John Carroll University is excited to announce the launch of a new Neuroscience major, beginning in Fall 2025. Building on the University’s rich history in the field, this interdisciplinary program will prepare students for careers at the cutting edge of brain science, cognitive research, and neurotechnology.
The major comes at a pivotal time for neuroscience, a field that has grown into an independent discipline integrating biology, psychology, and chemistry. With expanded research opportunities and groundbreaking projects—including fruit fly neuroanatomy mapping and studying circadian rhythms in rodents—JCU is creating a dynamic and hands-on learning environment for students eager to explore the complexities of the brain.
“We're excited to launch the Neuroscience major as it will afford students an incredibly flexible and interdisciplinary program of study,” said Dr. Angela Canda, Dean of the Graduate School at JCU and Associate Professor of Psychology. “With coursework ranging from the sciences to the humanities, students will be able to think about and tackle issues in the field of Neuroscience from a wide variety of academic perspectives. They will have opportunities to engage with faculty in research across our campus and to position themselves well for a variety of career paths.”
Research-Driven Learning from Day One
A key differentiator of John Carroll’s Neuroscience major is that it enables students in the program to engage in research immediately. Through initiatives like the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) and faculty-led projects, students will have the chance to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in brain imaging, neuroplasticity, and cognitive science.
One standout example is the research led by Dr. Thomas Frazier, Professor of Psychology at JCU, Chairman of the Autism Speaks Board of Directors, and leading expert in autism research.
Neuroscience majors at JCU will have the opportunity to study alongside Dr. Frazier in the Frazier Neurodevelopment Lab at JCU, participating in cutting-edge research that uses AI-driven tools to enhance early identification and personalized treatment and support for individuals with autism and their families.
“The next scientific frontier is understanding how brains work and how we can help people with neurological conditions,” said Dr. Frazier. “Student participation in neuroscience research is key to building the next generation of scientists who can tackle this frontier and ultimately develop therapies that improve the lives of people with neurological conditions.”
Students can also explore the intersection of neuroscience and robotics with Dr. Almabrok Essa, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, whose research focuses on using brain signals to control drones. This innovative work has far-reaching implications for assistive technology and human-machine interaction. “One of our long-term goals is to develop a brain-controlled wheelchair, allowing individuals with mobility impairments to navigate their environment with greater independence,” said Essa. By contributing to projects like these, students at JCU will be at the forefront of research that bridges neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and real-world applications.
New Courses and Faculty Expertise
To support the Neuroscience major, JCU has introduced nine new interdisciplinary courses, led by Dr. Angela Canda (Psychology), Dr. Thomas Frazier (Psychology), Dr. Pam Vanderzalm (Biology), and Dr. Cory Gloeckner (Physics & Engineering Physics). These courses equip students with the knowledge and skills needed in this rapidly growing field.
Some examples of these new course offerings include advanced undergraduate coursework like Neurogenetics & Disease, a class that examines neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, exploring how genetic and environmental factors impact brain function, and Social & Affective Neuroscience, which delves into the brain’s role in social interactions and emotional experiences, bridging neuroscience, psychology, and mental health.
What sets Neuroscience at JCU apart is its deeply interdisciplinary approach. Beyond traditional fields like Biology, Psychology, and Chemistry, students can connect their studies to Computer Science, Engineering Physics, Philosophy, Exercise Science, and more—gaining a broad and integrative perspective on the complexities of the brain and behavior.
A Legacy of Excellence in Neuroscience
John Carroll University has been a leader in Neuroscience education for nearly five decades. Long before the launch of the Neuroscience major, the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Concentration (INC) was founded in 1978 by Dr. Helen Murphy, Professor of Psychology, and Dr. Cyrilla Wideman, Professor of Biology. Their vision and leadership have cultivated a tradition of hands-on research and academic excellence, laying the foundation for the new Neuroscience major.
As one of the first undergraduate Neuroscience programs in the country, the INC was established at a time when interdisciplinary programs were just beginning to emerge. The concentration remains available to students majoring in Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology, allowing them to integrate Neuroscience into their academic path while still pursuing their primary field of study.
The INC has a proven track record of success: 40% of students in the Neuroscience concentration have gone on to medical school, while many others have pursued advanced degrees in medicine, psychology, biology, chemistry, veterinary science, counseling, and related fields.
For an impressive 37 consecutive years, INC students have earned first-place/excellence awards for their research at the Eastern Colleges Science Conference (ECSC), underscoring JCU’s long-standing reputation for producing top-tier neuroscience scholars.
Building on this legacy, students in the new Neuroscience major will be at the forefront of one of the fastest-growing scientific fields, equipped with the knowledge and experience to make meaningful contributions to research, medicine, and beyond.