Biological Psychology & Neuroscience

Biological psychology is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the biological or physiological basis of psychological and behavioral processes, as well as their reciprocal relations. As a broad field, biological psychology includes many subfields including behavioral neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, psychoneuroendocrinology, and psychoneuroimmunology. Topics of study in the field include how genetic factors interact with environmental factors to influence behavior and psychological processes and neural underpinnings of decision-making, memory, and other cognitive processes.

Career paths in biological psychology are diverse, spanning research, clinical and applied practice, and industry. Research roles can be found in colleges and universities, medical centers, hospitals, and government agencies (e.g., National Institutes of Health, CDC). Applied opportunities exist in healthcare systems, neurology clinics, pharmacology, and industry settings like health tech, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical companies. Entry-level roles for those with a BA/BS include paid research assistant, lab manager, clinical research coordinator, or positions in neuroimaging and data science. Many advanced research and applied roles require graduate degrees, such as a PhD, MS, or specialized clinical training.

For students interested in this field, gaining hands-on laboratory experience is especially important. Working in a research lab, completing an honors thesis, or assisting with data collection (e.g., EEG, fMRI, or biospecimen collection) develops critical thinking and technical skills. Volunteer positions in neurology clinics, neurorehabilitation centers, or biotechnology firms are also highly valuable. Developing strong skills in research methods, neuroscientific techniques, statistics, and scientific communication is advantageous.

Professional organizations: Connecting with any of the professional societies below can be a great way to explore the field:

Relevant courses in Psychology: To prepare for a career in biological psychology, consider any of the core courses in area B, such as: