Mississippi State University Introduces Applied Neuroscience Minor

Mississippi State University has launched a new Applied Neuroscience minor that is set to begin in August, following a surge of interest in neuroscience courses among students. The program aims to provide a structured and accessible path for students from various academic backgrounds to explore the field of neuroscience.

The origin of this new academic offering can be traced back to Zoe Ishee, an MSU student who founded the Neuroscience Club in 2023. Recognizing a lack of neuroscience courses at her university, Ishee, along with fellow students and support from MSU Associate Professor Michael Pratte, created the club to unite students interested in the discipline. In a very short time, the club gained popularity, engaging over 100 members across various fields, including computer science, showcasing the interdisciplinary nature of the growing interest.

Members of the Neuroscience Club not only shared research on advanced neuroscience topics such as optogenetics, but they also participated in hands-on activities, which included practical experiences like sheep brain dissections. This level of involvement highlighted a significant enthusiasm for neuroscience within the student body and prompted faculty discussions about establishing a formal academic program.

As a result of these discussions, the Applied Neuroscience minor has been developed, requiring students to complete 18 credit hours in courses spanning multiple departments. The minor will offer classes from various disciplines, including Psychology, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Biochemistry, Health and Nutrition, Biological Sciences, Computer Science and Engineering, Kinesiology, Philosophy and Religion, Poultry Science, and Psychology. This diverse curriculum is designed to provide students the flexibility to tailor their learning according to their interests and career aspirations.

The minor is open to students of any declared major, further enhancing its accessibility and appeal. The launch of this program is expected to enrich students’ educational experiences and prepare them for entry into various career paths or advanced studies in neuroscience or related fields. Notably, as the field of neuroscience becomes increasingly relevant to industries such as artificial intelligence and technology, acquiring a minor in this area may grant students added credentials when applying for graduate programs.

To oversee the new program, J. Adam Jones, Interim Associate Department Head for Computer Science and Engineering, has been appointed as the first director of the Applied Neuroscience minor. This initiative is viewed as a progressive step for interdisciplinary education at MSU, responding to a clear and growing demand from students for neuroscience related coursework.

The establishment of the Applied Neuroscience minor signifies a promising development for future students, providing them with clearer pathways and credentials in the field of neuroscience—a rapidly growing and evolving discipline.