UNH Today

The University of New Hampshire at Manchester announced today a new Bachelor of Science degree in Neuropsychology, launching in fall 2016.

The neuropsychology program will focus on the biological basis for human functioning, integrating core components of both psychology and biology. The program will cover topics from healthy brain functioning, like consciousness and memory, to complex neurological conditions like dementia, addiction and movement and mood disorders.

“Neuropsychology is a growing field, and, with it, is the need for professionals who understand the neurological roots of human behavior,” UNH Manchester Dean Mike Decelle said. “This program will prepare our students to be at the forefront of issues like addiction and mental illness that have a significant impact on our region and our nation.”

The program is spearheaded by Dr. Daniel Seichepine, lecturer of psychology at UNH Manchester. Seichepine is a clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in dementia and sports-related, traumatic brain injury. He came to UNH Manchester in the fall of 2015 from Boston University, where he completed his dissertation and taught multiple courses in neuropsychology.  What makes UNH Manchester’s Neuropsychology program unique, Seichepine said, is that it explores the brain on a holistic level, not just at the cellular level like many neuroscience programs.

“As a biologically-based program, students will get a more lab-centered experience than a traditional psychology program,” Seichepine said. “Our students will explore human pathological states, like neurological conditions, and the biological changes associated with drugs and diseases, all in a hands-on environment.”

Over the next decade, healthcare and social assistance are projected to be the largest growth industries within New Hampshire, and careers in professional and scientific services are expected to have the third largest growth in the state. With these industries growing at more than twice the rate of the overall change in employment in the Granite State alone, neuropsychology graduates will be in high demand in fields like medicine, therapy, research, counseling and more.

Dr. Alice Cronin-Golomb is a professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Boston University and has taught courses in neuropsychology for nearly 30 years. She said the neuropsychology major will distinguish UNH Manchester from other universities that offer separate majors in psychology and neuroscience. As neuroscience grows as a field, Cronin-Golomb believes there will be an increasing need for students who are not only trained in psychology, but also in its neurological basis.

“Career opportunities arising from a major in neuropsychology may even exceed those in psychology in general, as advances continue to be made in our awareness of healthy brain function and the need for interventions to enhance quality of life in those with neurological and psychiatric disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia and autism,” Cronin-Golomb said.

The planned course sequence gives students opportunities to take elective courses that allow them to either fine-tune their degree or minor in another subject of interest. A special course sequence has been developed for students interested in pursuing medical school, with electives that fulfill pre-med requirements. All students in the program will be required to complete an internship or independent study as part of a senior Capstone experience, allowing them to apply what they’ve learned throughout the program, develop their skills in the real world and build a network with professionals in their field of interest.

For more information, visit the neuropsychology page or call the Admissions Office at 603-641-4150.

This program is not available on the Common Application for the 2016-17 academic year, so students must apply as “Undeclared” and call the Admissions Office at 603-641-4150 to select neuropsychology as their major.