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Augustana adding neuroscience major this fall

Professor Kloth from Augustana University at a cadaver table with a student
Augustana University
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Courtesy
Professor Kloth from Augustana University at a cadaver table with a student

Augustana University is offering a new neuroscience major this fall.

The school began offering a neuroscience minor in Fall 2022, but university officials say due to increased interest, the school decided to add a major.

Alex Kloth is the associate professor of biology and program director of neuroscience.

“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,” Kloth said. “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.”

The major requires courses in psychology and neuroscience as well as supportive courses in biology and chemistry.

Jackson Dircks is a Freeburg, Illinois, native. He is pursuing a degree in English, Journalism and Secondary Education at Augustana University and planning to graduate in May 2025. He plans to pursue a career in sports journalism.