EXPLORE ACADEMICS
Medical sciences, including neuroscience, is one the fastest-growing job fields in the U.S.
Why Study Neuroscience?
The Neuroscience major provides opportunities for undergraduates to begin careers in neuroscience and participate in the discoveries that will lead to cures society will need.
Students with career goals in life science, health care, science education, mental health, information science, robotics and behavioral science will find appropriate training as a neuroscience major.
Advanced Degree Careers in Neuroscience
One of the first places scientists and engineers look for opportunities outside the academic environment is research in industry. These positions can be a great fit for someone who still enjoys the day-to-day work of research but is looking to do it outside the university setting. These positions are often highly competitive and sometimes require candidates to have a couple of years of postdoctoral experience.
Scientific, Technical Writing and Publishing
Scientific/medical writing and publishing is an excellent alternative for Ph.D.s with strong writing skills who want to stay involved in the scientific community without working in the lab or field. There are opportunities to work at scientific journals, medical writing companies that produce content for pharmaceutical companies and technology companies that need strong writers to produce "how-to" content. Academic and technical journals, in particular, prefer hiring Ph.D.s for editing positions. However, publishing firms in a variety of fields also seek Ph.D.s for editing, marketing, sales, production, design, information technology and business positions.
Government Positions
The federal government has long hired engineers and other holders of advanced degrees in the sciences. These people work in positions ranging from international development to systems design. Because of the rapid advances in biotechnology over the past decade, as well as the threat posed by biological warfare and emerging diseases, much of the government’s critical national security research is now in the biological sciences. Because government scientists are generally engaged in primary research, almost all of them tend to hold advanced degrees (Ph.D.s or M.D.s).
Patents and Intellectual Property
Patent agents or scientific advisers at law firms assist firm partners in due diligence, litigation, opinions and other tasks similar to those of associates. Advanced science degrees such as a Ph.D. are often required for these roles though they do not require a law degree. Scientific advisers at law firms will deal with advanced science every day. This kind of work can expose the employees to a broader range of science and technology than a research career. Scientific advisers are often expected to become patent agents and draft, prosecute and secure patents.
Science Policy/Non-Profit
In addition to the more research-focused roles described above, Many scientists make and influence national policy. These roles exist in the federal government and in the many nonprofit organizations that work to influence policy on a wide range of issues—the environment, science education, healthcare and energy, for example.
Neuroscience in Atlanta
Atlanta is home to a thriving neuroscience community. Our students have opportunities to take part in research at Georgia State and to participate in our collaborations with researchers at Emory University, Georgia Tech, Morehouse School of Medicine and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Students can also get involved in community programs designed to increase scientific literacy and brain awareness, including outreach to kindergarten through 12th students.
Contact Us
Neuroscience Institute
Office Hours (Available Remotely):
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Office Hours (In Person):
By appointment
Neuroscience Institute Acting Director
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Director of Graduate Studies
Office Address:
880 Petit Science Center
100 Piedmont Avenue SE
Atlanta, GA, 30303
USPS Mailing Address:
Neuroscience Institute
Georgia State University
PO Box 5030
Atlanta, GA 30302-5030
Shipping Address:
Neuroscience Institute
Georgia State University
161 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE
Atlanta, GA 30303