Neuroscience Ph.D.
All students must meet the Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree
Overview
The Neuroscience Graduate Program is a university-wide, multidisciplinary, Ph.D. granting program that has more than 50 faculty mentors across 13 departments and 5 colleges. This program emphasizes rigorous training in neuroscience-related research, educates students about human health, and encourages interdisciplinary research projects.
Specific Requirements
Requirements for Admission to Graduate Studies for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy
It is recommended that an incoming student have a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in a biological science, neuroscience, chemistry, physics, engineering, psychology, mathematics, communication sciences or computer science. Research experience is not required, but is strongly recommended.
Applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo.
Three letters of reference are required. Letters from research advisors or supervisors are highly desirable attesting to applicant's abilities to work independently in an academic setting.
Minimum Degree Requirements
Students can choose between the standard track and biobehavioral track within the NGP curriculum.
Standard CURRICULUM Track
| BIOL 261 | Neurobiology (for students who have not taken any neurobiology classes) | 3 |
| CLBI 301 | Cell Biology | 3 |
| GRMD 357 | Medical Neural Science | 6 |
| MPBP 301 | Human Physiology & Pharm I | 4 |
| NSCI 303 | Human Gross and Microanatomy | 3 |
| NSCI 327 | Resp Conduct in Biomed Rsch | 1 |
| NSCI 381 | Seminar in Neuroscience (Yearly) | 1 |
| NSCI 382 | Seminar in Neuroscience (Yearly) | 1 |
| NSCI 491 | Doctoral Dissertation Research (Minimum of 20 required total) | 1-18 |
| PSYS 304 | Adv Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| or STAT 211 | QR: Statistical Methods I | |
| PSYS 315 | Biobehavioral Proseminar | 3 |
| PHRM 308 | Integrative Physiol. & Pharm. | 3 |
| Advanced Neuroscience Selectives (minimum of two courses) | 6 | |
biobehavioral CURRICULUM track
This track provides an alternate curriculum for students interested in working in Department of Psychological Science labs.
| GRMD 357 | Medical Neural Science | 6 |
| MPBP 301 | Human Physiology & Pharm I | 4 |
| NSCI 303 | Human Gross and Microanatomy | 3 |
| NSCI 327 | Resp Conduct in Biomed Rsch | 1 |
| NSCI 381 | Seminar in Neuroscience | 1 |
| NSCI 382 | Seminar in Neuroscience | 1 |
| NSCI 491 | Doctoral Dissertation Research | 1-18 |
| PSYS 304 | Adv Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| or STAT 211 | QR: Statistical Methods I | |
| PSYS 311 | Seminar in Learning Theory | 3 |
| PSYS 315 | Biobehavioral Proseminar | 3 |
| PSYS 313 | Emotion | 3 |
| PSYS 316 | Neuropsychopharmacology | 3 |
| PSYS 319 | Neurobio of Learning & Memory | 3 |
| PSYS 393 | Adv Professional/Research Sem (Yearly) | 1 |
Approved Courses for Graduate Credit
Below is a list of approved selectives. A student, in conjunction with their advisor, may request courses not on this list to fulfill the selective requirement. The request will need to be approved by the NGP Director.
| BIOC 301 | General Biochemistry | 3 |
| CSD 353 | Neurogenic Comm. Disorders 2 | 3 |
| MPBP 310 | Molecular Control of the Cell | 3 |
| MPBP 330 | Biomedical Grantsmanship | 2 |
| NSCI 230 | Comparative Neurobiology | 3 |
| NSCI 323 | Neurochemistry | 3 |
| NSCI 328 | Techniques in Microscopy | 3 |
| PBIO 294 | QR:Ecological Modeling | 3 |
| PBIO 394 | Data Modeling for Envir Scienc | 3 |
| PHRM 272 | Toxicology | 3 |
| PHRM 290 | Topics Molecular&Cell Pharm | 3 |
| PSYS 311 | Seminar in Learning Theory | 3 |
| PSYS 313 | Emotion | 3 |
| PSYS 316 | Neuropsychopharmacology | 3 |
| PSYS 319 | Neurobio of Learning & Memory | 3 |
| PSYS 395 | Advanced Readings/Research | 1-6 |
Comprehensive Examination
The qualifying examination for advancement to candidacy for a Ph.D. in Neuroscience should be taken prior to the end of the 1st semester of the 2nd year. The exam has both a written and oral component, both of which must be completed successfully. The exam committee will consist of at least 3 members of the NGP faculty. Should the student fail the examination, only 1 re-examination is allowed.
Requirements for Advancement to Candidacy for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy
Satisfactory completion of required courses and research rotations. Approval of the written and oral portions of the qualifying comprehensive examination.