graduate schools neuroscience phd

Neuroscience, PhD

School of medicine.

The Department of Neuroscience offers an interdisciplinary program designed to train doctoral students for independent research and teaching in neuroscience. It is the goal of the program to ensure that candidates for the Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. degrees obtain a background covering molecular, cellular, systems, and cognitive approaches to neuroscience, as well as receive training that brings them to the forefront of research in their particular area of interest. A series of core courses in neuroscience, along with advanced electives, seminar series, laboratory rotations, and original independent dissertation research, form the Neuroscience Graduate Training Program.

Students enter the program from different backgrounds and the laboratories in which they elect to work cover different disciplines; therefore, the program is tailored to fit the needs of individual students. The academic year at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is divided into four quarters plus a summer semester. Courses are designed so that students have ample time to become involved in laboratory rotations. These laboratory rotations expose the student to a variety of current research techniques in neuroscience and provide an opportunity for the student to select a laboratory in which to conduct dissertation research. Scheduling of the three rotations is adjusted to make the most convenient schedule for each student. The rotations are usually completed by the end of the first full year in the program. Most students begin their thesis research at the beginning of their second year.

For more information, please visit The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience webpage: http://neuroscience.jhu.edu.

Financial Aid

The program provides tuition remission plus a stipend at or above the National Institutes of Health Predoctoral level for all students. All entering and first-year students are encouraged to apply for individual fellowships such as those sponsored by the National Science Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Vivien Thomas PhD Scholars at JHU The  Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI)  is a new endowed fellowship program at Johns Hopkins for PhD students in STEM fields. It provides full tuition, stipend, and benefits while also providing targeted mentoring, networking, community, and professional development opportunities. Students who have attended a historically black college and university ( HBCU ) or other minority serving institution (MSI) for undergraduate study are eligible to apply. More information about the VTSI program is available at this link:  https://provost.jhu.edu/about/vivien-thomas-scholars-initiative/ . To be considered for the VTSI, all application and supplementary materials must be received by  December 1st .

Admission Requirements

We use a holistic approach to evaluating applicants and look forward to reading your application. We are most enthusiastic about applicants who have taken full advantage of the opportunities available at their undergraduate institution and through other summer or postbac experiences. Our class size is typically ~18 students per year.

Applicants are expected to have received a B.S. or B.A. prior to enrolling in the graduate program. Laboratory research experience prior to enrollment is also desirable. If you have research experience, please describe your research in your Statement of Interest and Career Objectives and indicate the number of months engaged in full-time and part-time research on your CV. Students who do well in our program typically have a strong academic foundation in areas of biological or physical sciences. Some of the courses that prepare students well include general biology, neuroscience, mathematics through calculus, general physics, general chemistry, organic chemistry, statistics, engineering, or computer science.

NOTE: The Neuroscience Program DOES NOT require GRE scores. 

Program Requirements

A year-long core course provides an integrated overview of molecular and cellular neuroscience, neuroanatomy and systems, and cognitive neuroscience. This course is aimed at providing Neuroscience graduate students with a foundation for posing meaningful questions in their area of interest.  During the first two years, students are required to take 6 graduate level core courses that provide rigorous training in principles of neuroscience research. In addition, students in the first year attend research symposia and complete lab rotations to introduce them to research. Students in the program are also required to participate in core program activities such as seminars, journal clubs, a quantitative analysis boot camp, career development courses and various program events. In addition, each student selects advanced electives offered by members of the Neuroscience Training Program or other departments at the Medical School.

Seminar Program

The Neuroscience Training Program conducts several seminar series to ensure that students are exposed to recent work by researchers from across the country and the world as well as by Hopkins faculty and fellows. Graduate trainees participate actively in these series throughout their training, including inviting and hosting three speakers each year. A weekly lecture is given by an outstanding researcher in some field of neuroscience. Seminars are selected so that an overall balance of subject matter is covered yearly. Students are given an opportunity to meet with each speaker for questions and discussion. Weekly lunchtime talks are presented on current literature by graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Since an ability to communicate scientific work clearly is essential, graduate students receive close guidance in preparing and evaluating their journal club presentations. Once a month, the faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and students from one laboratory present and discuss the ongoing research in that laboratory. This provides an informal setting to discuss research being conducted in the laboratories of the Neuroscience Training Program and gives advanced graduate students and postdoctoral fellows a forum for presenting their work.

Requirements for the PhD Degree

A minimum residency of two academic years is required. During the course of graduate study, the student must successfully complete the required course requirements. An oral examination, conducted as prescribed by the Doctor of Philosophy Board, must be completed by the end of the second year. The student must then conduct original research and describe this research in a written thesis dissertation, which must be approved by the students Thesis Committee and the Doctor of Philosophy Board.

Training Facilities

The Training Program is centered in the Department of Neuroscience. The Training Program utilizes laboratory facilities located in the Department of Neuroscience plus several other basic and clinical departments closely associated with the Neuroscience Department. All of these laboratories are within a short distance of each other. Modern state of the art facilities for research in molecular biology, neurophysiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, cell biology, and morphology are available. The Mind/Brain Institute, located on the Homewood Campus of the University, is a group of laboratories devoted to the investigation of the neural mechanisms of higher mental function and particularly to the mechanisms of perception. All of the disciplines required to address these questions are represented in the Institute. These include neurophysiology, psychology, theoretical neurobiology, neuroanatomy, and cognitive science. All of the faculty in the Mind/Brain Institute are members of the Neuroscience Graduate Program.

Combined M.D./Ph.D. Program

A subset of the current predoctoral trainees in the Neuroscience Program are candidates for both Ph.D. and M.D. degrees. Applications for admission to the combined program are considered by the M.D./Ph.D. Committee of the School of Medicine. Application forms for the School of Medicine contain a section requesting information relevant to graduate study. Applicants interested in the combined M.D./Ph.D. program should complete this section also, and indicate specifically their interest in the “Neuroscience Training Program”. If application to the combined M.D./Ph.D. program proves unsuccessful and the applicant wishes to be considered for graduate studies, they must notify the Admissions Office of the Neuroscience Training Program by separate letter.

Neuroscience Ph.D. Program

Our Neuroscience Ph.D. Program is one of the best in the nation, and prepares students to become independent researchers, educators and trainers making significant contributions across all aspects of the field.

Program Overview

Our program combines rigorous coursework and sound training in the fundamentals of neuroscience, including the integrated study of nervous system function and disease, with opportunities for state-of-the-art research. 

Please reach out to Bruce Carter if you have any questions about the Neuroscience Ph.D. Program or the application process.

Bruce Carter

Director of Graduate Studies in Neuroscience

Associate Director for Education and Training, Vanderbilt Brain Institute Professor of Biochemistry

• 615-936-3041
• 625 Light Hall

View profile

We foster the development from trainee to independent research scientist and educator.

Individualized Attention

With 81 graduate students and 64 training faculty, our excellent student-teacher ratio results in extensive opportunities for interaction and exchange of ideas in a relaxed and collegial atmosphere. Our distinguished training faculty stem from diverse fields such as Psychology, Biochemistry, Molecular Physiology, and Pharmacology and capture the multidisciplinary nature of modern neurobiological inquiry.

Career Outlook

Graduates of our department are superbly prepared for a variety of career options in both academia and industry. Each student's program is designed to provide a broad-based education in neuroscience, yet accommodate individual needs and interests to allow students to become creative, independent scientists.

Students holding degrees in the biological or physical sciences, psychology, or biomedical engineering are especially encouraged to apply to the Neuroscience Ph.D. Program, but applicants from other fields will be considered.

Areas of Concentration

The Neuroscience Ph.D program offers two areas of concentration. Students have the option to emphasize either Cellular & Molecular or Cognitive & Systems neuroscience, preparing each trainee for a future in which neuroscientists must be able to navigate from molecules to cells to neural systems and behavior.

Cognitive & Systems

This path provides doctoral training with emphasis on cognitive neuroscience, sensory-motor systems, neuroimaging, neural development, synaptic plasticity, neurobiological basis of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, and targeted gene disruption in transgenic animals to ascertain the function of neural genes and establish disease models.

Cellular & Molecular

This path provides doctoral training with emphasis on neurogenetics and genetic dissection of neural development, molecular aspects of synapse formation and plasticity, structure and regulation of ion channels and transporters, targeting and signal transduction, psychotropic drug action, the molecular basis of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, and targeted gene disruption in transgenic animals to ascertain the function of neural genes and establish disease models.

Cellular & Molecular Application Tip

Students with broad biomedical interests are encouraged to apply through the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences instead of directly through the Neuroscience Ph.D. Program. This pathways provides a strong foundation in biomedical science prior to matriculation into neuroscience.

Students begin their first year with a general course in graduate level cellular and molecular biology and then begin specialized courses in Neuroscience in the spring semester of their first year.

Grants and Awards

University Tuition Scholarships are service-free awards that pay all or part of tuition costs. The following graduate awards are normally supplemented by a full University Tuition Scholarship, which usually includes student health insurance coverage:

• University Fellowships
• Graduate Teaching Assistantships
• Graduate Research Assistantships
• Traineeships
• Teacher Training Awards

The current stipend level for 2023-2024 is $36,500. In addition, applicants may be nominated at the time of application for Harold S. Vanderbilt graduate scholarships and other awards, which provide an additional stipend of up to $10,000 per year to students of exceptional accomplishment and high promise.

Training in Fundamental Neuroscience T32 Grant

The Neuroscience Graduate Program receives invaluable support from the "Training in Fundamental Neuroscience" NIH T32. Over 70 mentors across 22 departments within 4 schools and colleges are available to train students, with 65+ Neuroscience trainees earning PhDs in the past 5 years. Over 60 trainees have been supported by the T32 since its inception, with over a third subsequently securing their own fellowship funding. Program graduates have gone on to leadership positions in academia, industry, and additional research-related fields, providing a rich alumni network across multiple career tracks. The program includes works-in-progress seminars by all Neuroscience trainees, invited external seminar speakers including several suggested or hosted by trainees, and an annual retreat.

Graduate students interested in joining the training program should contact Dr. Bruce Carter, Associate Director for Education & Training and Director of Graduate Studies for the VBI.

Faculty interested in becoming T32 preceptors should contact Dr. Rebecca A. Ihrie or Dr. Lisa Monteggia, VBI Director.

Rebecca A. Ihrie

Associate Professor, Cell & Developmental Biology and Neurological Surgery

• 615-936-2951
• B2317 Medical Center North

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Graduate students in the Neuroscience Graduate program receiving Vanderbilt University financial support or services must devote full-time effort to graduate study. Students cannot accept jobs for pay within or outside the University unless prior approval is given by their advisor, their Director of Graduate Studies, and the Dean for the Office of Biomedical Research Education and Training. Exceptions to this rule include part-time internships and activities that contribute to career development and that do not exceed the time commitment outlined by the National Institutes of Health, service as course associates at Vanderbilt, and occasional and temporary part-time pursuits (e.g. house sitting). Engagement in outside employment without obtaining approval may result in loss of financial aid, including stipend.

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience

Welcome to the Graduate Program

Think of the Neuroscience Training Program at Johns Hopkins as an expedition, where you will search the frontiers of science for discoveries that explain the inner workings of the nervous system.

  2024 Hopkins Neuroscience Graduate Program Virtual Open House Registration

November 7th 2024, 5-7 PM EST Please register below to receive the zoom link: https://forms.office.com/r/hj4j7iraZv

Application Portal (JHU 2024-2025) (link will be active September 1 2024)

How to Apply  (Neuroscience Training Program page)

Neuroscience Graduate Training Program Co-Directors: Chris Potter , Dan O'Connor Deputy Director: Hita Adwanikar Senior Academic Program Coordinator: Audrey Scriven Admissions Director: Hyungbae Kwon Janelia/JHU Joint Neuroscience Graduate Program Director of Student and Postdoctoral Programs at Janelia:  Erik Snapp

Participation in extensive collaborations, access to cutting-edge resources, and exposure to world-class research, await students in our program. 

The Neuroscience Training Program and the Neuroscience Department were among the first neuroscience-focused academic centers established in the United States, dating back to 1980. Our faculty have trained over 250 PhD and MD/PhD students and 500 postdoctoral fellows in just the past ten years, partnerships that have led to fundamental discoveries in the organization of the cerebral cortex, neurotransmitter signaling, neuronal and glial cell development, and circuit function. 

Our students represent the brightest young scientific minds, and many have shown an early commitment to research. Because they enter our Program with different backgrounds, and the laboratories in which they choose to work are so diverse, our program is designed to be flexible. All doctoral candidates receive full tuition remission and a stipend for the duration of their studies. Currently, 177 doctoral candidates and 200 postdoctoral fellows work in the faculty laboratories, creating a diverse community that fosters development of novel approaches to answer complex questions. 

The goal of the Program to ensure that our students obtain broad training in the neurosciences. Our curriculum spans the breadth of modern neuroscience, from molecular/cellular underpinnings to systems/cognitive integration, and offers a rich training experience that brings students to the forefront of research in their particular area of interest, in preparation for a rewarding, independent career in the sciences.

Core courses cover the basics of molecular and cellular neuroscience, neuroanatomy, and systems neuroscience. Electives and laboratory rotations provide students with specialized training, and the Department’s long-standing seminar series brings in weekly national and international luminaries, exposing students and fellows to the full spectrum of the world’s most exciting new discoveries in neuroscience.

Our 34 primary faculty , together with over  70 other faculty  who have secondary appointments in the Department, offer graduate students and postdoctoral fellows an incomparable neuroscience training experience.  Our students also have the opportunity perform laboratory rotations and conduct thesis research in the laboratory of scientists at Janelia Research Campus of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, located near Leesburg Virginia. Faculty in the many departments associated with the Program share a commitment to training the next generation of scientists.

In recognition of this outstanding environment, our graduate program is consistently ranked among the best in the country, and our graduates have gone on to faculty positions at other leading institutions and senior research positions in pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

There has never been a more exciting time in the field of neuroscience. We hope you will join us in this journey of discovery.

Neuroscience

Graduate Programs and PhD Programs in Neuroscience at Weill Cornell Graduate School study the nervous system from a wide variety of scientific disciplines. Students interact closely with faculty studying the nervous system from a wide variety of scientific disciplines, including molecular genetics, biochemistry, pharmacology, neuroanatomy, electrophysiology, and computational and systems neuroscience. They work at the molecular, cellular and organism systems, ranging from insects to rodents to human and non-human primates.

Focus areas in the program of study include: neural disease, synaptic transmission, developmental neurobiology and regeneration, vision, computational and systems neuroscience, and neuropharmacology.

Over 60 faculty members in the program come from Weill Cornell Medical College (WCMC), Sloan-Kettering Institute (SKI, part of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center), Burke-Cornell Medical Research Institute and Houston Methodist.

The research interests of the program cover the entire range of neuroscience, including the regulation of neural development, neuronal plasticity, control of neurotransmitter synthesis and release, learning, the response of neurons and neural tissue to injury, the regulation of gene expression, endocrine function, circuit development, vision and other sensory systems, information processing and behavior.

The basic science of developmental neurobiology explores the elementary processes by which the brain forms (morphogenesis), structure is established (histogenesis), neuronal and glial subtypes are specified from progenitors, connections are established and operates. Discoveries about the way that neurons form and communicate make this field one of the most promising routes toward increasing our understanding of the brain and mind. Genetics research in neurology and psychiatry is an exciting, rapidly advancing field that looks at the etiology of disease, as well as works to identify genetic predictors of disease, likely responses to available treatment and avenues to new therapies. Studies of epigenetic effects are opening a new perspective on "nature versus nurture" issues in brain development at the molecular level.

Development and function of the nervous system as a unifying theme of the Neuroscience program is reflected in the work at The Sackler Institute for Developmental Psychobiology. This institute is engaged in research on typical and atypical brain development. A primary objective is to use new techniques to study developing children in order to transform clinical methods. The Institute's program of research and training emphasizes functional neuroimaging, and genetic and behavioral influences on cognitive and emotional development. The Institute is both wide ranging and influential in its technical approaches to the study of children. It has become one of the best research centers in the world for the neurocognitive study of children.

Research is also ongoing in the fields of cerebrovascular physiology, cerebral ischemia, cellular and system neurophysiology, cellular and molecular neurobiology, neuroanatomy at the light and ultrastructural level, and imaging.

Translational research links many of the areas of basic science to clinical problems . Particular translational areas include studies in humans with brain injury, neural tube defect (spina bifida, anencephaly) and cortical malformations, neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, neuroimmunological and behavioral disorders.

Many members of the program have a special interest in questions that are particularly relevant to human disease, and their research has important implications for topics such as stem cell therapeutics, the regulation of pain, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, neural tumors, stroke, addiction, aging, brain malformations, epilepsy, autism and neuropsychiatric illnesses.

Related Links

• 2024-2025 NS Handbook
• Rules and Responsibilities for NS students

Program Requirements

Applicants to the program are expected to have had thorough undergraduate training in biology, psychology, organic chemistry, physics and/or mathematics. Candidates must apply for admission online. Applicants are not required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).  Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the TOEFL examination.

Becoming a Doctoral Candidate

The course of study, which includes course work, seminars, laboratory rotations and thesis research, is individualized. Students are expected to work closely with members of the faculty whose research approach complements their own interests. Regularly scheduled seminars, where work in progress is presented and discussed, afford students the broadest possible view of the neurosciences and are an important component of their graduate training.

Laboratory rotations allow students to experience research first hand and to acquaint themselves with the program's research faculty. Students are expected to complete at least three rotations of three months each, but may complete additional rotations, before choosing a thesis advisor (major sponsor).

Prior to July 1st of year two, students must successfully complete the ACE (Admission to Candidacy Examination). The ACE is designed to test the student's general knowledge of neuroscience and also includes preparation of an original written research proposal. In consultation with the thesis advisor, and with the consent of the director of the program, the student chooses an ACE topic and committee. The ACE topic should not be a part of the thesis. The committee should consist of 3-4 examiners, including a designated chair from the neuroscience graduate faculty, the student's thesis advisor and two grad faculty with expertise in the topic. With submission of the ACE the student should submit a one page thesis proposal.

PhD Research and Degree

Thesis research is completed usually within four to six years from enrollment in the program, under the direction of the student's major faculty sponsor. The Special Committee advises the student in his or her research, meeting at least annually with the student to monitor progress and to oversee development of the thesis. During this time the student continues to participate in the other educational programs offered by the graduate program but works full time in the laboratory. Annual special committee meetings are mandatory.

Upon completion of the thesis, the student prepares the work for publication, presents it to the University in an open seminar, and defends the validity of the work before the Special Committee and the members of the program. The culmination of the student's successful progression through the program is the final examination (the "defense") and certification by the Special Committee that the thesis represents an official piece of research satisfying the requirements of the Graduate School for the PhD degree.

Student Stories

I’m a firm believer that in order to excel in something, you must be passionate about it. Combining my passion for science with the drive to help others motivated me to enroll in a Ph.D. program at Weill Cornell.

I chose Weill Cornell for my graduate studies because not only was the research high level and cutting edge, but the community was collaborative and engaging.

"Faculty members are approachable and supportive. I feel comfortable dropping by their lab to ask for advice, lab-related or not."

Research Topics

• Neural Networks
• Neuro-oncology
• Neurobiology
• Neurodegeneration
• Neurodevelopment
• Neurovascular Biology
• Anrather, Josef
• Blasberg, Ronald
• Burre, Jacqueline
• Calderon, Diany
• Cho, Sunghee
• Colak, Dilek
• DeMarco, Natalia
• Dittman, Jeremy
• Eliezer, David
• Fakhro, Khalid
• Gibson, Gary
• Glass, Michael
• Goldstein, Peter
• Grafstein, Bernice
• Grosenick, Logan
• Hochrainer, Karin
• Hollis, Edmund
• Holodny, Andrei
• Huang, Xin Yun
• Iadecola, Costantino
• Inturrisi, Charles
• Ishii, Makoto
• Jaffrey, Samie
• Joyner, Alexandra
• Kosofsky, Barry
• Krencik, Robert
• Kuceyeski, Amy
• Lane, Diane
• Lee, Francis
• Levin, Lonny
• Li, Yueming
• Liston, Conor
• Manfredi, Giovanni
• Milner, Teresa
• Ndhlovu, Lishomwa
• Nikolov, Dimitar
• Nimigean, Crina
• Pickel, Virginia
• Pitt, Geoffrey
• Platholi, Jimcy
• Pleil, Kristen
• Prusky, Glen
• Purpura, Keith
• Rajadhyaksha, Anjali
• Ratan, Rajiv
• Ross, M. Elizabeth
• Ryan, Timothy
• Sagdullaev, Botir
• Schiff, Nicholas
• Sharma, Manu
• Simon, David
• Studer, Lorenz
• Sung, Ching-Hwa
• Tabar, Viviane
• Toth, Miklos
• Vierbuchen, Thomas
• Wagner, John
• Weng, Yi-Lan
• Willis, Dianna
• Yoshida, Yukuta
• Yun, Kyuson
• Zhong, Jian

Courses and Required Curricular Components

• Addiction and Society
• Biology of Neural Diseases
• Development and Learning Seminar
• From Neuron to the Brain: An Introduction to Neuroscience
• Logic and Experimental Design
• Mathematical Structures in Neuroscience
• Neuroscience 444–Drug Development: A Disease Business Approach
• Neuroscience Faculty and Their Research
• Progress in Neuroscience Seminar Series
• Research Proposals and Scientific Journalism: Inspiration, Writing and Evaluation
• Responsible Conduct of Research

Program Chair

Program directors, program coordinator.

• Dua, Maullika

Student Handbook

To view the Neuroscience Student Handbook, click here .

Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School of Medical Sciences 1300 York Ave. Box 65 New York, NY 10065 Phone: (212) 746-6565 Fax: (212) 746-8906

Neuroscience

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Neuroscience is an area of study within the Division of Medical Sciences, an administrative unit based at Harvard Medical School that coordinates biomedical PhD activities at the Longwood Medical Area. Students who study in neuroscience receive a PhD in neurobiology. Prospective students apply through the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). In the online application, select  “Division of Medical Sciences” as your program choice and select "Neuroscience" in the area of study menu.

Neuroscience is one of the programs in the Harvard Integrated Life Sciences that facilitates collaboration and cross-disciplinary research. Visit HILS for additional  application instructions .

This interdisciplinary program includes over 150 faculty members from several hospitals and campuses in the Boston area with a variety of backgrounds in all areas of neuroscience. You will receive a solid core foundation and will then be able to focus on the area that interests you most with specialized training.

You will have access to an impressive array of resources, including state-of-the-art labs, high-resolution microscopy facilities, animal cores, and an instrumentation core that can design custom behavioral chambers and other experimental apparatuses. You will have the opportunity to engage with the broader neuroscience community in several ways, including through the Harvard Brain Science Initiative (HBI), a cross-schools initiative among neuroscientists in the University and its affiliated hospitals.

Students are working on various projects such as studying how neural circuits generate behavior through the use of in vivo imaging to study neurons in awake, behaving animals; the development of the nervous system; the ways in which genes and molecules regulate neural function; and the electrical properties of neurons.

Graduates of the program have secured faculty positions at institutions such as Stanford University, Holy Cross University, Rutgers University, and Harvard University. Others have established careers with leading organizations such as Biogen, Google, and McKinsey & Company. 

Personal Statement

Standardized tests.

GRE General: Not Accepted GRE Subject: Not Accepted iBT TOEFL minimum score: 100 IELTS minimum score: 7

See list of Neuroscience faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

Berkeley Neuroscience

Prospective Students

Current students, program activities, gsi hiring information, student services & advising.

The Neuroscience Department will offer PhD training through the Neuroscience PhD Program , which will be run jointly by the department and the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute (HWNI) .  This program has existed since 2000, run by HWNI, and has graduated > 150 students with a PhD in Neuroscience.  When the department launches, the existing HWNI Neuroscience PhD Program will be adopted and jointly administered by the department and HWNI. This will be a seamless transition for current students, who will not experience any changes to program curriculum or requirements. Over the next few years, we plan to make updates to the course of study, so that the program provides the best possible training, and matches the scope of both the Neuroscience Department and HWNI.  Students who enter the program will be able to choose thesis study with Neuroscience Department faculty members or with training faculty within the broader set of HWNI faculty.  Please see the full list of eligible faculty here .

PhD Program

The Neuroscience PhD Program at UC Berkeley offers intensive training in neuroscience research through a combination of coursework, research training, mentoring, and professional development. More than 60  program faculty (link is external)  from the Neuroscience Department and other allied departments provide broad expertise from molecular and cellular neuroscience to systems and computational neuroscience, to human cognitive neuroscience.

A unique feature of the neuroscience training at Berkeley is the highly multidisciplinary research environment. For instance, neuroscientists work side-by-side in the lab with engineers and roboticists to study motor control, with bioengineers to grow stem cells for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, and with chemists to develop new reagents for optical monitoring and control of neural activity. Neuroscience PhD Program students are trained at these intersections between fields and help drive scientific and technological advances.

The Neuroscience PhD Program trains a select group of students (about 10-12 entering students per year) in an intellectually stimulating and supportive environment. Since its official launch in 2000, the program has trained more than 150 students. Our applicants have outstanding undergraduate records in both research and scholarship from diverse academic disciplines, including biology, chemistry, psychology, physics, engineering, and computer science. We carefully select students with the expectation that, given strong graduate training, they will develop into tomorrow’s leaders in the field of neuroscience. We welcome you to apply to our program.

Please see the Neuroscience Department page:  Diversity, Equity & Inclusion .

Annual Message from Our PhD Program Director

"I am delighted to be the new director of our graduate program. I have inherited a program that I am proud to tell everyone is the best run graduate program on campus..."  Read More

Neuroscience PhD Program

UC Berkeley | 444 Li Ka Shing, MC#3370 | Berkeley, CA 94720-3370 | [email protected]

• Neurobiology
• Computational Neuroscience
• Integrative Neuroscience (PSYC)
• Cognition (PSYC)
• Computational Cognitive Neuroscience (PSYC)
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Science with Honors
• Research Opportunities
• Course Catalog
• Meet the NSCI Team
• Faculty List
• Research Areas
• Faculty Membership Criteria
• Shared Equipment
• Awarded fMRI Studies
• The Neuroscience Institute Committees
• Reserve a Conference Room
• The Grossman Center
• Center for Motor Neuron Disease
• Recorded Seminars

Graduate Programs

Neuroscience is one of the most exciting and fastest growing research fields. Examining the development and function of nervous systems does not only hold the key to better understand the interaction of animals and human beings with their environments, but will also allow us to develop therapeutic strategies for the treatment of neurological, behavioral and psychiatric disorders.

At the University of Chicago, there are five closely interacting, interdepartmental graduate programs that study nervous systems, brain function, and behavior: the PhD Programs in Neurobiology, Computational Neuroscience, Integrative Neuroscience, Cognition, and Computational Cognitive Neuroscience (Psychology track). Combined, these programs form the Neuroscience Cluster which comprises over 90 faculty members from both basic research and clinical departments. 

Investigating brain function from molecular to systems levels.

Quantitative approaches to studying nervous system function.

Studying brain and behavior through computational analysis and data.

Fosters integrative thinking across disciplines and focuses on research questions with theoretical and practical significance.

Understanding the biological basis of complex behaviors.

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UCLA Graduate Programs

Graduate Program: Neuroscience

UCLA's Graduate Program in Neuroscience offers the following degree(s):

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

With questions not answered here or on the program’s site (above), please contact the program directly.

Neuroscience Graduate Program at UCLA 1506 Gonda Center Box 951761 Los Angeles, CA 90095-1761

Visit the Neuroscience’s faculty roster

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Visit the registrar's site for the Neuroscience’s course descriptions

• Admission Requirements
• Program Statistics

(310) 206-4407

[email protected]

MAJOR CODE: NEUROSCIENCE

Graduate Program in Neuroscience

About the program.

The Graduate Program in Neuroscience (GPN) at the University of Washington (UW) is an interdisciplinary Ph.D. program with a continuously growing faculty with appointments in over 35 different academic departments and five partner institutes. Our program’s goal is to provide broad accessible training in neuroscience to our students, capitalizing on the diverse set of research interests of our faculty.  The faculty members deliver outstanding graduate training in all areas of modern neuroscience. The study of neuroscience is one of the most exciting and challenging areas of human endeavor.

The GPN acknowledges the Coast Salish peoples of this land, the land which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Suquamish, Tulalip and Muckleshoot nations. It is in this land where we work, teach, and learn.   Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are core values for the GPN at UW. These values guide our daily actions and are central to our educational mission.   We believe that equity and inclusion are basic human rights, and we must make deliberate, visible, and measurable efforts to uphold these principles to promote diversity.   We acknowledge the barriers of institutional and systemic racism and the obstacles that biases create. We are committed to deconstruct them via the implementation of anti-racist, equitable, and inclusive policies.   We recognize and encourage individual differences and backgrounds that enrich our community. With this in mind, we strive to engage those who have been historically excluded and exploited. We aim to cultivate an inclusive and collegial environment in which we all can thrive.    We also recognize the role played by the enslavement of Black and Indigenous people as well as immigrants in the building and shaping of our country.    The scientific endeavor is deeply anchored in, and benefits from, the ocean of individual perspectives and cultures that converge in a community space of respect and collaboration to advance human knowledge. Our goal as a program is to be that space.  

The goal of the GPN is to provide broad training in neuroscience. The diversity of our faculty’s research interests allows us to provide interdisciplinary training drawing from a variety of topics, techniques and perspectives, including neuroanatomy, biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, biophysics, pharmacology, in vivo brain imaging (e.g., fMRI, M-EEG), computational modeling and behavior. A graduate of our program will be well versed in the neurosciences, prepared to conduct independent research, and equipped to pursue a variety of career paths.

What does it mean that we are a ‘Program’ and not a ‘department’? It means that we draw faculty from departments across campus and from affiliated institutes across Seattle to train our students. Students in our program are often considered to be de facto members of the department in which their faculty mentors have a primary appointment, but their diplomas show that their PhD degree is in Neuroscience. Our faculty and students are bound together by a common commitment to graduate education in Neuroscience, and we all benefit from the synergy of our diverse approaches to understanding the brain.

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Interdisciplinary Training in the Neurosciences

The USC Neuroscience Graduate Program (NGP) is the only university-wide PhD program at USC. NGP students and faculty come from a variety of academic backgrounds to study questions spanning the spectrum of modern neuroscience research. We provide a highly supportive, research-intensive training experience designed to prepare students for a variety of successful careers. Learn more »

Not a graduate student? Learn about the USC Neuroscience Undergraduate Program .

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Why Stanford Neuroscience?

Students have the opportunity to work with any of the  faculty members  who are affiliated with the Neuroscience program. Our faculty come from departments campuswide including Neurobiology, Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Neurosurgery, Biology, Genetics, Comparative Medicine, Electrical Engineering, Otolaryngology, Psychiatry, Psychology, Applied Physics, Molecular & Cellular Physiology, Ophthalmology, and Anesthesia. All are distinguished scientists who have made fundamental discoveries in all areas of neuroscience from molecules to cognition, and have international reputations for excellence in both research and teaching.

After completing core courses in the first year, students are encouraged to take courses in any department that may benefit their research (e.g.,  biosciences, math, and engineering). Students can choose how they would like to distribute their credit requirements, offering great flexibility in their coursework. Stanford School of Medicine continually strives to improve the graduate education system. 

The program has a strong community, fostered in part by the Stanford Immersive Neuroscience course for first year students, an annual retreat held in Monterey, and many other student-run events that encourage mingling such as SIN Tea Time, Neuro Student Network panel discussions and fireside chats, happy hours, and DEIB coffee hours. Starting in the fourth year, students present their work to the community during monthly Superfriends gatherings. Our students also lead a homegrown neuroblog -  NeuWrite West  - to improve their own skills in communicating science to a general audience.

Students participate in a variety of activities both on and off campus. The gorgeous weather year-round allows students to hike, bike, and rock climb in the area, with weekend ski trips to Lake Tahoe common in the winter. Our students have performed with the Stanford Chamber Chorale, Stanford Medicine Chorus, Stanford Shakespeare company, swing and salsa clubs, and local music groups. The graduate community organizes social events including movie nights, restaurant outings, and parties.  

Admissions Information

How to Apply and Important Dates

How to Apply

• Applications for Autumn 2025 will be available on the  Biosciences Admissions website  in September 2024.
• For general information about application procedures, documents, test scores, and more, visit the  Biosciences Admissions page .
• Fee waivers are available. Visit the  Biosciences Admissions page  - Application Fee and Fee Waivers section - for more information.
• Prior to starting an application, review all information on this site, on the  Biosciences Admissions website , and the  Graduate Admissions   website.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 11:59:59 pm (PST). Late applications will not be accepted.
• Invitations to Interviews: Sent in January 2025
• Interview Session: Wednesday, March 5 through Sunday, March 9, 2025 (In Person)
• Mid-March 2025: Offers of Admission Begin
• April 15, 2025: Deadline to Accept Offer of Admission

Eligibility

The Stanford Neurosciences Program is committed to training a diverse group of neuroscientists who come from a wide range of ethnic, cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Qualified applicants who are neither U.S. citizens nor permanent residents are eligible for admission. 

The Neurosciences program   recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

The Neurosciences program   welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. The review process is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, prior research experience, and admissions essays to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field and how they might enrich the learning community at Stanford.

Students are admitted into the program each year from a variety of disciplines. There is no one “right” way into the Neurosciences Program and no one “composite” student. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the Neurosciences, students are enrolled with backgrounds ranging from computational to biological; the program selects talented and highly motivated students with evidence of creativity and scientific rigor, regardless of exact disciplinary background. 

Students are selected from diverse backgrounds based on a variety of factors, including academic achievements, letters of recommendation attesting to research and academic skills, and statement of purpose. The admissions committee works very hard to holistically evaluate each applicant. 

There is no minimum GPA requirement and GRE scores are not considered. 

We do not publicly share information about the average scores of applicants or matriculated students.

The program does not have specific course requirements or recommendations to be considered for admission. However, students from traditional biology backgrounds are expected to show strong achievement in molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry and neuroscience. Students from more quantitative backgrounds should demonstrate considerable competence in mathematics (calculus, differential equations, linear algebra), physics, probability theory, and statistics. Students from psychology backgrounds should be well versed in cognitive science, experimental psychology, neuroscience and statistics. Advice on how to choose between neuroscience and psychology programs is offered  here  by one of our faculty members.

Research experience is very important, but the exact disciplinary area is not critical. 

Publications are not required for admission.

You will only need an advanced degree (M.A., M.S.) to apply if you do not meet the Minimum Education Requirements which can be found on the  Graduate Admissions  website.

Application Submission

We generally receive several hundred applications each admissions cycle. All applications are reviewed after the final deadline. However, it is important not to wait until the last minute to submit your application and certainly it is important to give your letter writers plenty of advance notice of the deadline.

• GRE scores are not considered in the Neurosciences program admissions process.

Letters of Recommendation 

• Three letters of recommendation are required, but you may have up to four letters submitted on your behalf.  As part of the online application, you will be required to register the names and contact information, including e-mail addresses, of your recommenders. Recommenders will then receive an e-mail with directions on how to proceed. 
• All recommendations must be submitted using the online application system as recommenders are required to respond to specific evaluation questions on the recommendation form. Letters of recommendation cannot be mailed, emailed, faxed, or submitted through a letter service (with the exception of Interfolio). For letters submitted via Interfolio, please remember that letters written specifically for your Stanford graduate program tend to be stronger than letters written for general use purposes.
• Please be sure that you ask for a recommendation from at least one individual who can address your potential for original and creative research. In most cases, that individual would be the person guiding your most recent research activities. It is very important that you contact your recommenders before submitting their information in the online application. You must choose whether or not to waive your right to see a recommendation. It may be that a recommender will not submit a recommendation if you have not waived the right to see it. This should be discussed in advance. Your choice will be transmitted to the recommender in the instructional email they will receive.
• For more information please see the Biosciences Admissions page .  

Transcripts

Applicants may upload unofficial transcripts to the online application form. Official transcripts are only required of admitted applicants who accept the offer of admission. More details on this can be found on the following  Graduate Admissions web page . Please do not send, or have any official transcripts sent, to our office.

Interviews and Acceptance

• Invitations to attend our Interview Session are extended in early- to mid-January.
• Interviews will be conducted in person. There is only one Interview Session.
• If you have extenuating circumstances that may affect your ability to attend Interview Session, please notify program staff right away. We will work with you to make your visit possible and as comfortable as we can. 
• Our office does not have the resources to inform applicants as to why they were not invited to interview. Similarly, we are not able to assess your qualifications as an applicant.  

Acceptances

• 8-15 students are generally accepted each year.
• Generally, applicants being offered admission into the program receive an offer soon after interview session. However, with a rolling admissions process, offers of admission may be extended at any time until April 15.
• Individuals may reapply if not admitted in a given year. 

International Applicants

Applicants who are neither U.S. citizens nor permanent residents are eligible to apply. Stanford offers a limited number of fellowships to outstanding admitted students, and international applicants may be nominated for these fellowships.

Please see the Graduate Admissions  "Required Exams"  web page for information regarding TOEFL requirements and COVID-19 TOEFL Test accommodations. 

Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

Join dozens of  Stanford Medicine students  who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as  Knight-Hennessy Scholars  (KHS). KHS admits up to 100 applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of KHS's leadership program, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford. Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment. If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 9, 2024. Learn more about  KHS admission .

Past Information Sessions and Q&A

Click here to view the recording of our webinar on October 2, 2023.

Q&A / FAQs

Are summer rotations possible? Yes, through the ADVANCE Summer Institute .

Do we state who we want to work with on the application?  There is a place on the applicaiton to list your faculty of interest. 

Is it possible to join a faculty member’s lab who is not part of the training faculty listed on the website? Students who join the Neurosciences program can work with any Biosciences faculty, as long as they agree to our program expectations and requirements . 

How do you tell if you're ready for a PhD program rather than a postbac or Master's program? If you have some experience and are pretty certain that you want to get a PhD in Neuroscience, you don't have much to lose by applying. If you don't have enough experience to know whether you want to be a neuroscientist or do a PhD, it can be really useful to do a postbac or spend additional time doing research. 

How did you know that a PhD was the best step for you? If you want a faculty position, a PhD is not only required for that but also provides training that is useful. Think about how a PhD will help you get where you want to go in your career.

How many students does the program accept who are coming from industry/extensive work experience?  Students in this program come from many backgrounds. A common pathway is working as a post-bacc or lab tech for 2-3 years after gradaution, but there are certainly people who come directly from undergrad, as well as people who have worked in industry for several (5+) years. No single pathway is “correct”!

Is there a clinical component to this program?  No. If you are interested in clinical work, consider an MD or joint MD-PhD (MSTP) program.

How often do labs have students from multiple bioscience disciplines? Is there collaboration across the disciplines aside from classes you can take?  It's very common to have graduate students from different departments/programs in the same lab. 

What is some funding options and resources for DACA (undocumented) students?  We definitely would like to support you! You can email the  Office of Graduate Education  and  Undocumented at Stanford  for more information. 

Is finding funding for a 5th year of research difficult or does the program help with writing for grants or other ways of helping to secure funding?  There are a variety of resources to help students write fellowhip applications/grants (e.g., Grantwriting Academy, SBSA peer mentorship for NSF, NIH NRSA writing course, peer-led workshops), and our students are successful at being funded. PIs are responsible for funding their students in their 5th+ year if the student does not have an individual fellowship. 

According to the graduate housing website, single graduate housing is available to those who are 25 years of age or older. Does this mean that students under the age of 25 would not qualify for any on campus housing?  The age limit is only for undergraduates who wish to live in grad housing. ALL grad students, regardless of age, are eligible for on campus grad housing. As a first-year grad student student, you have top priority and will have a guaranteed spot for on campus housing if you fill out the housing application by the deadline (usually May).

How helpful is it to live near campus in terms of student relationships, research, and access to faculty?  During your first year, living near campus is important because you will be attending classes on campus, be rotating in labs, and there will be a ton of social events going on. As your class requirements diminish and if you are doing more computational research it may be possible to live away from campus. 

Does the Stanford Neuroscience Program have any kind of community outreach program? Specifically, I'm wondering if there is any effort to engage with local middle/high school students and assist them with preparation for college and demystifying research and a career in academia.  Yes, there are several opportunities (not limited to the Neurosciences program, but within the wider Stanford Biosciences community). One that is very neuroscience-specific is Brain Day for local middle-school students, and other programs to share their science/research with local seniors.

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Neuroscience Track

program completion rate

job placement rate

Guaranteed 5-year internal fellowship

includes full tuition, stipend and benefits

Advances in technology allow us to see and study the brain like never before, providing a panoramic view of the inner workings of the mind and how it works. By understanding the basis of learning, memory and other fundamental brain functions, researchers are at the cusp of a major paradigm shift in the way we treat, cure and even prevent nervous system disorders.

The Neuroscience Track within the Ph.D. Program at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Science brings together nearly 60 basic neuroscientists and clinician-scientists as faculty — each of whom have wide-ranging expertise and truly multidisciplinary research interests — to provide you with a unique educational experience.

Students in the Neuroscience track can freely choose from labs at the Mayo Clinic campuses in Jacksonville, Florida; Rochester, Minnesota; or Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona. This provides unparalleled instruction from top neuroscientists in subjects as diverse as neurodegeneration, neuroregeneration, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, genetics, imaging, behavior, neuropathology, virology, pharmacology, stem cells and transplantation, deep brain stimulation, and clinical studies.

Ongoing research in this program includes:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Parkinson's disease
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Spinal cord injury and repair
• Neural regeneration
• Non-Alzheimer's disease dementias
• Neurogenetics
• Neuro-oncology
• Neuroengineering
• Neuroimaging
• Neuroinflammation

The Neuroscience Track places a significant emphasis on laboratory-based research training. Laboratory research is complemented with both core and track-specific courses, as well as advanced courses on current topics in neuroscience. These are taught in a tutorial format with small groups of faculty and students discussing cutting-edge research in areas such as neural development, neural aging, neurogenetics, addiction and electrophysiology.

In addition to regular coursework, you’re provided with institutional support for travel to advanced courses at such institutions as Cold Spring Harbor and the Marine Biology Lab. In your first year of the program, you’ll also have the opportunity to attend the annual Society for Neuroscience meeting (SfN).

• Introductory neuroscience and core curriculum courses
• Lab rotations
• Comprehensive written qualifying examination
• Critical thinking, presentation skills, and scientific writing courses
• Selection of thesis lab
• Oral qualifying exam to determine advancement to candidacy
• Completion of advanced neuroscience courses
• Formation of thesis advisory committee
• Laboratory research
• Works-in-progress presentation (annual)
• Thesis committee meetings (biannual)
• Elective courses in advanced neuroscience topics

Knowing the vast extent of research occurring across all three campuses, and the fact that I am now a contributing member of this community, is very exciting and gives me great pride. The impact that the investigators and their teams have had on the understanding and treatment of the world's most devastating diseases, is inspiring. The diversity of the Mayo research network removes limitations on the questions we can ask as scientists and the means to answer those questions.

Ben Rabichow Ph.D. student, Neuroscience Track

Neuroscience is a burgeoning field that not all institutions have the resources to pursue. Mayo Clinic has a stronger translational facility than you see at other research institutions, and there’s so much potential to be able to work firsthand with patient samples.

Francis Shue Ph.D. student, Neuroscience Track

My PhD training at Mayo Clinic will definitely benefit my long-term career goal of becoming a physician-scientist. The close collaborations between clinic and lab have taught me how to define specific questions from clinical observation and then design experiments to investigate and answer those questions. I have no doubt that I’ll be well prepared to conduct translational studies after the rigorous training at Mayo Clinic.

Lingxiao Wang Ph.D. student, Neuroscience Track

Recent thesis topics

• “Blood and Brain Metabolic Signatures of Depression, Schizophrenia, and Alcohol Use Disorder,” Daniel Lindberg, Ph.D. (Mentor: Doo-Sup Choi, Ph.D.)
• “Targeting the Thrombin Receptor to Enhance Lipid Production and Repair in the CNS,” Erin M. Triplet, Ph.D. (Mentor: Isobel A. Scarisbrick, Ph.D.)
• “Neural Basis of Chronic and Binge Alcohol Exposure and Impulsive Behaviors,” Phillip Starski, Ph.D. (Mentor: Doo-Sup Choi, Ph.D.)
• “Neuroplasticity of Respiratory Motor Control following Spinal Cord Injury," Sabhya Rana, Ph.D. (Mentors: Carlos Mantilla, M.D. Ph.D. and Gary C. Sieck, Ph.D.)
• “Microglial Responses to Damaged Myelin and the Consequences of Demyelination,” Miranda Standiford, Ph.D. (Mentor: Charles L. Howe, Ph.D.)
• “Pathobiology of Clusterin in Alzheimer's Disease,” Aleksandra Wojtas, Ph.D. (Mentor: John Fryer, Ph.D.)
• “Development and Application of Genome Engineering Tools to Investigate Rapid Stress Signaling in Vertebrates Using the Zebrafish Model,” Han Lee, Ph.D. (Mentor: Karl Clark, Ph.D.)
• “Investigating the Effects of Deep Brain Stimulation on Functional and Effective Connectivity in Humans Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging,” William Gibson, Ph.D. (Mentor: Kendall Lee, M.D., Ph.D.)
• “The Role of miR-7 in Regulation of Energy Homeostasis,” Hyejin Yoon, Ph.D. (Mentor: Jungsu Kim, Ph.D.)
• “Model Systems of the C9ORF72 Hexanucleotide Repeat Expansion Mimic Disease Features of Frontotemporal Dementia and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis,” Jeannie Chew, Ph.D. (Mentor: Leonard Petrucelli, Ph.D.)
• “Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease in At-Risk Populations,” Aurelie N’Songo, Ph.D. (Mentor: Nilufer Taner, M.D., Ph.D.)
• “Engineering a Regeneration Permissive Environment Allowing for Recovery After Complete Spinal Cord Transection,” Jeffrey Hakim, Ph.D. (Mentor: Anthony Windebank, M.D.)
• “The Role of Cannabinoid Signaling in Zebrafish Stress Responses,” Randall Krug III, Ph.D. (Mentor: Karl Clark, Ph.D.)
• “Preclinical and Clinical Implications of Adenosine and Glutamate Signaling in Alcohol Use Disorder,” David Hinton, Ph.D. (Mentor: Doo-Sup Choi, Ph.D.)
• “Synergy and Convergence of Pathways Controlling Axon Outgrowth and Neural Regeneration in the Spinal Cord,” Lucas Calstrom, Ph.D. (Mentor: John Henley, Ph.D., M.S.)
• “Astrocytic Glutamate Dysregulation in Neuron-Glia Interactions in Alcoholism and Psychiatric Disorders,” Jennifer Ayers-Ringler, Ph.D. (Mentor: Doo-Sup Choi, Ph.D.)
• “ The Neuropathology of Frontotemporal Dementia and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis with a C9ORF72 Hexanucleotide Repeat,” Kevin Bieniek, Ph.D. (Mentor: Dennis Dickson, M.D.)
• “ Investigation of Neuropathological Identified Cerebral Microinfarcts and their Effects on Magnetic Resonance Imaging,” Mekala Raman, Ph.D. (Mentor: Kejal Kantarci, M.D.)

Your future

The Neuroscience Track has graduated more than 100 students, all of whom have gone on to successful careers in diverse areas such as academia, the pharmaceutical industry, scientific publishing and intellectual property. Our students and faculty publish at the highest levels and our scientific endeavors have made — and continue to make — a very real impact at the bench and in the clinic.

Meet the director

Welcome to neuroscience at Mayo Clinic, where we offer training for graduate students in a broad range of basic science, translational, and clinical laboratories conducting cutting-edge research with a focus on translating research findings into treatments for disorders of the nervous system.

The Neuroscience Track delivers a unique, interdisciplinary, educational experience with vibrant student populations at Mayo Clinic's campuses in Rochester, Minnesota; Scottsdale, Arizona; and Jacksonville, Florida.

Owen Ross, Ph.D. Neuroscience Track Director Associate Professor of Neuroscience Phone: 904-953-6280 Email:  [email protected] See research interests

Browse a list of Neuroscience Track faculty members

Ph.D. Admitting Program in Cognitive Neuroscience

General info.

• Faculty working with students: 60
• Students: 25
• Part time study available: No
• Application Terms: Fall

Application Deadline: December 2

The Ph.D. is offered through one of the participating departments (Neurobiology, Psychology and Neuroscience, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Evolutionary Anthropology, and Philosophy). Students affiliate with a Ph.D. degree-granting program by December of their second year and receive a formal certificate of graduate study in cognitive neuroscience. 

Gregory Samanez-Larkin Director of Graduate Studies Center for Cognitive Neuroscience Duke University Box 90999 Durham, NC 27708

Phone: (919) 684-3422

Email: [email protected]

Website:  https://dibs.duke.edu/education/graduate/cognitive-neuroscience-admitting-program/

Program Description

The Duke Institute for Brain Sciences offers an interdisciplinary admitting program for graduate study in cognitive neuroscience via the Cognitive Neuroscience Admitting Program, which consists of intensive multi-disciplinary coursework and research lab rotations in the first 3 semesters, followed by a transition into a PhD degree-granting program starting spring of year 2. Students in the program gain a thorough understanding of the intellectual issues that drive this rapidly growing field, as well as expertise in the major methods for research on higher brain function.  These functions include, but are not limited to, perception, attention, memory, language, emotion, motor control, executive functions, consciousness, and the evolution of mental processes.

Cognitive neuroscience is an interdisciplinary area of research and scholarship.  Thus, the program at Duke explicitly involves collaboration between multiple departments of the Schools of Arts and Science, Engineering, and Medicine.  Students have access to the facilities of all participating entities including MRI scanners located in the Brain Imaging Analysis Center, EEG labs in the Center, and extensive facilities for psychophysical studies in humans and animals.

Students engage in an extensive year of course work and laboratory research in cognitive neuroscience that includes three rotations in distinct laboratories.  Professional development seminars are offered on topics such as grant writing, tips for the publication process, and teaching.  

Students affiliate with a Ph.D. degree-granting program by December of their second year and receive a formal certificate of graduate study in cognitive neuroscience. 

Certificate in Cognitive Neuroscience

Students who matriculate directly into a PhD-granting departmental program have the opportunity to acquire training in cognitive neuroscience at Duke by means of a certificate program in the field. This program is designed for students whose interests are more focused on studies present within a particular department, but who want to also include training in cognitive neuroscience in their graduate program.

In addition to the curricular requirements of their home department, students in the certificate program complete a core course in cognitive neuroscience and participate in relevant seminars and journal clubs, including giving a research talk. To enroll in the Cognitive Neuroscience Certificate Program, students must first be admitted to one of the participating departments (see each department’s listing for additional information) and then contact the director of graduate studies.

• Cognitive Neuroscience: PhD Admissions and Enrollment Statistics

Application Information

Application Terms Available:  Fall

Graduate School Application Requirements See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement.

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Résumé: Required
• GRE Scores: GRE General (Optional)
• English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required* for applicants whose first language is not English *test waiver may apply for some applicants
• GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required

Department-Specific Application Requirements (submitted through online application)

Writing Sample None required

We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying: Departmental Application Guidance

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Learn more about the integrative neuroscience program.

Application Requirements

All application materials must be submitted directly through the online application system. We do not accept paper application materials. Official transcripts should not be sent to the Guarini School office during the application process.

Application Fee

English language proficiency .

• Language proficiency test scores are required for non-US citizens, with the exception of those who are earning or have earned a degree from institutions in the US or Canada, or whose primary language of instruction at their non-US institution was English.
• We accept TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo 
• The ETS code for the Guarini School is 3351

Personal Statements

• 2 required personal statement prompts.

Recommendation Letters

• 3 required, up to 4 accepted.

Transcripts

• Your most recent unofficial transcripts should be uploaded as part of your application. Official transcripts are not needed during the application process.

Program Supplement 

Please indicate below the 2 areas of neuroscience you are most interested in:

• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Neuroimmunology
• Neuropathology
• Physiological Neuroscience

Learn more about the integrative neuroscience faculty.

Questions About the Admissions Process

Admissions information can be found here.

Integrative Neuroscience Program Website

Application Deadline: December 1, 2024 (November 20, 2024 Priority Deadline)

Degree Offered: PhD

Caltech Grad Student Named as Quad Fellow

Caltech graduate student Honami Tanaka has been named to the 2024 cohort of the Quad Fellowship, an initiative of the governments of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States designed to promote social good and foster intercultural ties through scientific and technological innovation. This year, the cohort also includes students from Southeast Asian countries in addition to the original quad countries.

Tanaka, a PhD student in neurobiology, is one of 50 graduate students selected for the fellowship, which is administered by the Institute of International Education. The award includes a $40,000 scholarship that can be used for academic costs related to graduate studies in the United States. In addition, Tanaka will have opportunities to participate in cross-cultural exchange activities and mentorship programs with global leaders.

Tanaka will get a chance to meet the rest of her cohort in October at a summit for Quad Fellows in Washington, D.C. "I'm excited to meet peers who are also passionate about making positive impacts on society," she says. "I hope to meet people from diverse backgrounds, potentially have collaborations, and expand my horizons."

Tanaka's interest in helping society through science began early in life. "I have an older sister with autism, and I grew up very interested in neurodevelopmental disorders and psychiatry," she says. "She inspired me to do science and get into this field. I really just wanted to make her life better."

After attending high school in Japan, Tanaka earned her BA in biochemistry and psychology from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts. When COVID hit, she returned to her hometown of Fukuoka, Japan, and worked there for two years as a technician in a research lab.

Although she had planned to go to medical school, Tanaka's experience in the lab—part of which was related to autism—led her to consider graduate school, specifically Caltech. While in Japan, she had read papers by Sarkis Mazmanian , the Institute's Luis B. and Nelly Soux Professor of Microbiology, Merkin Institute Professor, and affiliated faculty member with the Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute for Neuroscience at Caltech ; on associations between the gut microbiome and autism, and wanted to study with him. Tanaka came to Caltech on a Fulbright fellowship in 2022.

Tanaka's research in the Mazmanian lab explores the connections between the gut, the brain, and the immune system, and how those interactions shape behaviors, particularly in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders.

She says microbiome research is inspiring because it has the potential to create positive impacts for society. "We now know that the microbiome is associated with many different diseases and conditions," she says, "and that opens up space for noninvasive treatments and preventions for conditions that right now can only be treated with invasive technologies as well as conditions that currently have no effective treatments."

Microbiome research may also open doors to more affordable and accessible care for those who have struggled to get health care treatments that require hospital visits or surgeries. Tanaka credits an undergraduate internship in Ghana, where she visited rural villages and saw how people struggled to access basic medical care, with opening her eyes to the issue of accessibility for vulnerable populations. "We can develop cutting-edge treatments or prevention strategies," she says, "but if they're not accessible or affordable, they won't reach everyone."

As Tanaka begins her third year at Caltech, her sister, who lives in Japan, is, "doing fine without any help from me," she says. "But our childhood still fuels me and keeps me moving forward."

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