Program overview
Become an explorer in one of medicine’s final frontiers: the brain. UNE’s Neuroscience major combines hands-on discovery, research, and internships to bring you an interdisciplinary program incorporating the fields of psychology, biology, chemistry, and biomedical science. Ranked a “High Research Activity” university by the Carnegie Classification, we boast field-leading faculty members and state-of-the-art resources that you would expect at a large institution. Yet we provide a small, intimate college environment that gives you the one-on-one attention and access to sophisticated equipment that are usually only offered at the graduate level. Visit our blog to read more about the class experiences, internships, activities, and accomplishments of our Neuroscience students and faculty.

Why UNE for Neuroscience
With our uncommon breadth of research opportunities for undergraduates, you’ll have opportunities to work on research funded by the NIH, NSF, and top tier foundations. From participating in experiment design to publishing findings as co-author, you will get graduate-level experience as an undergraduate student.
- Mentorship from nationally and internationally known faculty from across UNE colleges, including our College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Robust internship program
- Neuroscience Summer Scholars program
- Weekly seminar series with world-renowned speakers
- Hands-On outreach in K-12 schools and at annual Brain Fair
- Active Neuroscience Club
Experience the Brain Fair
UNE’s Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences created the annual Brain Fair to engage the community in brain exploration, with the goal of promoting interest in STEM disciplines. Students, staff, and faculty develop neuroscience-related hands-on activities and experiments for the general public.
Careers
With the research experience, most undergraduates can only dream of, you will stand out to employers and graduate schools alike. Your robust knowledge, analytical skills, internship experience, and outreach service will stand you in good stead as you embark on your journey to success in the neuroscience field. Our graduates may explore numerous careers, including:
- Neuroscientist (in academic, governmental, or industrial settings)
- Physician/Neurologist
- Neuropsychologist
- Consultant
- Scientific Writer
- Policy Advocate
- Biotechnician
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, the Office of Career Services is here to help you plan your next step.
of graduates employed or enrolled in grad school within one year of graduation
(per 2016-2018 graduate surveys)
in Maine for getting a job
(Zippia, 2019)
Student Financial Services
One of the most important considerations when committing to a college or university is cost. We work with you and your family to help make your education affordable by pricing our tuition competitively and offering financial assistance.
Academics
In your second two years, you may choose to focus on cellular/molecular neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, or cognitive science.
Examples of available courses
The following are some examples of the exciting courses that you can take:
- Neuroscience Internship
- Neuroscience Research
- Introduction to Neurobiology
- Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience
- Introduction to Mental Illness
By choosing the Pre-Med/Pre-Health Professions track of the Neuroscience major, you can complete all prerequisite coursework for graduate study in medicine, physician assistant, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
To learn more about the program, see Curriculum or visit the Catalog.
Medical and other health care preparation
If you are interested in attending medical school, a physician assistant program, or a graduate program in occupational or physical therapy, you can major in Neuroscience at UNE and fulfill all of the prerequisites for these programs. Find out more by visiting the Office of Pre-Health Professions Advising website.
Honors program
Most majors in the College of Arts and Sciences offer high-performing students the opportunity to graduate with Honors. You should consult with your major advisor or academic director for specific criteria and requirements.
Contact
For more information contact Glenn Stevenson, Ph.D. | (207) 602-2285 | gstevenson@une.edu
Experiential Learning
Internships
Intern off-campus or in one of our faculty labs that are conducting cutting-edge research. Join studies in:
- Development of anxiety and behavioral neuroscience
- Neurogentics and pain sensitization
- Headache and ocular pain
- Psychopharmacology and gut microbiome
For more information, contact:
College of Arts and Sciences Internship Office
224 Danielle N. Ripich University Commons
Biddeford Campus
(207) 602-2540
Fax: (207) 602-5880
Director
Cynthia Simon
csimon@une.edu
Global education
See the world
Get the cultural immersion experience of your dreams while staying on track with your lab requirements. We offer semester-long studies in Spain and Morocco that provide lab sciences as well as humanities courses that fulfill your core requirements. Or opt for one of our shorter, faculty-led travel courses, which will take you to Costa Rica, Iceland, Ghana, Italy, or many other remarkable locations.
Interested in studying abroad? Make a plan with your advisor.

Hidden Gem
College matching site College Raptor inc. named UNE a Hidden Gem for Women in STEM. The ranking highlights UNE as being dedicated to encouraging young women in the pursuit of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics degrees.
UNE ranked among the top five schools in the country.