Miami creates neuroscience co-major, extension of minor

By Michelle Gregg, For The Miami Student

Miami University has introduced a new option for students interested in the brain. As of this academic year, students can pursue a neuroscience co-major.

Although the neuroscience minor has been available and will remain an option, the co-major allows to students to study the subject in greater depth.

Kathleen Killian and Lori Isaacson, two of the faculty members involved in the creation of this program, advise incoming students to plan ahead, since having two majors means added coursework.

However, both professors emphasized that a considerable number of the course requirements for neuroscience crosses with other science majors, making it easily obtainable for upperclassman to declare this co-major.

Killian said she's always glad to see when students combine majors.

"Involving students from different majors makes classes more interesting and improves the atmosphere in the classroom," Killian said.

She also stressed their goal is for students to have the ability to combine this major with others, whether from a similar field or not. Many students were successful in and excited about their neuroscience minor, leading Killian and Isaacson to create the co-major.

As with any other major, the necessary courses allow students to personalize the program with a focus on whichever area of neuroscience most interests them.

Isaacson said the transition should go smoothly, as many in the science department are committed to growing the new co-major.

"We have a large and active faculty in the lab who is passionate to grow this program," Isaacson said.

There are also a number of career options available for students interested in this field. Many of Miami's resources already complement this program and provide students with internship and research opportunities, giving them connections for future careers.

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Killian and Isaacson listed off many companies, including Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Procter & Gamble, who have been in contact with the university about students interested in pursuing this degree.

Isaacson told a story about one student who was a marketing major with a minor in neuroscience and landed his position because business and psychology parallel each other. His employers were impressed that he would be able to contribute in an even larger way to their marketing endeavors and connect with consumers.

Neuroscience studies the unique combination of psychology and chemistry of the brain, allowing this co-major and minor to be compatible with many other fields.

First-year Joshua Setters said he was interested in adding neuroscience as a co-major.

He's enthusiastic about not only the program, but also the research opportunities available.

"I'm definitely looking forward to researching alongside professors from this field, even if I do not decide to add it as a co-major," Setters said.

As for the future of the program, Killian and Isaacson said they are taking it one step at a time, but encourage students to seek guidance from their professors and advisers about whether it would be a good fit.