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Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuropsychology

Next semester starts 01/21/2025

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What is a BS in Behavioral Neuropsychology degree?

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.

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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

Foundation for the future

“My education at St. Ambrose required me to go beyond basic recall. Professors push you beyond this level, asking you to apply the information and think critically about the content. This provided me with a solid foundation that I was able to rely upon during my time in pharmacy school.”

-Keegan Norris '21 BS in Behavioral Neuropsychology

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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.

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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.

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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.

See all of SAU’s accreditations

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

Andrew Kaiser, PhD

Jennifer Best, MSEd, CFLE, CFCS, HDFS, BCC

Judy Correa Kaiser, PhD

Julie Jenks Kettmann, PhD Jenks Kettmann, PhD

Katie Trujillo, PhD Trujillo, PhD

Katrina Okerstrom-Jezewski, PhD

Other support resources

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Student Success Center

At St. Ambrose, we want you to succeed. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.

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Accessibility Resource Center

Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.

Learn about our resources

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.