The phrase "brain science" makes your average joe in the street think of the squishy gray matter. A neuroscience degree, however, is actually a perfect example of how the modern job market still values brains—and how informal education can keep you ahead of the curve.
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| How to Get a Neuroscience Degree |
That's because neuroscience is an extremely exciting field to be a part of. It's not just about understanding how our brains work; it's also about making better brain-based products and services.
Think telemedicine and robotics that assist with the rehabilitation process after stroke or brain injury. The opportunities are virtually endless and the demand for these specialists is only growing.
On top of that, getting a neuroscience bachelor's degree can give you valuable value-added skills that'll help you stand out in today's fast-paced workplace.
Do you have what it takes to get a Ph.D. and become part of the "nerve center" staff? If so, keep reading to find out how to get a neuroscience degree that'll blow your mind.
What Is a Neuroscience Degree?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, let's get on the same page about what a neuroscience degree actually is. It's not just the traditional university education you might have grown up with—neuroscience is a specific branch of science that studies the nervous system.
It studies how the brain, by extension, affects our entire bodies. You can find information about neuroscience on websites such as the American Association of Brain and Spine and the American Neurological Association.
Why Get a Neuroscience Degree?
According to the data, around 30% of jobs in the field of neurosciences require a master's degree. Additionally, a large number of jobs require Ph.D.s, which is why a career in neuroscience can be a very lucrative field.
Neuroscientists make excellent scientists and researchers and can earn a high salary—as high as $118,000 per year on average. Individuals interested in a career in neurosciences should keep in mind that the job market for neuroscientists is notoriously tough.
There's a reason why neuroscientists make such good scientists and engineers—the majority of them! Some of the main reasons why neurosciences attract such a high level of interest are the wide range of topics that are explored, the high level of specialization, and the level of autonomy each individual scientist has.
In short, neurosciences is a highly competitive field with lots of potential for personal achievement.
How to Get a Neuroscience Degree That'll Blow Your Mind?
Once you've chosen a program of study, it's time to get down to business. You need to find a school that'll enable you to study the latest and greatest in neuroscience.
You'll also want to pick a school that'll promote a balanced approach to brain research, one that won't shy away from controversial topics like the role of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine in human behavior.
These are the best schools in the country for neuroscience, according to data from the Princeton Review. If you're interested in a career that's both intellectually stimulating and financially rewarding, check out the top Neuroscience schools in the country.
The Bigger Picture: What's the Job Market Actually Like for People in Neuroscience?
The job market for neuroscientists is actually quite good. Neuroscientists are in high demand and have been for years. The job opportunities are extremely good and have been growing for some time.
The unemployment rate for neuroscientists remained at a healthy 4% throughout 2016, which is very good compared to the overall job market. This means that there is great room for neuroscientists to grow in the job market.
The number of openings will continue to grow due to an aging population, a growing number of people with disabilities, and the increasing importance of brain health and functionality in the general population.
The Bigger Picture: What's the Job Market Actually Like for People in Neuroscience?
The job market for neuroscientists is actually quite good. Neuroscientists are in high demand and have been for years. The job opportunities are extremely good and have been growing for some time.
The unemployment rate for neuroscientists remained at a healthy 4% throughout 2016, which is very good compared to the overall job market. This means that there is great room for neuroscientists to grow in the job market.
The number of openings will continue to grow due to an aging population, a growing number of people with disabilities, and the increasing importance of brain health and functionality in the general population.
You'll Need a Ph.D. to Be Sure!
Getting a Ph.D. is highly challenging and highly sought after in neurosciences. There are only a few dozen programs accredited by the American Psychological Association that'll yield a Ph.D. in neurosciences.
The process of applying for and applying for a program of studies is long and demanding. You must demonstrate that you are capable of independently conducting research and applying the results to a complex theory or hypothesis.
You'll need to gain expertise in several areas including psychology, mathematics, statistics, and biology. All of this can be challenging when you're young, especially since many of the requirements are science-based.
Best of luck for your career.