BC Psychology Department expands name to include neuroscience

The Psychology Department at Boston College has formally changed its name to Psychology and Neuroscience, reflecting the department’s integrated approach across these fields of study.

This past fall, the department began offering a major in neuroscience to address a longstanding student demand for the program, capitalize on departmental strengths, and put the University on par with many peer institutions. Neuroscience also offers compelling subject matter for a Jesuit, Catholic university with a liberal arts-based curriculum that champions interdisciplinary work and a concern for the human condition, according to administrators and faculty.

“Our faculty were in strong support of this name change because ‘Psychology and Neuroscience’ more accurately captures the breadth of research and teaching expertise housed within our department,” said department chair Professor Elizabeth Kensinger. “The department name is now consistent with the majors we offer: B.A. and B.S. in psychology, BS in neuroscience. We expect this will provide greater clarity for current and prospective students, and we are thrilled that this name change has taken place during the first academic year in which the neuroscience major is offered.”

Neuroscience has been one of the fastest-growing disciplines in academia during the past few decades: Studies show the number of undergraduate neuroscience programs in the U.S. tripled from 1996 to 2006 alone, while the number of core journals in neuroscience rose from 11 to 22 during 2006-2015.

University Communications | February 2020