Our program explores the relationship between brain function, behavior, and cognition. Designed to provide an understanding of the biological basis of behavior, neuropsychological assessment techniques, and neuroscience principles. You’ll develop essential skills for careers in neuropsychology, neuroscience research, healthcare, and related fields. With a focus on empirical research and evidence-based practice, graduate from the program as skilled practitioners, researchers, and advocates improving human well-being.
What is a BS in Behavioral Neuropsychology degree?
Reduce tuition by up to $24k
Why earn a BS in Behavioral Neuropsychology?
Our program explores the brain and behavior, research design, neuroscience, sensation and perception, and cognitive psychology. You’ll excel in our hands-on environment with opportunities to work at a variety of community based organizations and conduct research alongside your professors. Our program provides the foundation you need to launch your career or prepare for graduate school.
Research opportunities
Participate in our Summer Research Institute, working alongside faculty members for six weeks before presenting your findings.
Strong community partnerships
Our program has agreements with over 20 organizations in our community to provide professional experiences and mentorships.
Psychology learning community
Join our psychology learning community which centers around the exploration of the variety of possible career paths.
Tailored program
Your capstone enhances your research skills and knowledge, preparing you to move on to graduate school.
Supportive environment
Our faculty and students create a supportive and collaborative learning environment, fostering creativity, innovation, and a sense of community.
What you’ll learn in your BS in Behavioral Neuropsychology program
As you progress through the program, you’ll gain the five core skills the American Psychology Association recommends psychology students develop. Additionally, you’ll study the organization and function of the nervous system and its relationship to behavior, cognition, and disorders.
- Exploration of human cognitive processes
- Understanding of principles, theories, and application of conditioning and learning
- Analyze the effects of drugs on behavior
- Examination of functional neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of human beings
- Understanding of ethical concerns in psychology and health assessments
Explore Behavioral Neuropsychology courses
- This degree will require you to complete a total of 120 credits.
- You will complete 36 gen ed credits, 53 major credits, 31 elective credits, and 1 capstone course.
Sample courses
| Class code | Class title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 332 | Psychology Test & Measurements | 3 credits |
| PSYC 330 | Psychology of Learning | 3 credits |
| PSYC 340 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 credits |
| PSYC 360 | Behavioral Pharmacology | 3 credits |
| PSYC 403 | Behavioral Neuroscience | 3 credits |
How much does a BS in Behavioral Neuropsychology cost?
The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore total cost of attendance.
Full-time student living on campus
| Expense | By Semester | By Year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* | $18,189 | $36,378 |
| Housing** | $4,019 | $8,038 |
| Food*** | $2,670 | $5,340 |
| Technology fee | $140 | $280 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $25,018 | $50,036 |
*Based on 2024-2025 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.
How much does housing cost?
When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there's something for everyone. The cost of your housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
How does SAU support Behavioral Neuropsychology students?
St. Ambrose University’s psychology faculty have decades of real-world experience in addition to their teaching. Our professors have provided therapy and mental health care to children and adults, conducted research in hospital settings, completed forensic psychology work with justice-involved adults and youth, and have interdisciplinary training in neuroscience and neuroethics, just to name a few. Additionally, some faculty have special expertise in research design and execution. Their diverse experiences will benefit you as they provide guidance and mentorship on your journey to achieving your desired career.
Behavioral neuropsychology program faculty
Other support resources
Student Success Center
At St. Ambrose, we want you to succeed. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.
Accessibility Resource Center
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
Career services
Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.
Are there scholarships available for BS in Behavioral Neuropsychology?
At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for our students. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.
Ambrose Advantage scholarship
Through the Ambrose Advantage scholarship program, a tuition-free St. Ambrose University education is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Ioans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage.
Merit-based and institutional scholarships
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.
Transfer credits
At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.
Affordable education
"The Ambrose Advantage allowed me to come to college without much worry about debt in my future."
-Caleb Gillmore, Monticello, Iowa
What’s on campus for Behavioral Neuropsychology students?
Engage in volunteer activities and services while cultivating your knowledge of the field of psychology by joining the Psychology Club. This student-led organization participates in the National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) Walk every September. They also volunteer at Project Renewal for at-risk youth and engage in depression and alcohol screening events on campus.
Join the International Honor Society in Psychology – Psi Chi – your junior or senior year. Founded in 1929, the purpose of this organization is to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship, and advance the science of psychology. Psi Chi is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and an affiliate of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Association for Psychological Science (APS). Requirements to join: Must be a junior or senior at St. Ambrose with a declared psychology major or minor, have a GPA of at least 3.6, and have completed at least 9 credit hours of psychology classes.
“The faculty and staff at St. Ambrose University went above and beyond expectations. They went out of their way to ensure you had what you needed to succeed. They would have open office hours that allowed for extra assistance out of class and provide you with resources that the university provided (e.g., tutors, SI). Additionally, they took pride in seeing their students succeed which was extremely motivating as a student.”
-Keegan Norris '21, BS in Behavioral Neuropsychology
What are the general admission requirements for a BS in Behavioral Neuropsychology?
Ready to become a Bee? Here are the admissions requirements for our BS in Behavioral Neuropsychology program.
- You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
- You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5
- You must provide an official high school transcript
International student requirements
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Official transcripts from secondary education
- A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
- Copy of your passport and other documentation
What can I do with a Behavioral Neuropsychology degree?
Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our Behavioral Neuropsychology program could achieve.
Potential job titles
- Neuropsychology research assistant
- Physician assistant
- Neuropsychological testing specialist
- Social science research assistant
- Mental health researcher
Potential employment settings
- Healthcare systems
- Research institute
- Mental health facilities
- Non-profit organizations
- Neurology clinics
Traits of a Behavioral Neuropsychology graduate
- Empathetic
- Analytical
- Critical-thinker
- Communicative
- Human-focused
Industry facts
- The median wage for social science research assistants was $ 62,370 in May of 2023
For more information on financial employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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Become who you are meant to be
With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.
