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Saint Mary's College of California

Behavioral Neuroscience

Field of study · Moraga, California, United States

  • Level

    Bachelor

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Campus

    Moraga

  • Intl. Tuition

    US$57,803 (2024-25 figure, current year not yet confirmed)

  • Home Tuition

    US$57,803 (2024-25 figure, current year not yet confirmed)

  • Intake

    Fall 2027

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Course Overview

Behavioral Neuroscience at Saint Mary's College of California in Moraga, California, United States is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.

  • Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
  • Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
  • Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
  • Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
  • Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.

Career snapshot (indicative)

Social science graduates develop analytical and research skills valued across the civil service, consultancy, research organisations, NGOs and business. Many proceed to postgraduate specialisation or professional training.

Student life (indicative)

Life in Moraga revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.

The University at a Glance

Undergraduate Population

1,947

Staff Ratio

10.0:1

International

2.4%

Career Prospects

Completion Rate

70%

finish their degree (not an employment rate)

Avg Starting Salary

£33,180

First-year earnings

Costs & Living

Intl. Tuition

US$57,803

per year, 2024-25 figure, current year not yet confirmed Official fee page

Home Tuition

US$57,803

per year, 2024-25 figure, current year not yet confirmed Official fee page

University Life

Suburban

City & Location

Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)

Course Curriculum

Year 1

  • Foundations of Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Academic and Research Skills
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Introduction to Theory and Practice
  • Optional language or breadth module.

Year 2

  • Intermediate Behavioral Neuroscience topics
  • Applied Methods and Tools
  • Group Project
  • Two optional pathway modules
  • Career and Industry Insights.

Year 3

  • Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
  • Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
  • Employability and Professional Development.

Entry Requirements

No specific entry requirements listed.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.

Campus & City Life

Student Population

1,947

Degree-seeking undergraduates (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release). Graduate students are not included.

Staff Ratio

10:1

Students per staff

International Students

2%

Of student body

Campus at a Glance

Campus Type

Suburban

City Size

Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)

Climate (indicative)

Mild coastal

Safety Index (indicative)

6.5/10

Transport

Good (close to station or regional airport)

Social Scene

Friendly community | Coastal lifestyle

Student Life & City (indicative)

Life in Moraga revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.

  • Life in Moraga revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.

What Students Love

  • Beach lifestyle
  • Vibrant nightlife & bars
  • Diverse international food scene
  • Major sports culture

University Stats

Undergraduate Students1,947
Student-to-Staff Ratio10:1
International Students2%
Safety Index (indicative)6.5/10

Career & Outcomes

Completion Rate

70%

Completion rate (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release): share of students who finish their degree. Not an employment rate.

Avg Starting Salary

£33,180

Average first-year salary

Placement Year

✗ Not offered

Industry work experience

Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)

Social science graduates develop analytical and research skills valued across the civil service, consultancy, research organisations, NGOs and business. Many proceed to postgraduate specialisation or professional training.

  • Social science graduates develop analytical and research skills valued across the civil service, consultancy, research organisations, NGOs and business.
  • Many proceed to postgraduate specialisation or professional training.

Top Industries for Graduates

  • Business
  • Healthcare
  • Education

Study Abroad Opportunities

Y

  • Y

Costs & Living Expenses

Intl. Tuition

US$57,803

per year, 2024-25 figure, current year not yet confirmed Official fee page

Home Tuition

US$57,803

per year, 2024-25 figure, current year not yet confirmed Official fee page

Overall Cost of Living (indicative)

HIGH

This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.

Estimated Annual Costs

Tuition (International)US$57,803per year, 2024-25 figure, current year not yet confirmed Official fee page
Tuition (Home)US$57,803per year, 2024-25 figure, current year not yet confirmed Official fee page

Monthly Student Budget (indicative)

Housing£1,185/mo
Food & Groceries£387/mo
Transport£126/mo
Estimated Monthly Total£1,931
Annual living costs£23,178/yr

Cost Overview (indicative)

In the moderately expensive range for US cities — expect around $2,445/month (housing $1,500, food $490, transport $160). A US university city with solid amenities and a well-rounded student lifestyle.

  • In the moderately expensive range for US cities — expect around $2,445/month (housing $1,500, food $490, transport $160).
  • A US university city with solid amenities and a well-rounded student lifestyle.