
Early lab experience: A dedicated neuroscience laboratory course with hands-on methods.
Research for credit: Join active labs and earn research credits; present at campus symposia.
Curriculum snapshot
Students complete a core neuroscience sequence, supporting coursework in math/statistics and the natural sciences, at least one biology course with a lab, and advanced electives within a focus area.
Core sequence
Cognitive Neuroscience
Neuroscience: Cellular & Systems I
Neuroscience: Cellular & Systems II
Neuroscience Laboratory
Math, statistics & sciences
Calculus I & II
Probability & Statistics (life or physical sciences track)
General Chemistry I & II with labs + Organic Chemistry I
General Physics I & II with labs
One biology course with a laboratory (e.g., General Biology I/II with lab; or Biochemistry/Cell Biology with associated lab)
Advanced electives (12+ credits)
Choose a focus area and complete approved 300-level or higher electives:
Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience (NEUR-CM)
Systems Neuroscience (NEUR-ST)
Cognitive Neuroscience (NEUR-CG)
Computational Neuroscience (NEUR-CP)
Plus at least one upper-level neuroscience elective outside your focus area.
Research & communication
6 credits of supervised neuroscience research (taken over multiple terms)
Two semesters of Scientific Communication & Mentoring (satisfies part of the program’s writing/communication requirement)
Note: Students planning for medical school typically add a second organic chemistry semester, its lab, and biochemistry (admissions requirements vary).
Focus-area notes
Computational Neuroscience: Additional math/programming courses are required alongside the focus electives.
Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience: Cell Biology with its lab must satisfy the biology-with-lab requirement.
Writing & communication requirement
Students entering in Fall 2024 or later complete 6 credits of writing/communication within the major. The two-semester Scientific Communication & Mentoring sequence counts toward this; remaining credits come from designated advanced courses.
Suggested 4-year flow (example)
Year 1: Calculus I–II; Chemistry I–II + labs; introductory cognitive/brain course; start biology + lab
Year 2: Cellular & Systems I–II; Organic Chemistry I; Statistics; begin research; communication seminar
Year 3: Physics I–II + labs; Cognitive Neuroscience; upper-level electives; continue research & communication
Year 4: Neuroscience Laboratory; remaining upper-level electives (in and outside focus); complete research
Honors in the Major
For students entering Fall 2022 and beyond:
3.8+ GPA across major requirements
6 research credits (overlaps with the major)
Present at the DREAMS research showcase
Mentor recommendation
Optional: Undergraduate Honors Thesis
Designed for students pursuing in-depth research and scientific writing.
Conduct an original experiment under faculty mentorship
Apply with proposal and mentor letter (spring prior to graduation year)
Earn 9 credits of independent research
Write and defend a thesis before a faculty committee (by mid-April of graduation year)
Present at DREAMS and attend an Honors Thesis Seminar in the final spring
Maintain a 3.5+ GPA in all required neuroscience courses
Who should apply
Students excited by brain science who enjoy both quantitative work (calculus, statistics, physics, computing) and the life sciences (chemistry, biology), and who want early, sustained research experience.
Notes for applicants
All major courses must be taken for a letter grade with C- or higher.
Approved advanced-elective lists and POS-tagged courses are published each term by the department.
Video
Overview
Founded in 1876 as the United States’ first research university, Johns Hopkins University was built upon President Daniel Coit Gilman’s vision: to advance knowledge through research and to prepare individuals whose excellence would elevate both science and society. From its earliest days, the university has united teaching and research, believing that one thrives through the other.
For nearly 150 years, Johns Hopkins has been at the forefront of discovery—developing innovations such as water purification, CPR, corrective surgery for infant heart defects, and even a planetary-deflection technique to safeguard Earth. Its researchers have authenticated the Dead Sea Scrolls, pioneered public health measures like vitamin A supplementation and seat belts, and explored the farthest reaches of the solar system.
Since 1979, Johns Hopkins has been the leading recipient of federal research funding, driving advances in medicine, science, and technology that have transformed lives worldwide. Supported by this partnership with the federal government, the university has made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and stroke, among many others.
Beyond research, Johns Hopkins plays a vital role in its community—it is the largest private employer in Baltimore and Maryland, generating an estimated $19.4 billion economic impact in Baltimore and $40 billion statewide. Guided by Gilman’s founding question, “What are we aiming at?”, Johns Hopkins continues to aim at discovery, innovation, and service to humanity.
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School size
Founded in
1876
Location
Baltimore
Phone
Interested in this Program?
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