Course Planning

Study of the Mind & Neuroscience - Planning

Course planning advice here is limited to majors. For a full description of degree requirements, please see this overview of the Academic Program and refer to the Catalog for details and official rules. Any discrepancy between the Course Planning Pages and the Catalog will be resolved in favor of the Catalog.

Possible Degree Path – starting in the first year. The following is a typical major plan for the Study of the Mind 12 course major. This is not the only way forward. Please consult with your advisor to create your unique path. (Neuroscience is offered as a minor. Please see the Catalog for details.)

  Fall Semester Spring Semester
First Year

Begin with 3-4 of the following:

  • Cell Biology (BIOL 150, either semester);
  • If no previous experience, consider an introductory course in Psychology (PSYC) or Philosophy (PHIL);
  • If consistent with mathematics background: Foundations of Computer Science (CSCI 150, either semester);
  • Possibly: an elective in the Study of the Mind major 
When available: Philosophy of Cognitive Science (PHIL 235) is recommended.
Sophomore

  • Brain and Behavior (PSYC 220, either semester)
  • Statistics (from any department, either semester)
  • Possibly 1-2 courses in the Study of the Mind major

If not previously completed: Cell Biology (BIOL 150, either semester) and Foundations of Computer Science (CSCI 150, either semester)

Junior
  • Philosophy of Mind (PHIL 390, fall)
  • Philosophy of Science (PHIL 350, spring)
  • Neurobiology (BIOL 325, either semester)
    Summer

    Research - recommended for students considering graduate studies

      Senior

      • The Study of the Mind Senior Capstone (MIND 497, spring)
      • 2-4 courses necessary to complete the Study of the Mind major

      Possible Degree Path – starting in the second year. The following is a typical plan for the Study of the Mind 12 course major. This is not the only way forward. Please consult with your advisor or the program chair to create your unique path. (Neuroscience is offered as a minor. Please see the Catalog for details.)

        Fall Semester Spring Semester
      First Year   -
      Sophomore
      • Cell Biology (BIOL 150, either semester);
      • Foundations of Computer Science (CSCI 150, either semester);
      • Brain and Behavior (PSYC 220, either semester);
      • Statistics (from any department, either semester);
      • Possibly 1-2 courses in the Study of the Mind major
      When available: Philosophy of Cognitive Science (PHIL 235) is recommended.    

      Junior
      • Philosophy of Mind (PHIL 390, fall)
      • Philosophy of Science (PHIL 350, spring)
      • Neurobiology (BIOL 325, either semester)
      Summer

      Research - recommended for students considering graduate studies

        Senior

        • The Study of the Mind Senior Capstone (MIND 497, spring)
        • 2-4 courses necessary to complete the Study of the Mind major

        Planning Recommendations:

        The Study of the Mind Major requires both breath in multiple disciplines and depth in a specific field of interest. Please consult with your major advisor to focus your studies on your field of interest since some upper-level electives require specific lower-level electives.   

        Students must complete Neurobiology (BIOL 325) in their junior year.  

        Although research is not required for the major, students planning to pursue a graduate degree are strongly encouraged to participate in independent research. Students should start exploring research opportunities with their Advisor in the fall of the junior year.  Research-oriented students might consider exploring research options in their sophomore year.