Degree Requirements

BS Degree (120 semester hours minimum)
The BS Multidisciplinary Studies degree differs from the BA degree in the following ways:

  • Foreign language is not required.
  • 42 semester hours of concentration core courses are required.
  • A minimum of 18 semester hours of approved structured neuroscience electives is required and there are many more course options covering STEM areas (biology, chemistry, neuroscience, physics) and non-STEM areas (philosophy and psychology).
  • The additional course options in the structured electives allow students seeking placement in programs of advanced study, such as medical school, graduate school (particularly in the STEM disciplines), and many other biomedical/health institutes.

BA Degree (120 semester hours minimum)
The BA Multidisciplinary Studies degree also requires a minimum of 18 semester hours of approved structured neuroscience electives, but differs from the BS degree in the following ways:

  • Demonstrated foreign language proficiency through level 2004 is required.
  • 30 semester hours of concentration core courses are required.
  • The range of structured neuroscience electives are limited to non-STEM areas (philosophy and psychology).
  • This degree option is designed for students who seek placement in programs of advanced study, such as graduate school in non-STEM disciplines, and professions where STEM training or background is not a priority.

Double Major (of interest to Psychology majors) – Only one diploma is earned with both majors listed

Watch this YouTube video from the ECU NeuroScience Channel or read below.

For students also working toward a BA degree in psychology, the following psychology courses overlap with those required  / offered in neuroscience

  • General Education / Core Courses
    PSYC 1000 / 1060 – Introductory Psychology or Honors Introduction to Psychology
    PSYC 2101 – Psychological Statistics
    PSYC 2210 – Research Methods in Psychology
    PSYC 3310 – Introduction to Neuroscience
    PSYC 4250 – Advanced Topics Seminar (only the “Neurobiology of Learning and Memory” section); this also serves as a capstone for both majors.
  • Approved Structured Neuroscience Electives
    PSYC 3225 – Psychology of Learning
    PSYC 3226 – Cognitive Psychology
    PSYC 3227 – Learning Theories and Applications
    PSYC 3311 – Neuropsychology
    PSYC 3312 – Sensation and Perception
    PSYC 3375 – Abnormal Psychology
    PSYC 4340 – Neuropsychopharmacology

      As stated in the Undergraduate Catalog (under Double Major Requirements), foreign language is NOT required when the Multidisciplinary Studies Neuroscience BS is the primary major and Psychology is the secondary major. With careful planning, students should take non-overlapping psychology courses in addition to those above, that will enable them to also fulfill the Psychology major. If the Multidisciplinary Studies Neuroscience BA is the primary major, then foreign language is required.

      Dual or Second Degree Requirements (per Undergraduate Catalog)
      A student may choose to earn simultaneously two degrees (e.g., BA and BS or BS and BFA, etc.) and thus earn two diplomas. To satisfy the requirements for dual baccalaureate degrees at East Carolina University, the student must complete the requirements for one baccalaureate degree program and also complete a minimum of an additional 30 semester hours through course enrollment at ECU for the other degree. If there are multiple advisors, one from each department, the student will be advised by both departments.

      More information about dual degree requirements can be found in this document provided by the Registrar’s Office.