Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience Degrees
Why major in psychology and behavioral neuroscience at Cornell College
There’s a reason that psychology and behavioral neuroscience is one of the top majors at Cornell College. Take on courses and projects that foster your proficiency with research design and research methods. You’ll gain a keen understanding of human behavior, thinking, and emotion. You’ll work alongside experienced professors who share your passion for learning.
In addition, we support many students as they complete internships both locally, and across the US. These experiences allow students to see first hand what psychology work is, often leading to job placement after graduation. In addition, we offer several hands-on opportunities for students to complete research side-by-side with our professors.
As so many of our graduates can attest, a degree in psychology and behavioral neuroscience from Cornell prepares you well for graduate school and a wide range of exciting career options—from research and behavioral health care to social services and public policy.
Psychology and neuroscience course and degree requirements
As you progress through your study of psychology or behavioral neuroscience, you will be able to explore many aspects of psychology including fundamentals of psychology; counseling and psychotherapy; behavioral and cognitive neuroscience; developmental psychology; psychopathology; social psychology;; and even research methods and statistics. Whether you love choices or are a little less certain, you’ll have a professor to advise you through.
Psychological Sciences, B.A.
This program gives you a broad understanding of psychology while emphasizing research skills that prepare you for a wide range of careers and graduate programs. It’s especially well-suited if you’re planning to pursue a research-focused doctoral program in areas like developmental, social, counseling, clinical, industrial/organizational, or school psychology. This degree is also suited for students who want to take their psychological knowledge into sales, marketing, and human resources careers.
Behavioral Neuroscience, B.A.
If you're thinking about graduate study in behavioral neuroscience or biological areas of psychology, this program is a great fit. You’ll also be prepared for careers in neuroscience, health care, or other science-focused fields where understanding the brain and behavior matters.
Applied Psychology, B.A.
In this program, you’ll build the skills and knowledge to step into a role in psychological or human services right after graduation. You’ll also be well-prepared to pursue a master’s degree in applied psychology or a related field if that’s your next step.
Psychology and behavioral neuroscience capstones
Depending on which concentration you select you will complete a capstone experience that could be a full-time internship in a human services context or complete a comprehensive scientific research review paper. Past capstone topics have spanned the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in clinical settings; the relationship between binge eating disorder and obesity; evaluating the psychological struggles experienced by female athletes; and traumatic brain injury as a risk factor in adolescents placed in foster care.
Using psychology and neuroscience in research
Finding opportunities to study human behavior and psychology isn’t hard…in fact you’ll find opportunities to translate life experiences into research topics in hands-on class work. Imagine gaining the skills to work as a therapist or applying problem solving skills to help your group get out of a virtual escape room! Designing a study that will help a business in your field of interest or inspire health or education policy, or developing outreach programming to support mental health in your community.
You can dig deeper outside class and work directly with professors to take a block for research during the academic year or get involved in our Cornell Summer Research Institute. You even have the opportunity to collaborate with research programs at other institutions.
Internships in psychology and behavioral sciences
Cornell students pursue a wide variety of internships both close to campus and nationally. Your faculty advisor and the staff of the Berry Career institute can help you identify an internship opportunity. You’ll have the flexibility to do a full-time internship during a block of the academic year, or you can do your internship during a college break. Some internships have even turned into jobs post-graduation!
Local internship sites include:
- Willis Dady Homeless Shelter, Cedar Rapids, IA
- Domestic Violence Intervention Program, Iowa City, IA
- Tanager Place, Cedar Rapids, IA
- Emma Goldman Clinic, Iowa City, IA
- Waypoint, Cedar Rapids, IA
- Cornell College Human Resources Office, Mt. Vernon, IA
- Mount Vernon Schools, Mt. Vernon, IA
What are Cornell students doing in internships? Check out their blogs.
Internships in Science & ResearchInternships in Health & Wellness Internships in Community & Social Services
Career opportunities for psychology and behavioral neuroscience majors
Most students leaving Cornell with their B.A. in one of our three majors go on to get an advanced degree that is required for career readiness. Students with B.A.s in behavioral neuroscience and psychological science continue to a master’s or doctoral degree that leads them into roles as researchers, program administrators, and consultants. Some Applied Psychology students choose to step directly into a careers in case management, care coordination, human resources, etc.
The Berry Career Institute can help you find the role where you can put your laboratory expertise in Chemistry to work.
CAREERS IN SCIENCE & RESEARCH CAREERS IN HEALTH & WELLNESS Careers in Community & Social Services