The College of Charleston’s Neuroscience Program has won a national award from the American Psychological Association’s Board of Educational Affairs. The award recognizes education and training programs that are advancing interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary or interprofessional teaching, research or practice in psychology.

The College was one of only two undergraduate education programs in the United States to be honored by the APA.

“This award highlights the growing importance that interdisciplinary work plays in society,” says Dr. Catherine L. Grus, deputy executive director of APA’s Education Directorate. “The award is a way to show folks the great work that is already happening and to raise awareness of opportunities to develop interdisciplinary projects in the future, be they research, teaching or practice.”

In 2005, the College of Charleston launched the neuroscience program as a collaboration between the departments of psychology and biology. The program’s objectives include expanded access to high-quality, meaningful research experiences; the development of interdisciplinary lecture and lab courses; strengthened ties with the nearby Medical University of South Carolina; the development of freshman learning communities emphasizing interdisciplinary neuroscience; and support of pre-kindergarten to 12th grade education in this area.

The College of Charleston proposal was written and submitted by professors Susan Simonian and Mark Hurd.