Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience Major

Chair: Michael Brown, Ph.D.
Office Location: Tolentine Hall, Room 334
Telephone: (610) 519-4720

About

The major in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience (CBN) provides an intensive course of study focused on brain-behavior relationships, ranging from genetic to whole brain contributions to behavior and mental processes. The program is excellent preparation for a variety of careers focusing on research and/or practice in neuroscience, medicine, allied health fields, and psychology, as well as for more general careers in areas such as public policy and education.

PRIMARY MAJOR (122 credits)

Students are accepted into Villanova University as declared CBN majors. Therefore, prospective students who are interested in the major should select the CBN program when applying to the University. Students who have already entered Villanova may appeal directly to the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences for special permission into the major.

Required Major Courses (65 credits)

Program Notes:

  • PSY 2900 is a topics course and the topic must be approved for it to count as a CBN elective. The following topics have been approved: “Drugs & Behavior”, “Emotion”, “Neuroethics”. Other topics do not count without approval.
  • BIO 4950 is a topics course and the topic must be approved for it to count as a CBN elective. The following topic has been approved: “Sex, Brains & Behavior. Other topics do not count without approval.
  • PSY 5900 is an independent research course and can count as a CBN elective only with pre-approval
Course
Title
Credits
MAT 1312 or MAT 1500  +
4
CBN Approved Elective  +
12
Sub-Total Credits
65-66

Core Curriculum Requirements (27 credits)

Biochemistry Majors meet the following core requirements in the major and therefore are omitted from the summary below: 

  • Core Math (3 cr)
  • Social Sciences (6 cr)
  • Natural Science (8 cr)
Course
Title
Credits
Literature and Writing Seminar (1 course)  +
3
History (1 course)   +
3
Fine Arts (1 course)  +
3
Upper-Level Theology (1 course)  +
3
Language Requirement  +
Diversity Requirement (2 courses)  +
Sub-Total Credits
27

Free Elective Requirement (30 credits)

Students with a Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience primary major have thirty (30) required free elective credits. 

Degree Credit Summary

  • Major Credits: 65 credits
  • Core Credits: 27 credits
  • Free Electives Credits: 30 credits
  • Total Required Credits: 122 Credits

Note: The above credit totals are based on the minimum number of required credits in each degree area. The minimum number of required credits in each area listed above must be met. Credits taken beyond the required minimum for one area may not be applied to another area. 

SECONDARY MAJOR

Students who declare Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience as a secondary major must complete the Required Major Courses to achieve this major. Students are able to count any eligible course taken in their primary major, the core curriculum, minors, concentrations, or free electives toward these requirements. 

Total Credits:
92-93

 

Disclaimer:
The above program requirements are applicable to students entering Summer 2024 and beyond. Please consult the appropriate archived catalog available on the homepage for years prior to these requirements. In order that programs offered by Villanova University reflect current advances and additions to knowledge and upgraded professional requirements, Villanova University reserves the right to change programs and requirements without prior notice. Students generally are bound to the requirements in effect and published online for the year in which their class begins its first year of study. Special requirements may be in effect for students who have left the University and are being readmitted. Students are advised to check with the web catalog or with their college offices regarding changes that may affect them. Additional academic information may be obtained from the various college offices and the web sites listed for the particular policies, programs and services found in this catalog. 

Overview

Program

Type

Bachelor of Science

Curriculum Guide

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