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 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.
3 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
| MPBP 6010 | Human Physiology & Pharm I | 4 |
| NSCI 6030 | Human Gross and Microanatomy | 3 |
| NSCI 6270 | Resp Conduct in Biomed Rsch | 1 |
| NSCI 6820 | Seminar in Neuroscience (Yearly) | 1 |
| NSCI 7491 | Doctoral Dissertation Research (Minimum of 20 required total) | 1-18 |
| NSCI 6071 | Medical Neuroscience Part 1 | 3 |
| NSCI 6072 | Medical Neuroscience Part 2 | 3 |
| PSYS 6000 | Adv Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| PSYS 6400 | Biobehavioral Proseminar | 3 |
| Advanced Neuroscience Selectives (minimum of 2 courses) | 6 | |
BIOBEHAVIORAL CURRICULUM TRACK
This track provides an alternate curriculum for students interested in working in Department of Psychological Science labs.
| MPBP 6010 | Human Physiology & Pharm I | 4 |
| NSCI 6030 | Human Gross and Microanatomy | 3 |
| NSCI 6270 | Resp Conduct in Biomed Rsch | 1 |
| NSCI 6820 | Seminar in Neuroscience | 1 |
| NSCI 6071 | Medical Neuroscience Part 1 | 3 |
| NSCI 6072 | Medical Neuroscience Part 2 | 3 |
| NSCI 7491 | Doctoral Dissertation Research | 1-18 |
| PSYS 6000 | Adv Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| PSYS 6400 | Biobehavioral Proseminar | 3 |
| Approved course in Biobehavioral Cluster | 1 | |
| Advanced Neuroscience Selectives (minimum 2 courses) | 6 | |
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 6001 | General Biochemistry I | 3 |
| CSD 6450 | Neurogenic Comm. Disorders 2 | 3 |
| MPBP 6100 | Molecular Control of the Cell | 3 |
| MPBP 6300 | Biomedical Grantsmanship | 2 |
| NSCI 5230 | Neurochemistry | 3 |
| NSCI 5300 | Gr Comparative Neurobiology | 3 |
| PATH 6280 | Techniques in Microscopy | 3 |
| PBIO 5940 | Ecological Modeling | 3 |
| PBIO 6940 | Data Modeling for Envir Scienc | 3 |
| PHRM 5720 | Gr Toxicology | 3 |
| PHRM 5900 | Gr Adv Pharmacology Topics | 3 |
| PSYS 6415 | Neurobio of Learning & Memory | 3 |
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.