SIOUX FALLS — Augustana has announced a new major in neuroscience beginning in fall 2024 as part of the university’s strategic plan, "Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030" to establish new academic programs that respond to the needs and interests of students. The major accompanies Augustana’s minor in neuroscience, which was introduced in fall 2022, as well as a neuroscience emphasis for psychology majors.

“We’ve just had so many students interested in neuroscience who were clamoring for more courses and a way to really shape their entire degree around neuroscience,” said Alex Kloth, associate professor of biology and program director of neuroscience. “In the last couple of years, we’ve hired two neuroscientists in the psychology department, and that has given us enough people to really make this feasible.”

Housed within the Augustana Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, the neuroscience major will consist of required courses in neuroscience and psychology, as well as supportive courses in biology and chemistry.

Kloth emphasized the versatility of the program — pairing well with majors in biology, psychology and a variety of other majors the university offers.

“Many students are interested in the interface between neuroscience and a whole range of topics that really fit our liberal arts mission. So, you get the foundation of biology and psychology, but there’s wiggle room,” Kloth noted.

Students can also gain hands-on experience from one of three on-campus labs focused on neuroscience and psychology. Kloth’s lab focused on neurodevelopmental disorders like autism, Lucas Hamiliton, assistant professor of psychology, leads the Healthy Experiences Across Life (HEAL) Lab — investigating Alzheimer’s, mental health stigma and social connection. Shannon Proksch, assistant professor of psychology, leads The Music, Social Interaction & Cognition (MuSICog) Lab — using music as a model of human social interaction.

To learn more about Augustana’s neuroscience major, visit augie.edu/neuroscience.