Georgetown University.

Biomedical Graduate Education

Georgetown University.

M.D./Ph.D. Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience

About the program.

The M.D./Ph.D. Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience requires students to complete 19 credits in core neuroscience courses, compared to the 34 credits required for Ph.D. students. The remaining credits will be absorbed from medical coursework.

The requirement for 11 electives and the following courses are waived for M.D./Ph.D. students: NSCI 5008: Organization of the Nervous System (for Medical School Neuroscience) and NSCI 5004: Neurobiology of Disease (for Medical School Neuroscience). Students may elect to take electives if they wish.

M.D./Ph.D. Course Schedule

MD/PhD Timeline showing MD Years and PhD Years on an overall timeline. Year 1 and half of Year 2 are MD Years (Medical Coursework); the second half of Year 2 through the first half of Year 6 are PhD Years (PhD Program Coursework and Thesis Research); and the second half of Year 6 through Year 8 are MD Years (Clinical Rotations and 4th Year Activities)

Year 1 of Ph.D.

Year 2 of ph.d., years 2-4 of ph.d..

Course NameCredit(s)
NSCI 9985: NSCI Lab Rotation – Summer0 (Pass/Fail)
  • Review the  BGE New Student Checklist
  • Attend the mandatory  Biomedical Graduate Education Summer Orientation
  • Review the requirements and expectations of  Lab Rotations
  • Send a  Post-Rotation Form  to the head of the Student Advisory Committee (SAC) for 1st rotation

MD/PhD students enrolled in School of Medicine (SOM) for M2.

M.D./Ph.D. students will be officially enrolled in graduate school. However, they are not expected to actually begin their rotation until they have taken the USMLE STEP I board exam. M.D./Ph.D. students are required to take STEP I by the same deadline as students in the regular M.D. program.

Course NameCredit(s)
NSCI 9986: NSCI Lab Rotation – Spring0 (Pass/Fail)
  • Send a  Post-Rotation Form  to the head of the SAC for 2nd rotation
  • Give  Student Seminar Series  talk about 2nd Rotation
Course NameCredit(s)
NSCI 8001: Experiences in Neuroscience0
NSCI 9986: NSCI Lab Rotation – Summer0 (Pass/Fail)
  • Attend the mandatory IPN orientation
  • Send a  Post-Rotation Form  to the head of the SAC for 3rd rotation and choose a thesis lab
  • Register for Fall Courses and Thesis Research
Course NameCredit(s)
NSCI 5002: Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience6
NSCI 5001: Neuroscience Survey I2
NSCI 5003: Critical Readings I1
NSCI 5009: Practical Data Analysis & Experimental Design2
NSCI 9999- : Thesis Research (section 3)0
  • Give  Student Seminar Series  talk at Fall Retreat
  • Register for Spring Courses and Thesis Research
Course NameCredit(s)
NSCI 5005: Systems & Cognitive Neuroscience5
NSCI 5006: Critical Readings II1
NSCI 5007: Survey Skills & Ethics for Science2
NSCI 9999- : Thesis Research (section 3)0
  • Take the  Written Comprehensive Exam  before the end of Year 1
  • Register for Summer Thesis Research
Course NameCredit(s)
NSCI 9999- : Thesis Research 0 (Pass/Fail)
  • Choose Oral Committee and schedule Oral Exam
  • Register for Fall Thesis Research
Course NameCredit(s)
NSCI 9999- : Thesis Research
 
0 (Pass/Fail)
  • Organize  thesis committee  and get SAC Approval by December
  • Full-time Thesis Research [register for NSCI 9999-01]
  • Give Annual  Student Seminar Talk  
  • Set up the first meeting with the thesis committee and bring the completed  GSAS Thesis Proposal form  for approval
  • Meeting with the  thesis committee
  • Expect to submit your first manuscript before the end of your 3rd year
  • Completion of Degree
  • PhD Graduating Student Checklist
  • Graduation and Commencement
  • Need to register with SOM for Spring 4
  • Student/Faculty Portal
  • Learning Hub (Brightspace)
  • Continuous Professional Development
  • Admissions and Application Process
  • Prerequisites and Requirements
  • Financial Support
  • Curriculum Overview
  • Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD)
  • Career Development Internships
  • Tracks Overview
  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Biomedical Engineering and Physiology
  • Clinical and Translational Science
  • Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics

Neuroscience

  • Regenerative Sciences
  • Virology and Gene Therapy
  • Find a Mentor
  • Student Life Overview
  • Student Organizations
  • Graduate Student Workspaces
  • Events and Programs
  • Alumni Perspectives

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

Profile of Ben Rabichow

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

Francis Shue

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

Profile photo of Lingxiao Wang, M.D.

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

Profile photo of Dr. Owen Ross

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

  • MD | PhD Program
  • Master's Programs
  • PhD Programs
  • Postdoctoral Fellows
  • Residency & Fellowship
  • Non-Degree Programs
  • Visiting Students
  • Campus Life at U-M
  • Health & Wellness
  • Building Your Community
  • Accessibility & Disability
  • Departments
  • Centers & Institutes
  • Interdisciplinary Programs
  • Facts & Figures
  • Medical School Leadership
  • News & Stories
  • Requirements
  • Interview Day
  • Admissions Chats
  • AAMC Michigan's 35 Answers
  • AAMC Michigan's 10 Financial Aid Answers
  • Admitted Students
  • Overview & Highlights
  • Patient Interaction
  • Chief Concern
  • Years 3 & 4
  • Learning Informatics
  • Training Sites
  • Leadership Program
  • Global Health & Disparities
  • Healthcare Innovation
  • Health Policy
  • Medical Humanities
  • Patient Safety & Quality Improvement
  • Scientific Discovery
  • Doctoring Course
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Interprofessional Education
  • DEIAJ Curriculum
  • Language Opportunities
  • Curriculum Diagrams
  • Grading & Assessments
  • Guideline Budget
  • Loans & Eligibility
  • Scholarships & Grants
  • Documents & Forms
  • Tuition Refund Policies
  • Consumer Information
  • Extra Help for Current Students
  • Contact the Office of Financial Aid
  • Profiles & Demographics
  • Culinary Connections
  • Students with Disabilities
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Arts & Humanities
  • Diversity & Health Equity
  • Dual Degrees
  • More Possibilities
  • Commencement
  • Available PhD Programs
  • Academic & Social Events
  • MSTP Fellows
  • Application Process
  • Application Requirements
  • MD | PhD Curriculum
  • Undergrad Summer Program
  • Contact the MD | PhD Program
  • Bioinformatics
  • Biological Chemistry
  • Cancer Biology
  • Cell & Developmental Biology
  • Cellular & Molecular Biology
  • Genetics and Genomics
  • Health Infrastructures & Learning Systems
  • Microbiology & Immunology
  • Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology
  • Molecular & Cellular Pathology
  • Molecular & Integrative Physiology
  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Recruitment Events
  • Interview Weekends
  • Certificates & Dual Degrees
  • Quantitative & Computational Biology Emphasis
  • Training Grants
  • Facilities & Resources
  • Stipend & Benefits
  • Professional Development
  • Finding a Position
  • Funding Your Postdoc
  • Hiring Process
  • Postdoc Preview
  • International Postdocs
  • ACGME Fellowships
  • Non-Accredited Fellowships
  • Postdoctoral Physician Scientist Training
  • Salary & Benefits
  • Prerequisites
  • Visiting Residents & Fellows
  • Application Overview & Requirements
  • Tuition & Fees
  • Timeline & Curriculum
  • Information Sessions
  • Program Details
  • Undergrad Summer Research
  • First Days Survival Guide
  • Health Services
  • Mental Health
  • Health, Spirituality & Religion Program
  • For Partners & Families
  • Things to Do in Ann Arbor
  • Getting Around
  • Guiding Tools
  • Graduate Medical Education
  • Office of Continuing Medical Education
  • Office of Faculty Affairs & Faculty Development
  • Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies
  • Physician Scientist Education & Training
  • Office of Medical Student Education
  • Points of Blue
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Program Mentoring
  • Outreach & Community Groups
  • NURO Program
  • SIREN Program

As the longest-standing Neuroscience PhD program in the country, we have a history of training leaders in the field. Join our multidisciplinary program and begin to forge your future of excellence.

An NGP researcher works with equipment

The country’s first of its kind, U-M Medical School’s Neuroscience training program began in 1971 and continues to lead the industry today.

Our difference is rooted in our interdisciplinary and interdepartmental approach, with more than 150 core affiliated faculty members distributed throughout our institution.  We are a collegial and interactive group that performs research across the breadth of the neuroscience field. 

Our faculty includes members of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Medicine, past presidents of the Society for Neuroscience, fellows of the AAAS and Highly Cited Researchers in their fields.

Learn more about the leading Neuroscience PhD program and its history.

Diverse students and world-class faculty make us an international leader in Neuroscience research and education.

Learn more about the faculty in and behind our incredible program.

Connect with fellow students and the broader community for a purpose.

Access our directory of students.

Join us for two unique ten-week summer research opportunities.

Watch and learn what it’s like to immerse yourself in the Neuroscience Graduate Program at the University of Michigan Medical School.

Outreach program group photo wearing matching shirts

Your partnership will support our world-class, neuroscience graduate student training. Explore opportunities to support our important work and further our goals.

  • Explore ways to give to NGP

a colorful glowing brain in space

Our graduate program is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion with comprehensive opportunities to get involved and commit to making lasting change.

  • Learn more about DEI

The Neuroscience Graduate Program’s ultimate goal is to prepare the future leaders in the field of neuroscience by providing the training and expertise necessary to succeed in any scientific career the students may choose. Welcome and Go Blue!”

headshot of carol elias

We transform lives through bold discovery, compassionate care and innovative education.

  • Find a Doctor
  • Conditions & Treatments
  • Patient & Visitor Guide
  • Patient Portal
  • Clinical Trials
  • Research Labs
  • Research Centers
  • Cores and Resources
  • Programs & Admissions
  • Our Community
  • Departments, Centers & Offices
  • About the Medical School

Global Footer Secondary Navigation

Princeton Neuroscience Institute

Ph.d. in neuroscience.

First-hand experience is an essential part of gaining real understanding

Ph.D. Neuroscience students take lecture and laboratory courses; learn to read, understand, and present current scientific literature; develop and carry out substantial original research, and present their research at meetings and conferences, including the annual Neuroscience retreat each Spring.

During the first year, all students participate in a unique year-long  Core Course  that surveys current neuroscience. The subjects covered in lectures are accompanied by direct experience in the lab. Students learn through first-hand experience how to run their own fMRI experiments; to design and run their own computer simulations of neural networks; to image neural activity at cellular resolution in behaving animals; and to patch-clamp single cells, to name a few examples. This core course offers students a unique opportunity to learn the practical knowledge essential for successfully developing new experiments and techniques. Incoming students are encouraged to rotate through up to three different labs to choose the lab that best matches their interests. During this process, students may discover an area of research completely new and fascinating to them. Following their rotations and by mutual agreement with their prospective faculty adviser, students choose a lab in which they will carry out their Ph.D. research.

Ph.D. Timeline Overview

The first year of the graduate program begins with the Neuro Boot Camp in August. All newly admitted Neuroscience graduate students are required to attend a 2-week course intended to ensure that new recruits have a basic understanding of molecular biology, as well as the core skills required to use mathematical and computational approaches to analyze neural systems and neural data. The Neuro Boot Camp takes the form of morning lectures and afternoon workshops in which students will apply the principles introduced in the lectures.

Once the academic year begins, all students take the Neuroscience Core Course. The goal of this course is to provide a common foundation so that all students have a strong knowledge base and a common language across the breadth of Neuroscience, which is a highly diverse and multidisciplinary field. To the extent possible, the course aims to teach an overview of all topics through a mix of hands-on laboratory experience, lecture, and computational modeling. Students will also rotate in up to three labs, participate in grant-writing workshops, and attend the Society for Neuroscience Annual Conference .

By the second year of their Ph.D., students will have joined a research group. Projects that involve collaborations across groups, and thus have students joining more than one research group, are decidedly welcomed. Students also typically teach half-time during their second year, as part of learning to teach and communicate science, and as a part of helping the Neuroscience Institute's educational mission. The other half of their time, students begin to carry out in-depth research and dedicate themselves wholly to this in the summer between their second and third years. Students also will participate in an NSF Fellowship grant-writing workshop in September.

At the beginning of their third year, Ph.D. students present their thesis proposal at a generals exam, in which they demonstrate the command of their chosen research topic and the existing literature surrounding it, and present a logical plan to address key questions that they have identified.

The third, fourth and fifth years are largely devoted to research. They culminate with the submission of their research papers for publication, and the writing and defense of their Ph.D. thesis. Throughout their time at Princeton, students participate in grant-writing workshops, career workshops, and present their work both locally and in national and international conferences.

Across the board, from molecular biology to physics to psychology, Princeton's world-class faculty is particularly strong in quantitative and theoretical investigations. The same is true in Neuroscience. In recognition of this, a Quantitative and Computational Neuroscience track exists within the Neuroscience Ph.D.

Students in this track must fulfill all the requirements of the Neuroscience Ph.D. In addition, their electives should be in quantitative courses, and their Ph.D. research should be in quantitative and/or computational neuroscience. The QCN track is supported by the T32 training grant in Quantitative Neuroscience from the NIMH.

UA Neuroscience | Home

Donate Apply

MD/PhD Program

The Neuroscience GIDP participates in the University of Arizona’s MD/PhD Program , designed to train physician scientists skilled in both experimental and clinical thinking. Entry begins with application through AMCAS to the UA College of Medicine MD/PhD Program.  Students in this dual-degree program first complete their basic medical science courses, taking Step 1 of the National Board exams by early Spring of their second year. At that time, they transition to their graduate program and begin their doctoral research.  In addition, most students complete lab rotations during the summer between years 1 and 2.  After successfully completing graduate coursework and defending their dissertations, students transition to clinical clerkships to complete the medical school curriculum.

Applicants admitted to the MD/PhD Program are encouraged to contact the Neuroscience GIDP to discuss research-training opportunities.

md phd neuroscience programs

Neuroscience, Doctoral/PhD

The graduate program in neuroscience trains outstanding graduate students to earn a phd degree in neuroscience..

We are an interdisciplinary program spanning several Departments in the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, and Nursing. Our alumni fill top-tier academic, government, and industry positions worldwide. Our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and experimental design through an innovative applied learning model. This coursework is completed within the first 16 months, after which students perform full-time dissertation research in a laboratory chosen from 2-3 laboratory rotations completed in the first year.

  • Program Home

University Of Maryland Baltimore School of Medicine

Details, Dates & Deadlines

Program details, program length, cost/credit hour.

In State: $638 Out of State: $1102

Those accepted into the program receive tuition remission (as well as health care benefits and an annual stipend)

  • Online application 
  • $75 application fee 
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts 
  • 300–500 word essay
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • CV or resume

Dates & Deadlines

Application Deadline: December 1

Program Contacts

Dr. Jennifer McFarland Academic Services Specialist [email protected]   410.706.4701

Dr. Todd Gould Program Director [email protected] 410. 706.5585

Dr. Thomas Longden Associate Program Director [email protected] 410.706.1956

                                                                        

md phd neuroscience programs

Meet Your Faculty

Our GPILS programs consist of faculty in the basic science and clinical departments of the School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, School of Nursing, and a wide array of internationally recognized organized research centers and institutes on campus including the Center for Vaccine Development, the Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases, the Institute for Genome Science, the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, and the Institute of Human Virology, in addition to collaborations with the other University of Maryland campuses.

620 W. Lexington St. Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 706-3100

University of Maryland Graduate School. All Rights Reserved.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Web Accessibility

Students in the Indiana University School of Medicine Medical Science Training Program (MD/PhD)  can pursue a PhD through the Medical Neuroscience Graduate Program offered by Stark Neurosciences Research Institute. The Medical Science Training Program (MSTP) provides training for both the MD and PhD degrees in an environment that integrates graduate research training with clinical studies.

Apply for MD/PhD Training

md phd neuroscience programs

Students committed to a career that incorporates research with clinical care are encouraged to apply to the Medical Scientist Training Program.

Back of a person's head reviewing papers

The MD/PhD program is closely integrated with clinical neurosciences and has a robust translational focus that fosters the development of physician-scientists. 

  • MD-PhD Program >
  • Education and Training >
  • PhD Program Overview >
  • Participating Programs >

Neuroscience

The MD-PhD required curriculum for the PhD consists of 72 credit hours from required and elective courses, drawn from these lists.

Prerequisites from the first two years of medical education curriculum

ANA 500 Anatomy 6.0 cr
IMC 502 Fundamentals I 7.2 cr
IMC 504 Fundamentals II 3.8 cr
IMC 514 Musculoskeletal 2.0 cr
IMC 602 Cardiovascular 3.0 cr
IMC 606-610 Neuroscience I and II 9.0 cr
IMC 612 Endocrine 5.0 cr
    36.0 cr

Neuroscience program requirements

NRS 601 Neuroscience Seminar 1.0 cr
NRS 602 Neuroscience Seminar 1.0 cr
MST 601 MD-PhD Seminar 1.0 cr/sem
  • Preliminary exam in neuroscience
  • Appropriate course in research ethics (e.g. RPG 504 or other appropriate to meet F30 fellowship requirements)
  • At least one elective course (2.0+ credit hour) – course/s to be agreed on by mentor and program director

MD-PhD Degree Programs by State

New section.

Combined MD-PhD degree programs provide students the opportunity to earn both the MD and the PhD in areas pertinent to medicine.

Combined MD-PhD degree programs provide students the opportunity to earn both the MD and the PhD in areas pertinent to medicine. Below is a list of schools offering a combined MD-PhD degree, with links to their web sites. Please contact the institutions directly for curriculum information and admission requirements. School administrators may contact [email protected]  with any omissions or corrections to this listing.

University of Alabama School of Medicine Birmingham, Ala.

University of South Alabama College of Medicine Mobile, Ala.

University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson, Ariz.

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix Phoenix, Ariz.

University of Arkansas College of Medicine Little Rock, Ark.

Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine Pasadena, Calif.

Loma Linda University School of Medicine  Loma Linda, Calif.

Stanford University School of Medicine Stanford, Calif.

University of California, Davis School of Medicine Davis, Calif.

University of California, Irvine School of Medicine Irvine, Calif.

University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine Los Angeles, Calif.

University of California, San Diego School of Medicine La Jolla, Calif.

University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine San Francisco, Calif.

Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California Los Angeles, Calif.

University of Colorado Health Sciences Center Denver, Colo.

Connecticut

University of Connecticut School of Medicine Farmington, Conn.

Yale University School of Medicine New Haven, Conn.

District of Columbia

Georgetown University School of Medicine Washington, D.C.

Howard University College of Medicine Washington, D.C.

University of Florida College of Medicine Gainesville, Fla.

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami, Fla.

University of South Florida College of Medicine Tampa, Fla.

Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta, Ga.

Morehouse School of Medicine Atlanta, Ga.

Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University Augusta, Ga.

Loyola University of Chicago - Stritch School of Medicine Maywood, Ill.

Northwestern University Medical School  Chicago, Ill.

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science - Chicago Medical School North Chicago, Ill.

University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine (MTSP) Chicago, Ill.

University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine (MD/PhD) Chicago, Ill.

University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine Chicago, Ill.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Carle Illinois College of Medicine Urbana, Ill.

Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, Ind.

University of Iowa College of Medicine Iowa City, Iowa

University of Kansas School of Medicine Kansas City, Kan.

University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington, Ky.

University of Louisville School of Medicine Louisville, Ky.

Louisiana State University, New Orleans School of Medicine New Orleans, La.

Louisiana State University, Shreveport School of Medicine Shreveport, La.

Tulane University School of Medicine New Orleans, La.

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, Md.

National Institutes of Health Intramural MD-PhD Partnership Bethesda, Md.

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Bethesda, Md.

University of Maryland at Baltimore School of Medicine Baltimore, Md.

Massachusetts

Boston University School of Medicine Boston, Mass.

Harvard Medical School Boston, Mass.

Tufts University School of Medicine Boston, Mass.

University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester, Mass.

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine East Lansing, Mich.

University of Michigan Medical School Ann Arbor, Mich.

Wayne State University School of Medicine Detroit, Mich.

Mayo Medical School Rochester, Minn.

University of Minnesota Medical School Minneapolis, Minn.

Mississippi

University of Mississippi School of Medicine Jackson, Miss.

Saint Louis University School of Medicine St. Louis, Mo.

University of Missouri - Columbia School of Medicine Columbia, Mo.

University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine Kansas City, Mo.

Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, Mo.

Creighton University School of Medicine Omaha, Neb.

University of Nebraska College of Medicine Omaha, Neb.

University of Nevada School of Medicine Reno, Nev.

New Hampshire

Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth Hanover, N.H.

Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School Newark, N.J.

Rutgers - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Piscataway, N.J.

University of New Mexico School of Medicine Albuquerque, N.M.

Albany Medical College Albany, N.Y.

Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University Bronx, N.Y.

Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons New York, N.Y.

Hofstra North Shore - LIJ School of Medicine Hempstead, N.Y.

Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan-Kettering Tri-Institutional MD/PhD Program New York, N.Y.

Mount Sinai School of Medicine New York, N.Y.

New York Medical College Valhalla, N.Y.

New York University School of Medicine New York, N.Y.

SUNY at Buffalo School of Medicine Buffalo, N.Y.

SUNY at Stony Brook Health Sciences Center Stony Brook, N.Y.

SUNY Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine Brooklyn, N.Y.

SUNY Upstate Medical University Syracuse, N.Y.

University of Rochester School of Medicine Rochester, N.Y.

North Carolina

Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston-Salem, N.C.

Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Greenville, N.C.

Duke University School of Medicine Durham, N.C.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine Chapel Hill, N.C.

North Dakota

University of North Dakota School of Medicine Grand Forks, N.D.

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Cleveland, Ohio

Northeastern Ohio College of Medicine Rootstown, Ohio

Ohio State University College of Medicine Columbus, Ohio

University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati, Ohio

University of Toledo College of Medicine Toledo, Ohio

Wright State University School of Medicine Dayton, Ohio

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Oklahoma City, Okla.

Oregon Health Sciences University School of Medicine Portland, Ore.

Pennsylvania

Drexel University College of Medicine Philadelphia, Pa.

Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, Pa.

Penn State University College of Medicine Hershey, Pa.

University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Philadelphia, Pa.

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Pittsburgh, Pa.

Temple University School of Medicine Philadelphia, Pa.

Rhode Island

Brown University School of Medicine Providence, R.I.

South Carolina

Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, S.C.

University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, S.C.

South Dakota

University of South Dakota School of Medicine Vermillion, S.D.

East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine Johnson City, Tenn.

Meharry Medical College School of Medicine Nashville, Tenn.

University of Tennessee, Memphis College of Medicine Memphis, Tenn.

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville, Tenn.

Baylor College of Medicine Houston, Texas

McGovern Medical School at UTHealth/MD Anderson Cancer Center/University of Puerto Rico Tri-Institutional Program Houston, Texas

Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center College of Medicine College Station, Texas

Texas Tech University School of Medicine Lubbock, Texas

University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston Galveston, Texas

University of Texas Health San Antonio, Long School of Medicine San Antonio, Texas

University of Texas, Southwestern Med Center - Dallas Dallas, Texas

University of Utah School of Medicine Salt Lake City, Utah

University of Vermont College of Medicine Burlington, Vt.

Eastern Virginia Medical School Norfolk, Va.

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Richmond, Va.

University of Virginia School of Medicine Charlottesville, Va.

University of Washington School of Medicine Seattle, Wash.

West Virginia

Marshall University School of Medicine Huntington, W.Va.

West Virginia University School of Medicine Morgantown, W.Va.

Medical College of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Wisc.

University of Wisconsin Medical School Madison, Wisc.

McGill University Faculty of Medicine Montreal, Quebec

McMaster University of Faculty of Health Sciences Hamilton, Ontario

Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

Universite de Montreal Faculte de Medecine Montreal, Quebec

Universite de Sherbrooke Faculte de Medecine Sherbrooke, Quebec

Universite Laval Faculte de Medecine Quebec, Quebec

University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Edmonton, Alberta

University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine Calgary, Alberta

University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine Vancouver, British Columbia

University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine Winnipeg, Manitoba

University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine Toronto, Ontario

University of Western Ontario London, Ontario

Related Programs

NIH MD-PhD Partnership Program

  • Like AAMC Pre-Med
  • Follow @AAMCpremed

Information on how to become a research physician, also known as a physician-investigator or a physician-scientist.

A Personal Plea to Premeds

Trisha Kaundinya | January 13, 2021

When I was in college, I was in a premed “bubble” a lot of the time. I took many of my courses and labs alongside hundreds of other aspiring physicians. I would see the same people throughout my academic day, and sometimes even outside of the lecture hall. Because of this, I unintentionally overheard conversations […]

Get important information, resources, and tips to help you on your path to medical school—delivered right to your inbox each month.

Neuro at JAX

Probing the genetics of neurological disease.

The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Boston, MA, and  The Jackson Laboratory  (JAX) in Bar Harbor, ME, collaboratively offer Neurogenetics (Neuro at JAX) within the  Neuroscience PhD Program . JAX is a premiere, non-profit institution for mammalian genetics and genomics research, focused on the study of health, disease, and treatment. The JAX research community includes a diverse community of about 150 postbacs, graduate students and postdoctoral associates, providing a welcoming, collegial environment for PhD students in the JAX Track.

Students in Neuro at JAX carry out their training at JAX and receive a PhD in Neuroscience from GSBS and Tufts University upon successful completion of the program.

Faculty and Research

Our training faculty is based at JAX and interacts frequently with GSBS faculty based in Boston. 

The research interests of our faculty include neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and glaucoma; neuromuscular diseases; addiction and other maladaptive behaviors; sensory systems; and neurodevelopment.

High Seas at Jackson Labs

Applicants to the Neuro at JAX track apply to the Neuroscience PhD program at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) using the online application and select Neuro at JAX on the application.

Admitted students carry out all phases of their education in Bar Harbor.

Applicants have the opportunity to meet faculty at The Jackson Laboratory and visit the facility during the admissions process.

Students in Neuro at JAX complete the same curriculum as students in Neuroscience. Didactic course work, journal clubs and seminars are all part of the course of study. These activities are available via video links so that students at all locations can participate.

Like other students in the Neuroscience program, students at JAX carry out three laboratory rotations in their first year to expose them to different research projects, mentors and laboratory settings.

Students have access to all of the scientific resources of The Jackson Laboratory, including comprehensive research core facilities and exceptional training opportunities through JAX’s Courses and Conferences programs.

student in the lab

Meet Our Students

student in the lab

Our program admitted its first students in 2020. They have come to us from come from across the US and the world and are pursuing a wide range of thesis projects.

Neuro at JAX Students

Student Publications

neurons

Publication is an important part of PhD training. Our first students are just beginning to publish their work.

Neuro at JAX Student Publications

Contact Information

Leon Reijmers , PhD Robert Burgess , PhD Program Directors

Robert Burgess , PhD Admissions Director

Graduate Study

The neuroscience graduate program offers students advanced training, interdisciplinary research opportunities and mentorship with leaders in the field.

Housing more than 80 faculty members with expertise across molecular, physiological, cellular, systems, cognitive, behavioral and disease-related neuroscience, the Institute for Neuroscience

graduate program fosters a dynamic and collaborative environment that drives cutting-edge research and training.

Additionally, several faculty members mentor graduate students from other related doctoral programs at The University of Texas at Austin, including psychology, cell and molecular biology, physics, biomedical engineering, pharmacy, computer science and mathematics. This collaborative approach enriches the neuroscience program with diverse perspectives and expertise.

We offer state-of-the-art graduate training in areas such as:

  • Alcohol & Addiction 
  • Cell Biology of Neurons & Glia
  • Neurodegenerative Disease & Injury
  • Cognition & Perception
  • Ion Channels, Neurotransmitter Receptors & Molecular Signaling
  • Clinical Neuroscience
  • Learning & Memory
  • Synaptic Biology & Small Circuits
  • Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Computational & Theoretical Neuroscience
  • Functional & Molecular Imaging
  • Molecular Biology & Neurogenetics
  • Systems & Integrative Neuroscience

Learn more about the Graduate Program in Neuroscience

  • Find faculty in the Institute for Neuroscience Graduate Program
  • Find students in the Institute for neuroscience Graduate program  
  • Clerc Center | PK-12 & Outreach
  • KDES | PK-8th Grade School (D.C. Metro Area)
  • MSSD | 9th-12th Grade School (Nationwide)
  • Gallaudet University Regional Centers
  • Parent Advocacy App
  • K-12 ASL Content Standards
  • National Resources
  • Youth Programs
  • Academic Bowl
  • Battle Of The Books
  • National Literary Competition
  • Youth Debate Bowl
  • Youth Esports Series
  • Bison Sports Camp
  • Discover College and Careers (DC²)
  • Financial Wizards
  • Immerse Into ASL
  • Alumni Relations
  • Alumni Association
  • Homecoming Weekend
  • Class Giving
  • Get Tickets / BisonPass
  • Sport Calendars
  • Cross Country
  • Swimming & Diving
  • Track & Field
  • Indoor Track & Field
  • Cheerleading
  • Winter Cheerleading
  • Human Resources
  • Plan a Visit
  • Request Info

md phd neuroscience programs

  • Areas of Study
  • Accessible Human-Centered Computing
  • American Sign Language
  • Art and Media Design
  • Communication Studies
  • Criminal Justice
  • Data Science
  • Deaf Studies
  • Early Intervention Studies Graduate Programs
  • Educational Neuroscience
  • Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences
  • Information Technology
  • International Development
  • Interpretation and Translation
  • Linguistics
  • Mathematics
  • Philosophy and Religion
  • Physical Education & Recreation
  • Public Affairs
  • Public Health
  • Sexuality and Gender Studies
  • Social Work
  • Theatre and Dance
  • World Languages and Cultures
  • B.A. in American Sign Language
  • B.A. in Biology
  • B.A. in Communication Studies
  • B.A. in Communication Studies for Online Degree Completion Program
  • B.A. in Deaf Studies
  • B.A. in Deaf Studies for Online Degree Completion Program
  • B.A. in Education with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education
  • B.A. in Education with a Specialization in Elementary Education
  • B.A. in English
  • B.A. in English for Online Degree Completion Program
  • B.A. in Government
  • B.A. in Government with a Specialization in Law
  • B.A. in History
  • B.A. in Interdisciplinary Spanish
  • B.A. in International Studies
  • B.A. in Mathematics
  • B.A. in Philosophy
  • B.A. in Psychology
  • B.A. in Psychology for Online Degree Completion Program
  • B.A. in Social Work (BSW)
  • B.A. in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology
  • B.A. in Theatre Arts: Production/Performance
  • B.A. or B.S. in Education with a Specialization in Secondary Education: Science, English, Mathematics or Social Studies
  • B.S. in Accounting
  • B.S. in Accounting for Online Degree Completion Program
  • B.S. in Biology
  • B.S. in Business Administration
  • B.S. in Business Administration for Online Degree Completion Program
  • B.S. in Data Science
  • B.S. in Information Technology
  • B.S. in Mathematics
  • B.S. in Physical Education and Recreation
  • B.S. in Public Health
  • B.S. in Risk Management and Insurance
  • General Education
  • Honors Program
  • Peace Corps Prep program
  • Self-Directed Major
  • M.A. in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.A. in Counseling: School Counseling
  • M.A. in Deaf Education
  • M.A. in Deaf Education Studies
  • M.A. in Deaf Studies: Cultural Studies
  • M.A. in Deaf Studies: Language and Human Rights
  • M.A. in Early Childhood Education and Deaf Education
  • M.A. in Early Intervention Studies
  • M.A. in Elementary Education and Deaf Education
  • M.A. in International Development
  • M.A. in Interpretation: Combined Interpreting Practice and Research
  • M.A. in Interpretation: Interpreting Research
  • M.A. in Linguistics
  • M.A. in Secondary Education and Deaf Education
  • M.A. in Sign Language Education
  • M.S. in Accessible Human-Centered Computing
  • M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology
  • Master of Public Administration
  • Master of Social Work (MSW)
  • Au.D. in Audiology
  • Ed.D. in Transformational Leadership and Administration in Deaf Education
  • Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
  • Ph.D. in Critical Studies in the Education of Deaf Learners
  • Ph.D. in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences
  • Ph.D. in Linguistics
  • Ph.D. in Translation and Interpreting Studies

Ph.D. Program in Educational Neuroscience (PEN)

  • Psy.D. in School Psychology
  • Individual Courses and Training
  • National Caregiver Certification Course
  • CASLI Test Prep Courses
  • Course Sections
  • Certificates
  • Certificate in Sexuality and Gender Studies
  • Educating Deaf Students with Disabilities (online, post-bachelor’s)
  • American Sign Language and English Bilingual Early Childhood Deaf Education: Birth to 5 (online, post-bachelor’s)
  • Early Intervention Studies
  • Certificate in American Sign Language and English Bilingual Early Childhood Deaf Education: Birth to 5
  • Online Degree Programs
  • ODCP Minor in Communication Studies
  • ODCP Minor in Deaf Studies
  • ODCP Minor in Psychology
  • ODCP Minor in Writing
  • University Capstone Honors for Online Degree Completion Program

Quick Links

  • PK-12 & Outreach
  • NSO Schedule

Requirements

Opportunities

Program Outcomes

  • Accreditation

Job Outlook

The Ph.D. Program in Educational Neuroscience (PEN) was founded at Gallaudet University by Dr. Laura-Ann Petitto (Chair, PEN Steering Committee) and Dr. Melissa Herzig (Assistant Program Director, PEN).

Students in our pioneering PEN program gain state-of-the-art Cognitive Neuroscience training in how humans learn, with a special strength in the neuroplasticity of visually guided learning processes. While Cognitive Neuroscience includes studies of learning and higher cognitive processes across the lifespan, its sister discipline, Educational Neuroscience, includes intensive study of five core domains that are crucial in early childhood learning, including language and bilingualism, reading and literacy, math and numeracy, science and critical thinking (higher cognition), social and emotional learning, and includes study of action and visual processing. PEN students become expert in one of the world’s cutting-edge neuroimaging methods in the discipline of Cognitive Neuroscience (e.g., fNIRS, EEG, fMRI, and beyond), study Neuroethics, gain strong critical analysis and reasoning skills in science, and develop expertise in one of the core content areas of learning identified above. While becoming experts in both contemporary neuroimaging and behavioral experimental science, students also learn powerful, meaningful, and principled ways that science can be translated for the benefit of education and society today.

This doctoral program is a research-focused program where students develop a specific research focus, conducting supervised research within their mentor’s lab as well as developing their own lines of research through independent research projects. Students accepted into the program receive four years of funding as follows: tuition scholarship for up to the domestic rate + $25,200 annual stipend + health insurance option.

Our students benefit from access to an in-house, research-dedicated neuroimaging facility in the Brain and Language Laboratory for Neuroimaging (BL2), founded and directed by Professor Laura-Ann Petitto. Here, students can also choose to become certified in one of the world’s most advanced neuroimaging technologies that is ideally suited for the study of young children and individuals across the lifespan, fNIRS (functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy). Students graduate from the program prepared to become groundbreaking scientists!

The PEN program opened its doors to the first class of Ph.D. students in Fall 2013. This is Gallaudet’s first interdisciplinary Ph.D. program and has its administrative home in Gallaudet University’s National Science Foundation Science of Learning Center, Visual Language and Visual Learning, VL2. Learn more about VL2 and its cognitive neuroscience and translational labs , all of which provide PEN students with unparalleled lab research experience and opportunities.

Application Requirements

Applicants for the Ph.D. in Educational Neuroscience must complete the application procedures and meet the requirements for graduate study at Gallaudet University. Visit the Graduate Admissions website for more information and a checklist of application requirements .  

Deadline to apply for this program: February 15, 2023   (Early applications will be considered)

General Application Requirements

  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate or graduate study (major preferred: biology, psychology, linguistics, cognitive neuroscience, education, interpretation, hearing speech and language sciences, philosophy, or other area related to Educational Neuroscience)
  • 3.2 Undergraduate GPA or higher, a 3.6 or higher GPA in the undergraduate major
  • An application fee of $50
  • A completed graduate school application form
  • Goal statement
  • Three (3) letters of reference

Program Specific Requirement:

  • At least two (2) of your three (3) letters of recommendation, which are required by Gallaudet’s general application requirements, must address your potential for conducting advanced doctoral studies.
  • Strong research background
  • Narrative Statements – Both written English Essay and signed ASL digital “Essay”

In addition to the essay questions required in the Gallaudet Admission Application, please answer the question below in written English and in ASL (please be sure to answer all parts. Length limit: English, maximum 4 pages. ASL, maximum 5 minutes)

Explain your background research experiences, your future professional goals, and why you believe advanced graduate study specifically in the new discipline of Educational Neuroscience is the ideal course for you to achieve your goals.

  • English competence to be determined by submitted written materials and by GRE scores
  • ASL competence to be determined by ASL digital essay and interview (if scheduled)
  • Resume detailing academic, professional, and research experience is required.
  • An example of a completed written project (e.g., research report, course paper)
  • An undergraduate course in basic statistics.
  • You may be called for an interview with faculty from the PEN program.

Courses & Requirements

Summary of Requirements

PEN 701: First part

This course (PEN 701) serves as an introduction to foundational issues in this discipline of Educational Neuroscience. Students are required to take this course twice (fall and spring). It is organized around three to four public lectures each semester, delivered by invited speakers on themes drawn from prevailing questions and challenges in education today. Each lecture is preceded by a preparation seminar, during which students will discuss readings relevant to the lecture topic. After each lecture, students will join the invited speaker for a special discussion session, during which they will have the valuable opportunity to interact directly with researchers pursuing innovative projects in the field of Educational Neuroscience. Students can expect to gain general knowledge of topics such as language learning, reading, child development, educational assessment, educational intervention, and school, policy, and family processes associated with young children, especially young deaf visual learners. Students will also learn how contemporary brain and behavioral research may be applied in principled ways to address prevailing problems in education. All seminars and lectures will be conducted bilingually, in ASL and English.

Non-PEN students: permission of instructor.

In this course, students will learn about the world¿s most advanced neuroimaging technology, and the neurophysiological principles of measurement on which each neuroimaging technology perates. They will learn the powerful relationship between the different types of neuroimaging systems and the range of questions that they can ¿ and cannot ¿ answer. Students can expect to leave the course with critical analysis skills on which to evaluate neuroimaging claims and their relevance to children¿s learning and education¿knowledge key to the discipline of Educational Neuroscience. A laboratory component of this course will provide students with hands-on experience with functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS). Students will learn about neuroimaging experimental design (block vs event), neuroimaging data analyses, the ethical treatment of participants in brain studies, confidential and ethical archiving of neuroimaging data, ethical use of brain measuring equipment, and evaluate the ethical use of neuroimaging systems in society and education. Students will overall, gain expertise in the translation and interpretation of brain science to education.

Enrolled in PhD in Educational Neuroscience Program

The main objective of this two-part course, Foundations of Educational Neuroscience (fall, PEN 703 & spring, PEN 704) is to understand how the rich multidisciplinary field of Educational Neuroscience can inform science and education (and educational policy) in principled ways. In this first course PEN 703, the field's driving overarching objectives are identified: (i) to marry leading scientific discoveries about how children learn knowledge that is at the heart of early child development and schooling (e.g., language, reading, number, science, social-emotional) with core challenges in contemporary education, and to do so in principled ways through ''two-way'' communication and mutual growth between science and society; (ii) to conduct state-of-the-art behavioral and neuroimaging research that renders new knowledge that is useable, and meaningfully translatable, for the benefit of society (spanning parents, teachers, clinicians, medical practitioners, and beyond). Topics span the ethical application of science in education, neuroscience methods, and how children learn the content of their mental life, and the role of culture in learning. One major objective is for students to learn how Educational Neuroscience can provide specific advances in the education of all children, particularly young deaf children. Students in this course will read research articles, participate in discussions, do a small research project, and present a final paper.

Enrollment in PEN program

The field of neuroethics examines the ethical, social, and legal implications of the application of neuroscience research to society. This course begins with a view of how and why neuroscience has 'evolved' to become a dynamic force in both science and society. Students will explore how bioethics has become a critical dimension of any/all consideration of scientific advancement, particularly in light of modern scientific, research and medical ethics, and as a consequence , of socio-political trends and influences. From this, the field and practice of neuroethics will be addressed and discussed, with relevance to the ways that progress in neuroscience compels and sustains both the issues and dilemmas that arise in and from neuroscientific and neurotechnological research and its applications, and the importance of acknowledging and addressing the ethical basis and resolutions of such issues. An overview of specific frontier areas of neuroscience and technology will be explored, including core topics that involve Educational Neuroscience, with a special emphasis on (a) the extent and scope of new knowledge and capability that such developments afford to impact the human condition, and (b) key ethical concerns that are incurred by such neuroscientific and neurotechnological process. Paradigms for neuroethical, legal, and social probity, safety and surety, and a putative ''precautionary process'' will be explored. The ethical implications of the application of neuroscience research to special and diverse populations of individuals will be of great salience in our discussions.

Discussion of the theory and applications of inferential statistics, including sampling, estimation, confidence intervals, inferences, effect sizes and hypothesis testing as well as descriptive statistics, validity and reliability. Specific statistical techniques such as t tests, Chi Square, one way and factorial analyses of variance, correlations, simple and multiple regression as well as an introduction to trend analysis will be presented. Lab experiences in using SPSS or similar computer programs for analyzing data will be provided. Evaluations of statistical methods used in published research will be discussed.

PEN 701: Second Part

The main objective of this two-part course, Foundations of Educational Neuroscience (fall, PEN 703 & spring, PEN 704) is to understand how the rich multidisciplinary field of Educational Neuroscience can inform science and education (and educational policy) in principled ways. In this second course PEN 705, we draw scientific advances from the field and from the National Science Foundation, Science of Learning Center, Visual Language and Visual Learning, ''VL2'' at Gallaudet University. Topics span the impact of early brain plasticity of the visual systems and visual processing on higher cognition, early social visual engagement and literacy learning, the role of gestures in learning, early sign language exposure and its facilitative impact on language learning, the bilingual brain, the surprising role of ''Visual Phonology'' in early reading, and innovations in two-way educational translation uniting science and research. One major objective is for students to learn how Educational Neuroscience can provide specific advances in the education of all children, particularly young deaf children. Students in this course will read research articles, participate in discussions, do a small research project, and present a final paper.

PEN 703 and enrollment in PEN program.

The purpose of this second course in statistics is to develop specific concepts and techniques to conduct basic inferential statistical analysis. The course emphasizes application skills, i.e., the ability to fit the appropriate analysis to a particular data set. Students will learn to conduct and interpret the most often used inferential tests for research and evaluation projects. Computer software will be used to complement course work and analysis.

EDU 720 or equivalent and EDU 801 or equivalent

In this first of two research laboratory rotation courses (PEN 700), students gain intensive Educational / Cognitive Neuroscience laboratory research experience at a partnership university during the summers after their first and second years in the PEN doctoral program, devoting special attention to the lab's scientific questions, hypotheses, and methods. Students will become familiar with the set of research questions guiding the laboratory's research, understand how the questions have been approached in the laboratory setting and represented as research hypotheses, gain hands-on experience in the technical aspects of data collection and analysis in the lab, and study how the lab's current work adds to the previous findings of the lab and the discipline. Students will also consider the principled application of the lab's research activities to the improvement of education and society, although this topic will become a major focus of the second rotation of the following summer. Students will focus their final paper and presentation on demonstrating their knowledge of the research process in the visited lab from theory to hypothesis to research design to analysis to interpretation.

PEN 705, enrollment in PEN program, and CITI Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) certification

Core Elective Course: INT 830 or LIN 510 or EDU 860

In this first of three-part sequence of intensive guided study courses (in class discussions and field experiences), Guided Studies (I): Translation (PEN 801), students advance their knowledge in making ''two-way'' connections between basic research discoveries and educational translation, with a special focus on building students' understanding of the priorities, prevailing issues, translational challenges, and translational successes that are of looming importance in education today. Students will interact with educational personnel, parents, and deaf and hard of hearing children in the greater Washington area (for example, the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Educational Center administrators, teachers, children, and parents). The PEN student will gain new knowledge spanning K-12 educational settings, understand the many processes involved in going from translational research outcomes to and educational policy change, and gain specific and crucial new knowledge about the education of the young deaf visual learner. On-site oversight of the student will occur through close, mutually rewarding collaboration with members of the school. Both a written paper on the topic of translational research as well as a presentation of this paper to the student's PEN Program Committee, will comprise the student's first-year Preliminary Exams, which will occur at the end of this course.

All first year PEN required coursework

Note: Core elective course (advanced statistics) at Gallaudet University or consortium university

In this second of a three-part sequence of intensive guided study courses (in classroom and field experience), Guided Studies (II): Research (PEN 802), students advance their knowledge and critical analysis of the scientific process through active participation in and completion of a small research project. The course will involve a field experience assignment in a PEN lab at Gallaudet. The student will be further assigned to a subset of previously collected data from the lab on which students will be trained to analyze. The hands-on experience will involve the writing of a final research report in APA Journal Article format that includes articulation of the central question in Educational Neuroscience that the lab's study addresses (including theoretical significance, rationale, hypotheses, related predictions), the design of the mini study using the already collected data, articulation of the methods, data analyses, and findings, and discussion of the scientific and translational implications. This field experience will also include the student's writing of an IRB application, as well as a final presentation. In addition, both the written and presentation components will also constitute the student's Qualifying Examinations, which are scheduled separately at the end of this course with the student's PEN PhD Program Committee. After successful completion of Qualifying Examination, the student may petition to advance to candidacy in this program.

In this second of two research laboratory rotation courses (PEN 710), students gain intensive Educational/Cognitive Neuroscience laboratory research experience at a partnership university during the summers after their first and second years in the PEN doctoral program, devoting special attention to the lab's translational impact. Students will become familiar with the set of research questions guiding the laboratory's research, understand how the questions have been approached in the laboratory setting and represented as research hypotheses, gain hands-on experience in the technical aspects of data collection and analysis in the lab, and study how the lab's current work adds to the previous findings of the lab. Students will especially consider the principled application of the lab's research activities to the improvement of education and society, which will be a topic of major focus in this second lab rotation course. Students will focus their final paper and presentation on demonstrating their knowledge of the research process in the visited lab from theory to hypothesis, to research design, to analysis and interpretation, and, to its important translational impact.

This seminar is a pre-requisite for PhD students in the HSLS PhD Program who will be enrolled in a Practicum in University Instruction the following Spring semester. Students in this seminar become familiar with trends and issues in higher education instruction and supervision of interns in higher education Audiology and SLP programs.

Matriculation as a HSLS Ph.D. student

In this third of a three-part sequence of intensive guided study courses (in class and field experience), Guided Studies (III): Theory (PEN 803), students advance their knowledge knowledge, critical analysis, and independent scholarship in one select domain of Educational Neuroscience of the student's choice. Through a combination of course work and field experience as independent library scholarship, students will advance to writing a paper in research grant proposal format in which they identify a research question of important contemporary scientific and educational significance in Educational Neuroscience, along with an in depth and detailed literature review. The student will also provide a presentation of this work at the end of the course. In addition, the grant proposal and presentation constitute the student's Comprehensive Examination, and is also separately presented at the end of the semester to the student's Comprehensive Examination Committee.

The exciting and timely discipline called Educational Neuroscience provides an important level of analysis for addressing today's core problems in education. Advanced doctoral students in Gallaudet University's PhD Program in Educational Neuroscience (PEN) have studied the empirical foundations and methods from which the discipline draws its strength, in particular, Cognitive Neuroscience. Advanced doctoral students have also gained new knowledge into the optimal ways to marry scientific discoveries about how children learn with core challenges in contemporary education-crucially, in principled ways, and with ''two-way'' communication and mutual growth to render knowledge that is usable, and meaningfully translatable for all children, especially for the young deaf visual learner. Armed with this powerful knowledge - and after having completed the Comprehensive Exam for the purpose of developing their dissertation proposal - the PEN doctoral student is now ready to advance ''full speed ahead'' in his or her doctoral dissertation research, the writing of the doctoral dissertation, and, ultimately, the defense of the written doctoral dissertation. The purpose of this course is to facilitate students through these important steps. The culmination of these steps will be the ''oral'' dissertation proposal and defense of the dissertation.

Summer III (if needed)

Summer IV (if needed)

Faculty and Staff

Rachel pizzie.

Assistant Professor

Lorna Quandt

Associate Professor

Get the Details

Fill out our inquiry form for an Admissions Counselor to contact you.

Apply Today

Create an account to start Your Applications.

Contact the Admissions Office?

Already Started an Application? Log in to Submit your completed Application or Check your application status here.

At a Glance

  • Quick Facts
  • University Leadership
  • History & Traditions
  • Consumer Information
  • Our 10-Year Vision: The Gallaudet Promise
  • Annual Report of Achievements (ARA)
  • The Signing Ecosystem
  • Not Your Average University

Our Community

  • Library & Archives
  • Technology Support
  • Interpreting Requests
  • Ombuds Support
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Profile & Web Edits

Visit Gallaudet

  • Explore Our Campus
  • Virtual Tour
  • Maps & Directions
  • Shuttle Bus Schedule
  • Kellogg Conference Hotel
  • Welcome Center
  • National Deaf Life Museum
  • Apple Guide Maps

Engage Today

  • Work at Gallaudet / Clerc Center
  • Social Media Channels
  • University Wide Events
  • Sponsorship Requests
  • Data Requests
  • Media Inquiries
  • Gallaudet Today Magazine
  • Giving at Gallaudet
  • Financial Aid
  • Registrar’s Office
  • Residence Life & Housing
  • Safety & Security
  • Undergraduate Admissions
  • Graduate Admissions
  • University Communications
  • Clerc Center

Gallaudet Logo

Gallaudet University, chartered in 1864, is a private university for deaf and hard of hearing students.

Copyright © 2024 Gallaudet University. All rights reserved.

  • Accessibility
  • Cookie Consent Notice
  • Privacy Policy
  • File a Report

800 Florida Avenue NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

Stritch School of Medicine

Neural Networks

Master's in Neuroscience

Developing outstanding neuroscientists committed to scientific excellence and integrity.

The Master of Science (MS) in Neuroscience is a two-year, research-intensive program designed to provide a foundational understanding of the biomedical sciences and an appreciation for emerging concepts and methodologies in neuroscience.  Our master's degree program provides an interdepartmental and interdisciplinary approach to training in neuroscience that allows students to choose from a variety of research mentors and projects. During their training, our students develop the knowledge and confidence to utilize cutting edge techniques to address novel neuroscience questions and the communication skills necessary to succeed in challenging academic and industry environments.

Our graduates have gained admission to medical school (both allopathic or osteopathic), as well as PhD programs at Loyola and other top schools in the Chicago area and beyond. Many graduates have also obtained advanced technical research positions as well as sales and marketing jobs in the pharmaceutical industry.

Study With One of the Nation's Top Neuroscience Masters Programs

Loyola University Chicago's Master's in Neuroscience was recently recognized as one of the nations top graduate programs by Best Value Schools, ranking #9 of the " Best 15 Masters in Neuroscience Programs 2024 ". Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding of neural systems, pursue a career in research, or prepare for further studies, our program provides the resources and expertise to help you succeed.

Our Commitment To You

Graduates of Loyola's MS in Neuroscience will gain the following knowledge, skills, and professional values to pursue a career as a research scientist in academia or industry or pursue additional education.

  • Foundational understanding of the biochemical and molecular basis of cell function and neuronal and glial cell function
  • Broad, comprehensive understanding of the neuroscience fields including: neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, molecular neurobiology, neuropharmacology, neurophysiology, and behavior
  • Expertise in several scientific techniques to study of the function of the central and/or peripheral nervous system

SKILLS  

  • Design and conduct experiments independently
  • Analyze data
  • Evaluate and apply scientific literature to experimental research
  • Ability to present scientific work in a compelling manner
  • Develop methodologies to explore the cellular and molecular basis of neuronal function in health and disease

PROFESSIONAL VALUES  

  • Ethical standards of behavior in science

Students must complete a minimum of 30 credtis during this two-year MS program.  The Neuroscience curriculum helps students develop the skills to explore the cellular and molecular basis of neuronal function in health and disease. In addition to regular coursework, students must participate in a student-centered weekly journal club and weekly neuroscience seminars and student progress reports. Both are intended to facilitate students’ abilities to critically read, question, and synthesize scientific knowledge and to hone their presentation skills.

YEAR 1 - Fall 

Students complete two, six-week research rotations in addition to the following courses:

  • BMSC 410 - Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (4 credits)
  • BMSC 412 - Cell Biology (4 credits)
  • BMSC 416 - Methods in Biomedical Science (1 credit)
  • BMSC 405 - Ethics in Biomedical Sciences (1 credit)
  • NRSC 503 - Neuroscience Journal Club (1 credit)

YEAR 1 - Spring 

  • BMSC 402 - Statistical Methods in Biomedical Sciences (3 credits)
  • NRSC 410 - Cell and Molecular Neurobiology (3 credits)
  • NRSC 503 - Neuroscience Seminar (0 credits)
  • NRSC 499 - Research (2 credits)
  • BMSC 418 - Presentation Skills (1 credit)

YEAR 2- Fall  

  • NRSC 415 - Neurochemistry (3 credits)
  • NRSC 499 - Research (4 credits)

YEAR 2 - Spring  

  • NRSC 595 - Thesis Supervision (0 credits)

Course Catalog

  • Neuroscience MS Course Catalog

Ready to apply? This is a good place to start.

APPLICATION DEADLINES  

We accept applications on a rolling basis. We encourage students to apply by April 15 to ensure their application receives a full review. The deadline for all application materials is June 15. Typically, orientation is two days in late July, followed by an early August start date.

APPLICATION PROCESS  (There is no application fee.)

1. COMPLETED APPLICATION

  • We strongly urge you to apply online . You may mail your application (although that will delay our receipt) to: Graduate and Professional Enrollment Management Loyola University Chicago 820 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60611

2. OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

  • Applicants should have earned a bachelor's degree (at minimum) to apply. Transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work are required for admission.
  • The MS in Neuroscience program requires applicants to have taken two semesters or the equivalent in each of the following: Biology, Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry. Students also should have completed the accompanying laboratory courses within each discipline.

3. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

  • Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation. We encourage applicants to have letters of recommendation submitted by individuals who have supervised the student either in an academic course or research environment, and who have direct knowledge of the student's aptitude for scientific research.

4. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

  • Your statement of purpose should be a brief, one page statement that explains your interest in this program.

5. INTERVIEW

  • A virtual interview is required for admission. International applicants can interview via phone or video conference.

Please note: the only documents that cannot be uploaded with an application are transcripts and official test scores. Please send those documents directly to: [email protected] .

FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

International applicants must have a degree equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor's degree and are required to submit the above documents and:

  • TOEFL or IELTS scores
  • A Declaration and Certification of Finances Form
  • Evaluations of international transcripts by any member organization of  NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) 

Please visit our  International Student Requirements  page for more details!

Please note: the only documents that cannot be uploaded with an application are transcripts, official test scores, and transcript evaluations. Please send those documents directly to: [email protected]

For more information, contact Student Program Recruiter Patrick Hulseman .

Request more information about our graduate programs.

WHERE ARE THESE PROGRAMS LOCATED?

The Biomedical Sciences programs are located at Loyola University Chicago's Health Sciences Campus in Maywood, approximately 12 miles west of downtown Chicago. The campus is home to the Stritch School of Medicine, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, and Loyola Medicine, our academic medical center partner. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities for education and biomedical research.

HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE ENROLLED IN THE BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES PROGRAMS?

Approximately 175 graduate students are enrolled in Loyola's Biomedical Science programs.

WHAT IS THE TYPICAL COURSEWORK?

MS students enroll in a Core Curriculum during their first and second semesters, followed by advanced coursework and research training in their area of specialization. After completing lab rotations, students select an advisor who will mentor them throughout their studies and in many cases, after graduation. 

Tuition and Financial Aid

Loyola's Graduate School and its Financial Aid Office are committed to helping students secure the financial resources to make their education at Loyola affordable.

  • Financial Aid

JOANNA C. BAKOWSKA, PhD Associate Professor, Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience PhD- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers Research Interests: Genetic, behavioral, and cellular mechanisms that underlie spastic paraplegias.

ED CAMPBELL, PhD Professor, Microbiology and Immunology PhD- Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois at Chicago Research Interests: Understanding the mechanisms of cellular invasion by amyloid protein aggregates associated with neurodegenerative disease and the cellular dysfunction induced by such invasion.

EILEEN FOECKING, PhD Associate Professor, Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience PhD- Neurobiology and Physiology, Northwestern University Research Interests: Mechanisms of peripheral nerve injury and repair with focus on therapeutic and surgical techniques to enhance regeneration.

ROCCO GOGLIOTTI, PhD Assistant Professor, Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience PhD- Biomedical Research, Northwestern University Research Interests: Neurogenetics of autism and autism-associated disorders and the neuropharmacology of novel treatment strategies.

CELESTE GREER, PhD Assistant Professor, Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience PhD- Pharmacology, Yale University Research Interests:  Transcriptional mechanisms that influence learning and memory

SIMON KAJA, PhD Associate Professor, Dr. John P. and Therese E. Mulcahy Endowed Professor in Ophthalmology PhD- Leiden University, Ophthalmology and Molecular Pharmacology & Neuroscience Research Interests: Identification of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying human ophthalmic, neurological and neurodegenerative disorders.

KELLEY LANGERT, PhD Assistant Professor, Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience PhD- Neuroscience, Loyola University Chicago Research Interests: Targeted drug delivery to the inflamed peripheral nerve, identifying novel therapeutic targets at the blood-nerve barrier and the leukocyte-endothelial interface, elucidating the physiological and pathophysiological roles of monomeric GTPases in endothelial cells.

TONI PAK, PhD James R. DePauw Professor and Chair, Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology PhD- Neuroscience, University of Colorado (Boulder) Research Interests: Neuroendocrine regulation of puberty; molecular mechanisms of nuclear steroid receptor function.

ERIKA PIEDRAS-RENTERIA, PhD Associate Professor, Cell and Molecular Physiology PhD- Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Research Interests: Molecular mechanisms of neuronal P/Q calcium channel function in normal and diseased states, including spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6).

KARIE SCROGIN, PhD Professor, Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience PhD- Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health Sciences University Research Interests: Anxiety, mood disorders and neural control of circulation in heart disease.

MEHARVAN SINGH, PhD Vice Provost of Research and Professor of Cellular and Molecular Physiology PhD- Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Florida Research Interests: Role of gonodal hormones in aging brain and age-assocaiated neurodgenerative diseases

MONSHEEL SODHI, PhD Assistant Professor, Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience PhD- Biochemistry, Kings of College London, U.K. Research Interests: Post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression (RNA editing, alternative splicing, microRNAs) in mood disorders, psychosis and after exposure to stress.

EVAN B. STUBBS, JR. PhD Professor, Ophthalmology PhD- Biochemistry, University of Missouri Research Interests: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Metabolic and Acquired Neuropathies, including diabetic neuropathy, glaucomatous neuropathy, and acquired inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

GONZALO TORRES, PhD Professor of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience PhD - Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University Research Interest:  Function and regulation of brain monoamine transporters in the context of psychostimulants and antidepressants actions

ERIC VILLALON LANDEROS, PhD Assistant Professor of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience PhD - University of Missouri, Neuroscience Research interests: Cell and molecular basis of Neuronal Membrane Proteasome(NMP)-dependent signaling modulation of pain and itch sensation.

DEREK WAINRIGHT, PhD Associate Professor, Cancer Biology MS, PhD – Cell Biology Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Loyola University Chicago Research Interests:  Neuroimmunology and glioblastoma therapy

outline of two human heads facing one another. one has puzzle pieces in order. the other has pieces jumbled up

Human Development, Ph.D.

December 3, 2024

June 30, 2025

  • In-State - $12,540
  • Out-of-State - $26,490

The Human Development, Ph.D. program prepares you for research careers in educational psychology and developmental science. Through an apprenticeship model, you'll engage in collaborative research with faculty and peers, participate in colloquia and seminars with international experts, and receive professional development on various topics. The program offers specializations in educational psychology or developmental science, each with unique course requirements, ensuring a comprehensive and customized academic experience.

Key Features

  • Interdisciplinary Approach : Connect with faculty in the Measurement, Statistics and Evaluation program, other departments in the College of Education, and research institutions globally.
  • Specializations : Choose between Developmental Science and Educational Psychology, each offering unique coursework and research opportunities.
  • Professional Development : Participate in seminars and workshops on conference preparations, dissertation projects, grant writing and career pathways.
  • Conduct rigorous research in educational psychology and developmental science.
  • Critically analyze and evaluate developmental and educational issues.
  • Develop and advocate for policies that promote equity and effectiveness in educational institutions.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge to address real-world problems in education and human development.
  • Collaborate with a diverse community of scholars and practitioners.

Information on admissions and application to this program can be found on the University Graduate Admissions website. 

Admission Requirements           Guide to Applying

Before applying, you should first reach out to one of the faculty members listed below.

In addition to the Graduate School requirements, this program has the following mandatory and optional requirements.

  • Letters of Recommendation (3): Recommendation letters may come from professors, school administrators, supervisors, and/or any other person who can effectively comment on your potential for success in a research-based PhD program in Human Development with a focus on Developmental Science and Educational Psychology. We recommend that letters of recommendation be from those that know you/your work well and comment on what you have done so far.
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (optional)**
  • Open Response: In 200-300 words, describe your quantitative and/or analytical skills, knowledge, and prior experience. These may include college and/or AP level mathematics and statistics courses, experience with mathematical and/or statistical software packages, quantitative experience in past research activities, and/or work experience. The research-based Ph.D. program in Human Development is mathematically and statistically rigorous to facilitate students’ learning and use of advanced quantitative methodologies. Therefore, evidence of applicants’ quantitative proficiency is required. 
  • Writing Sample: Submit an article, report, or manuscript in which you were the primary author (e.g., peer-reviewed journal publication or conference presentation paper in which you were the primary author, or alternatively, a master’s or undergraduate thesis, or school report/literature review). We encourage you to submit something you have already written; though, you may write something new.

*All applicants should contact a potential faculty member(s) in the department regarding their availability, fit, and interest in serving as a mentor prior to submitting their application. Please indicate a faculty member of interest and if contact was made then applicants can state that in their Statement of Purpose.

**Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not considered as a criterion for admission into the program. GRE scores that are submitted are made available to potential faculty advisors.

  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not considered as a criterion for admission into the program. GRE scores that are submitted are made available to potential faculty advisors.
  • All applicants are recommended to seek advice from a faculty mentor or academic advisor for how to construct a strong admissions application.
  • All applicants are strongly encouraged to contact a potential faculty member(s) in the department regarding their availability, fit, and interest in serving as a mentor in the graduate training program. Applicants may state that this contact was made in their application.

You are required to submit all required documents before submitting your application:  Purpose Statement, recommendation letters, transcripts, GRE scores (optional) and TOEFL/IELTS/PTE for international graduate students . The Educational Testing Service is offering the GRE General Test online .

Patricia A. Alexander, Distinguished University Professor, Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology

The doctoral curriculum requires 72 semester hours of graduate credit and continuous registration every semester. Most students admitted to the program already have a master's degree. If you do not have a master's degree, an advisor will develop an individualized plan that aligns master's level and doctoral level coursework.

Full details can be found in the program handbook.

EDHD Doctoral Handbook        

Specializations

  • Developmental Science Train in social, cognitive, emotional, and biological aspects of human development. Engage in research apprenticeships, coursework in core and advanced seminars, and professional development seminars organized by the Center for Children, Relationships, and Culture. Investigate topics such as peer relationships, emotional development, developmental neuroscience, and cultural influences on development.
  • Educational Psychology Focus on learning processes across the lifespan and competent functioning in educational settings. Work closely with faculty on research related to cognitive development, motivation, self-regulation, and social influences on learning. Participate in bi-weekly research seminars and gain advanced training in quantitative methods, cognitive neuroscience, and social influences on learning.

For more information, please contact:

[email protected]

For graduate advising in HDQM, please contact:

Jannitta Graham Graduate Coordinator [email protected]

Sep 17 Graduate Fair Expo Sep 17, 2024 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Kabardino Balkarian State University Russia 2024-25: Fees, Ranking, Courses, Admission etc.

Kabardino Balkarian State University

Kabardino Balkarian State University was known as KBSU Russia. It was founded in the year 1957. The University is situated at Nalchik, Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia and is one of the largest universities in the North Caucasus to Pursue MBBS in Russia. Kabardino Balkarian State University Russia is a comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs in various fields. The University is Approved by the National Medical Commission of India and the World Health Organization.

Abroad University MBBS Application Form 2024
Manipal Pokhara College of Medical Science, Pokhara, Nepal
Kursk State Medical University, Russia
Grigol Robakidze University, Georgia

Presently, 15,000 students are studying here. Every year, thousands of students enrol in different courses. Moreover, this is an institute offering international education as well. It is quite interesting to note that the students coming for MBBS in Russia at this university get an environment they did not expect.

[Page Index]

College summary.

Before we complete the college summary, let us look at the essential details of Kabardino Balkarian State University Russia .

Wants to Study MBBS Abroad from a top Country with low tution Fees? Subscribe Now!

KBSU Russia
Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia
1957
Public (Govt.)
Altudov Yuri
English & Russian
Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
MBBS
USD: $ 2,640/- (Annually)
INR: ₹ 2,19,200/- (Annually)
Country- 84
World- 3,437
( : Unirank)
September Intake
Yes (Male & Female)
Nalchik Airport
https://kbsu.ru/

Affiliation and Recognition

These are the renowned bodies that’ve given a reputation to the Ural State Medical University Russia.

  • NMC (National Medical Commission of India).
  • WHO (World Health Organization).
  • Ministry of Science & Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

The faculties at Kabardino Balkarian State University Russia differ from one department to another, encompassing various disciplines and specialities.

Faculty of Normal and Pathological AnatomyFaculty of Normal and Pathological Physiology
Faculty of ClinicalFaculty of Infectious Diseases
Faculty of DermatologyFaculty of Psychiatry
Faculty of Neurology and AddictionsFaculty of General Practice
Faculty of Dentistry

Courses Offered

Kabardino Balkarian State University Russia Courses offer quality medical programs under highly qualified faculty and state-of-the-art infrastructure. KBSU Russia is famous for its undergraduate medical programs if you want more details about the MBBS course .

Study MBBS Abroad

MBBS6 Years (English Medium)
7 Years (Russian Medium)

Why Study MBBS at Kabardino Balkarian State University Russia?

  • Kabardino Balkarian State Medical University offers all students a multicultural and multiethnic environment.
  • The Kabardino Balkarian State Medical University has the perfect environment to study.
  • KBSU Russia has well-experienced staff members who are there to help students anytime.
  • There is no need to qualify for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for MBBS admission at Kabardino Balkarian State Medical University.
  • The Kabardino Balkarian State University medical students are awarded globally accepted degrees.

Advantages of MBBS in Russia

Advantage of MBBS in Russia

Admission Procedure

To get admission to Kabardino Balkarian State University in 2024, Indian students must qualify for the National Eligibility Entrance Exam (NEET).

To secure admission at Kabardino Balkarian State University, prospective students should adhere to the following steps:

  • Complete the college’s admission form accurately, ensuring all information is provided correctly.
  • Submit essential documents, including scanned copies of 10th and 12th-grade mark sheets, a NEET scorecard, a medical certificate copy, and a passport copy.
  • Upon submission, applicants can expect to receive an invitation letter from the college within 10-15 days.
  • Once in possession of the invitation letter, students are required to pay the tuition fee using online banking methods.
  • Using the original payment receipt and university invitation letter, students can commence the student visa application process, which typically takes around 10 days to process.

Eligibility Criteria

In this section, students can check the Kabardino Balkarian State University eligibility criteria for Russia.

Your age should be at least 17 years old on or before 31st December of the admission year.
*No Upper Age Limit.
Class 12th in Science, with PCB and English subjects from a board recognized by the authorities in India.
50% in 10+2 (UR)
45% (SC/OBC/ST)
(For Indian Students)
Not Required

Graphical Representation of Eligibility Criteria

MBBS in Russia Eligibility Criteria

Documents Required

Before admission to Kabardino Balkarian State University Russia, please carry all these related documents.

  • Passport (Minimum 18 months validity).
  • 10th Certificate & Mark sheet.
  • 12th Certificate & Mark sheet.
  • Birth Certificate.
  • 10 passport-size Photographs
  • Official Invitation letter from the Medical University of Russia.
  • Authorization of all documents from the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi.
  • Legalization of all documents from the Russian Embassy.
  • Bank receipt of 1st Year of Kabardino Balkarian State University Tuition fees (required for some Universities).
  • HIV test documents.

Fee Structure 2024-25

In this section, all the MBBS Students get information about the Kabardino-Balkarian State University MBBS Fees for Indian Students. Check all the relevant queries regarding fees following this page:  Low fees for MBBS Colleges in Russia .

Tuition Fees$ 2,640/-₹ 2,19,200/-
Hostel Fee$ 120/-₹ 9,960/-

Ranking 2024-25

According to Unirank, the Kabardino Balkarian State University University ranking in Russia and all over the world:

Country Ranking84
World Ranking3,437

Why take a look at the university ranking?

Looking at university ranking one can easily gather some important insights about the university, therefore ranking of the university becomes an important factor for students. Here is some of the details one can infer by looking at the university’s ranking.

  • Kabardino Balkarian State University’s ranking and its world ranking help students assess the university’s academic standing both nationally and globally.
  • By looking at Kabardino Balkarian State University world ranking one can guess the quality of education offered at the university.
  • The university’s world ranking also indicates that the college has got recognition worldwide. Therefore a good global ranking can enhance the value of their degree on the international job market.
  • By looking at Kabardino Balkarian State University ranking, researchers can identify if the university is capable of bringing collaboration in their field.
  • The university ranking also reveals metrics related to staff and student life within the campus, university campus environment and resources available.

About Nalchik City

  • Nalchik is the capital city of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Russia, situated at an altitude of 550 meters.
  • Nalchik is a balneological and mountain climatotherapy resort with several sanatoriums.
  • It also serves as an industrial centre of the republic (non-ferrous metallurgy, light industry, construction materials manufacturing, machine building).
  • Nalchik has a hot-summer humid continental climate with hot summers and no dry season.

Temperature

(Nalchik City Temperature forecast throughout the year)

Contact Details

Kabardino Balkarian State University Russia Address: Ulitsa Chernyshevskogo, 173, Nalchik, Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Russia, 360004

Kabardino Balkarian State University Campus

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can i practise medicine in india.

Yes, you can practice in your country after completing your course. You need to clear the NEXT exam for practising medicine in India.

Where is Kabardino Balkarian State University located?

Kabardino Balkarian State Medical University Address is Ulitsa Chernyshevskogo, 173, Nalchik, Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Russia, 360004.

Can poor Indian students study abroad?

Of course, there is no rich and poor when it comes to education; it is all about knowledge. Several scholarships are open to students, and the government of India also provides a scholarship option for academically intelligent students.

  • Admission Updates,
  • Top Collages

You may like to read

  • Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying MBBS in Nepal
  • Top 5 Cheapest Medical Colleges in Nepal for Indian Students
  • MBBS in Nepal without NEET: See the complete admission process here.
  • Is MBBS in Nepal Worth It for Indian Students? Know the Complete Reason

' src=

About Rahul Kumar

Hi, I'm Rahul Kumar, with a year of expertise in MBBS and Ayush courses. I have detailed knowledge of various colleges' fee structures, cutoffs, and intake procedures. If you're looking for insights or assistance in pursuing MBBS or BAMS courses, feel free to comment below—I'm here to help!

Comments (2)

High I am Dinesh. I want yo take admission in mbbs for abroad . And I want to know about best college and in median budget. Please gelp me by choosing the best college for me in median range

Ofcourse, we are here to assist you in finding the best MBBS colleges abroad within your budget. Call now at +91 88596 37232.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment.

Abroad MBBS Update 2024 : Admission Dates, Top College, Fees, Location, Scholarship etc.

Get admission to Top Overseas Universities with Affordable Fees.

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS. A lock ( Lock Locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Active funding opportunity

Nsf 24-591: nsf graduate research fellowship program (grfp), program solicitation, document information, document history.

  • Posted: July 12, 2024
  • Replaces: NSF 23-605

Program Solicitation NSF 24-591



Directorate for Biological Sciences

Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering

Directorate for STEM Education
     Division of Graduate Education

Directorate for Engineering

Directorate for Geosciences

Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences

Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships

Office of Integrative Activities

Office of International Science and Engineering

Application Deadline(s) (received by 5 p.m. local time of applicant's mailing address):

     October 15, 2024

Chemistry; Geosciences, Mathematical Sciences; Physics and Astronomy

     October 16, 2024

Life Sciences

     October 17, 2024

Engineering

     October 18, 2024

Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Materials Research; Psychology; Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, STEM Education and Learning

Important Information And Revision Notes

  • This solicitation covers the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 competition.
  • Applicants must use the Research.gov/GRFP site ( https://www.research.gov/grfp/Login.do ) to register in Research.gov and submit their applications through the GRFP Application Module. Only materials submitted through the GRFP Application Module will be accepted.
  • Applications are due on the deadline date at 5:00 p.m. local time of the applicant's mailing address.
  • Currently enrolled second-year graduate students are strongly advised to provide official Registrar-issued transcripts that clearly indicate the start date of their graduate degree enrollment as part of their application. If the start date is not clearly stated on the transcript, applicants should upload a Registrar-issued document indicating the start of graduate degree enrollment to avoid delay in processing.
  • NSF will continue to emphasize high priority research in alignment with the priorities laid out in pages 129-130 of the FY2025 budget [ Budget of the United States Government, Fiscal Year 2025 (whitehouse.gov) ]
  • Portions of the eligibility criteria have been rewritten for clarity.
  • Reference letters are due October 11 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). The reference letter deadline is a few days before the application deadline dates. Reference letter writers must use the Research.gov/GRFP site ( https://www.research.gov/grfp/Login.do ) to register in Research.gov and submit reference letters through the NSF Reference Letter System.
  • Applicants and reference letter writers requiring accessibility accommodation are asked to notify the GRF Operations Center at least four weeks before the deadline to coordinate assistance with NSF in submitting the application or reference letter.

Summary Of Program Requirements

General information.

Program Title:

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)

Synopsis of Program:

The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the quality, vitality, and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time research-based master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education. The GRFP provides three years of support over a five-year fellowship period for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM or STEM education. NSF actively encourages submission of applications from the full spectrum of diverse talent that society has to offer which includes underrepresented and under-served communities. NSF GRFP was established to recruit and support individuals who demonstrate the potential to make significant contributions in STEM. NSF especially encourages applications from undergraduate seniors and Bachelor's degree-holders interested in pursuing research-based graduate study in STEM. First- and second-year graduate students in eligible STEM fields and degree programs are also encouraged to apply.

Broadening Participation In STEM:

NSF recognizes the unique lived experiences of individuals from communities that are underrepresented and/or under-served in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and the barriers to inclusion and access to STEM education and careers. NSF highly encourages the leadership, partnership, and contributions in all NSF opportunities of individuals who are members of such communities supported by NSF. This includes leading and designing STEM research and education proposals for funding; serving as peer reviewers, advisory committee members, and/or committee of visitor members; and serving as NSF leadership, program, and/or administrative staff. NSF also highly encourages demographically diverse institutions of higher education (IHEs) to lead, partner, and contribute to NSF opportunities on behalf of their research and education communities. NSF expects that all individuals, including those who are members of groups that are underrepresented and/or under-served in STEM, are treated equitably and inclusively in the Foundation's proposal and award process.

NSF encourages IHEs that enroll, educate, graduate, and employ individuals who are members of groups underrepresented and/or under-served in STEM education programs and careers to lead, partner, and contribute to NSF opportunities, including leading and designing STEM research and education proposals for funding. Such IHEs include, but may not be limited to, community colleges and two-year institutions, mission-based institutions such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), women's colleges, and institutions that primarily serve persons with disabilities, as well as institutions defined by enrollment such as Predominantly Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs), Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs).

"Broadening participation in STEM" is the comprehensive phrase used by NSF to refer to the Foundation's goal of increasing the representation and diversity of individuals, organizations, and geographic regions that contribute to STEM teaching, research, and innovation. To broaden participation in STEM, it is necessary to address issues of equity, inclusion, and access in STEM education, training, and careers. Whereas all NSF programs might support broadening participation components, some programs primarily focus on supporting broadening participation research and projects. Examples can be found on the NSF Broadening Participation in STEM website.

Cognizant Program Officer(s):

Please note that the following information is current at the time of publishing. See program website for any updates to the points of contact.

  • Contact: GRF Operations Center, telephone: (866) 673-4737, email: [email protected]
  • 47.041 --- Engineering
  • 47.049 --- Mathematical and Physical Sciences
  • 47.050 --- Geosciences
  • 47.070 --- Computer and Information Science and Engineering
  • 47.074 --- Biological Sciences
  • 47.075 --- Social Behavioral and Economic Sciences
  • 47.076 --- STEM Education
  • 47.079 --- Office of International Science and Engineering
  • 47.083 --- Office of Integrative Activities (OIA)
  • 47.084 --- NSF Technology, Innovation and Partnerships

Award Information

Anticipated Type of Award: Fellowship

Estimated Number of Awards: 2,300

NSF will support up to 2,300 new Graduate Research Fellowships per fiscal year under this program solicitation pending availability of funds.

Anticipated Funding Amount: $159,000

Per award (Fellowship), pending the availability of funds.

Each Fellowship provides three years of support over a five-year fellowship period. For each of the three years of support, NSF provides a $37,000 stipend and $16,000 Cost of Education allowance to the graduate degree-granting institution of higher education for each Fellow who uses the support in a fellowship year. The Fellowship is portable and can be transferred to a different institution of higher education if a Fellow chooses to transfer to another institution after completion of the first Fellowship year. While the Fellowship is offered to the individual, the Fellowship funds are awarded to the institution of higher education at which a Fellow is enrolled and the institution is responsible for disbursement of the stipend to the Fellow.

Eligibility Information

Organization Limit:

Fellowship applications must be submitted by the prospective Fellow. Applicants must use the GRFP application module in Research.gov ( https://www.research.gov/grfp/Login.do ) to submit the application. Confirmation of acceptance in a graduate degree program in STEM or STEM education is required at the time of Fellowship acceptance, no later than the deadline indicated in the fellowship offer letter, of the year the Fellowship is accepted. Prospective Fellows must enroll in a non-profit university, college, or institution of higher education accredited in, and having a campus located in, the United States, its territories or possessions, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico that offers advanced degrees in STEM and STEM education no later than fall of the year the Fellowship is accepted. All Fellows from the date of Fellowship Start through Completion or Termination of the Fellowship must be enrolled in a graduate degree-granting institution of higher education accredited in, and having a campus located in, the United States its territories or possessions, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Applicant Eligibility:

See the Detailed Eligibility Requirements in Section IV for full information. Eligibility is based on the applicant's status at the application deadline.

Applicants must self-certify that they are eligible to receive the Fellowship. To be eligible, an applicant must meet all of the following eligibility criteria at the application deadline. All academic credentials must be indicated in Registrar-issued transcripts.

  • Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
  • Intend to enroll or be enrolled full-time in a research-based Master's or doctoral degree program in an eligible Field of Study in STEM or STEM education (See Appendix and Section IV.3 for eligible Fields of Study
  • Never previously accepted a Graduate Research Fellowship
  • Declined any previously offered Graduate Research Fellowship by the acceptance deadline
  • Never previously applied to GRFP while enrolled in a graduate degree program
  • Never earned a doctoral or terminal degree in any field
  • Have completed no more than one academic year (according to institution's academic calendar) while enrolled in a graduate degree program (non-degree coursework must be clearly identified in the transcript and does not count toward this limit)
  • Individuals holding joint Bachelor's-Master's degrees who did not apply while enrolled in the joint program, may apply as second-year graduate applicants if enrolled in an eligible doctoral program the beginning of the academic year immediately following the academic award year of the joint degree
  • not enrolled in a graduate degree program at application deadline
  • two or more consecutive years past graduate degree enrollment or completion at the application deadline
  • Not be a current NSF employee.

Applications that do not meet eligibility requirements will not be reviewed.

Number of Times an Individual May Apply

  • Undergraduate seniors and Bachelor's degree holders who have never enrolled in a graduate degree program have no restrictions on the number of times they can apply before enrolling in a degree-granting graduate program.
  • Currently enrolled graduate students who have completed no more than one academic year (according to institution's academic calendar) while enrolled in a graduate degree program can apply only once . Non-degree coursework (clearly identified in a transcript) does not count toward the one academic year limit.
  • Individuals applying while enrolled in a joint Bachelor's-Master's degree program are considered graduate students who: i) must have completed three (3) years in the joint program, and; ii) are limited to one application to GRFP; they will not be eligible to apply again as doctoral students. For GRFP, joint Bachelor's-Master's degrees are defined as degrees concurrently pursued and awarded .
  • Individuals holding joint Bachelor's-Master's degrees, currently enrolled as first-year doctoral students, who (i) have not previously applied as graduate students and (ii) enrolled in the doctoral program the beginning of the academic year immediately following the academic award year of the joint degree, may only apply in the first year of the doctoral program.
  • Applications withdrawn by November 15 of the application year do not count toward the one-time graduate application limit. Applications withdrawn after November 15 count toward this one-time limit.
  • Applications not reviewed by NSF do not count toward the one-time graduate application limit.

Limit on Number of Applications per Applicant: 1

An eligible applicant may submit only one application per annual competition.

Application Preparation and Submission Instructions

A. application preparation instructions.

  • Letters of Intent: Not applicable
  • Preliminary Proposal Submission: Not applicable
  • Application Instructions: This solicitation contains information that deviates from the standard NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) proposal preparation guidelines. Please see the full text of this solicitation for further information.

B. Budgetary Information

C. due dates, application review information criteria.

Merit Review Criteria:

National Science Board approved Merit Review Criteria (Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts) apply. Additional Solicitation-Specific Review Criteria also apply (see Section VI.A below).

Award Administration Information

Award Conditions:

NSF GRFP awards are made to the institution of higher education at which a Fellow is or will be enrolled. The awardee institution is responsible for financial management of the award and disbursement of Fellowship funds to the individual Fellow. The institution will administer the awards, including any amendments, in accordance with the terms of the Agreement and provisions (and any subsequent amendments) contained in the document NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Administrative Guide for Fellows and Coordinating Officials . All Fellowships are subject to the provisions (and any subsequent amendments) contained in the document NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Administrative Guide for Fellows and Coordinating Officials .

Reporting Requirements:

See reporting requirements in full text of solicitation and the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Administrative Guide for Fellows and Coordinating Officials . Fellows are required to submit annual activity reports and to declare fellowship status by the deadline specified in the notification sent by email each year. Additional reporting requirements are presented in Section VII.C of this solicitation.

I. Introduction

The Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is a National Science Foundation-wide program that provides Fellowships to individuals selected early in their graduate careers based on their demonstrated potential for significant research achievements in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education. Three years of support over a five-year period are provided for graduate study that leads to a research-based master's or doctoral degree in STEM or STEM education (see eligible Fields of Study in Appendix).

The program goals are: 1) to select, recognize, and financially support early-career individuals with the demonstrated potential to be high achieving scientists and engineers, and 2) to broaden participation of the full spectrum of diverse talents in STEM. NSF actively encourages submission of applications from the full spectrum of diverse talent in STEM.

GRFP is a critical program in NSF's overall strategy to develop the globally-engaged workforce necessary to ensure the Nation's leadership in advancing science and engineering research and innovation. The ranks of NSF Fellows include numerous individuals who have made transformative breakthrough discoveries in science and engineering, become leaders in their chosen careers, and been honored as Nobel laureates.

II. Program Description

The Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) awards Fellowships for graduate study leading to research-based master's and doctoral degrees in STEM or in STEM education. GRFP supports individuals proposing a comprehensive plan for graduate education that takes individual interests and competencies into consideration. The plan describes the academic achievements, attributes, and experiences that illustrate the applicant's demonstrated potential for significant research achievements. The applicant must provide a detailed profile of their relevant education, research experience, and plans for graduate education that demonstrates this potential.

Prospective applicants are advised that submission of an application implies their intent to pursue graduate study in a research-based program in STEM or STEM education at an accredited, non-profit institution of higher education having a campus located in the United States, its territories or possessions, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. All applicants are expected to either have adequate preparation to enroll in a research-based master's or doctoral program, or be enrolled in such a program by fall of the year the Fellowship is accepted. From the date of the Fellowship Start through Completion or Termination of the Fellowship, applicants accepting the award (Fellows) must be enrolled in an accredited graduate degree-granting institution of higher education having a campus located in the United States, its territories or possessions, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

In FY2024, NSF will continue to fund outstanding Graduate Research Fellowships in all areas of science and engineering supported by NSF and continue to emphasize high priority research areas in alignment with NSF goals and priorities listed in pages 127-128 of the FY2024 budget ( https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/budget_fy2024.pdf ). Applications are encouraged in all disciplines supported by NSF.

III. Award Information

Fellowship funding will be for a maximum of three years of financial support (in 12-month allocations starting fall of the award year) usable over a five-year fellowship period. The anticipated announcement date for the Fellowship awards is early April each year.

The Fellowship is portable and can be transferred to a different institution of higher education if a Fellow chooses to transfer to another institution after completion of the first Fellowship year. While the Fellowship is offered to the individual, the Fellowship funds are awarded to the institution at which a Fellow is enrolled and is considered the official NSF awardee institution. The awardee institution receives up to a $53,000 award per Fellow who uses the support in a fellowship year. The awardee institution is responsible for disbursement of fellowship funds to the Fellow. The Graduate Research Fellowship stipend is $37,000 for a 12-month tenure period, prorated in whole month increments of $3,083. The Cost of Education allowance provides payment in lieu of tuition and mandatory fees to the institution of $16,000 per year of fellowship support.

During receipt of the fellowship support, the institution is required to exempt Fellows from paying tuition and fees normally charged to students of similar academic standing, unless such charges are optional or are refundable (i.e., the institution is responsible for tuition and required fees in excess of the Cost of Education allowance). Acceptance of fellowship funds by the awardee institution indicates acceptance of and adherence to these and other terms and conditions of the NSF GRFP award as indicated in the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Administrative Guide for Fellows and Coordinating Officials .

GRFP awards are eligible for supplemental funding as described in Chapter VI of the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG).

Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with Disabilities (FASED) provide funding for special assistance or equipment to enable persons with disabilities to work on NSF-supported projects as described in Chapter II.F of the PAPPG. Fellows with disabilities may apply for assistance after consulting the instructions in the document NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Administrative Guide for Fellows and Coordinating Officials.

Career-Life Balance Supplemental Funding Requests (Dear Colleague Letter NSF 21-021 ) can be requested by the awardee institution to provide additional personnel (e.g., technician) to sustain the research of Fellows on approved medical leave due to family leave situations as indicated in Chapter II.F of the PAPPG.

Fellows are eligible to apply for non-academic INTERN supplements; applications must be submitted according to GRFP-specific guidance stated in the INTERN program description.

Honorable Mention

The NSF accords Honorable Mention to meritorious applicants who do not receive Fellowship offers. This is considered a significant national academic achievement.

IV. Eligibility Information

Additional Eligibility Info:

Eligibility is based on the applicant's status at the application deadline. Detailed Eligibility Requirements: Described in detail below are the eligibility requirements for the Graduate Research Fellowship Program: (1) citizenship, (2) degree requirements, and (3) field of study, degree programs, and proposed research. Applicants are strongly advised to read the entire program solicitation carefully to ensure that they understand all the eligibility requirements. Applicants must self-certify that they meet all eligibility criteria. 1. Citizenship Applicants must be United States citizens, nationals, or permanent residents by the application deadline. The term "national" designates a native resident of a commonwealth or territory of the United States. It does not refer to a citizen of another country who has applied for United States citizenship and who has not received U.S. citizenship by the application deadline, nor does it refer to an individual present in the U.S. on any type of visa. 2. Degree Requirements Eligible applicants: 1) current undergraduates or Bachelor's degree holders never enrolled in a degree-granting graduate program, who will be prepared to attend graduate school in fall of the award year; 2) current graduate students with no more than one academic year completed according to institution's academic calendar of any degree-granting graduate program; or 3) currently unenrolled individuals who wish to return to graduate study and are at least two consecutive years past their most recent enrollment in any graduate degree-granting program, regardless of whether the degree was completed or awarded. Below are detailed guidelines to determine eligibility: a) Currently enrolled undergraduate students and Bachelor's degree-holders with no prior enrollment in a graduate degree-granting program (including joint Bachelor's-Master's programs): Undergraduate students on track to receive a Bachelor's degree by the fall of the year following the application (e.g., senior or final year of Bachelor's degree) and Bachelor's degree holders never enrolled in a graduate degree program can apply an unlimited number of times prior to enrolling in a graduate degree program. They must be prepared to enroll in a full-time graduate degree program by fall of the year they are offered a Graduate Research Fellowship. b) Currently enrolled joint Bachelor's-Master's degree students (joint Bachelor's-Master's defined as program in which both degrees are concurrently pursued and awarded as indicated on the transcript): Individuals applying while enrolled in a joint Bachelor's-Master's degree program are considered graduate students who: 1) must have completed three years in the joint program, and; ii) are limited to one application to GRFP; they will not be eligible to apply again as doctoral students. Joint Bachelor's-Master's degree-holders, currently enrolled as first-year doctoral students who have not previously applied as graduate students and enrolled in the doctoral program in the beginning of the academic year immediately following the academic award year of the joint degree, may only apply in the first year of the doctoral program. Individuals holding joint Bachelor's-Master's degrees who did not progress to a doctoral program the beginning of the academic year immediately following the academic award year of the joint degree, must apply as returning graduate students (see above). c) Currently enrolled graduate students: Applicants must not have completed more than one academic year of graduate study as indicated in the academic transcript issued by the Registrar of the universities attended, as of the application deadline. Graduate status is determined to begin on the date indicated on the Registrar-issued transcript and ALL activities after that date will be considered graduate activities. Summer research activities that are part of the graduate degree program (e.g. research credits) will be counted as graduate activities. Participation in non-degree summer activities PRIOR TO graduate degree enrollment as indicated in the Registrar-issued transcript before the start of the fall graduate program is not included in this total. Second-year graduate students are strongly advised to include official Registrar-issued transcripts. If the transcript does not clearly state the start date of graduate degree enrollment, they should also submit a Registrar-issued document confirming the start of graduate degree enrollment. Graduate coursework taken without being enrolled in a graduate degree-granting program is not counted in this limit. d) Currently unenrolled individuals who wish to re-enter graduate study: Applicants who earned a previous Master's or professional degree, or have completed more than one academic year in any graduate degree program (regardless of whether the degree was completed or awarded) are eligible only if they are currently unenrolled and at least two consecutive years past the most recent graduate degree enrollment at the application deadline . Applicants must not have engaged in any graduate coursework during the interruption. Applicants should address the reasons for the interruption in graduate study in the Personal, Relevant Background and Future Goals Statement. 3. Field of Study, Degree Programs, and Proposed Research Fellowships are awarded for graduate study leading to research-based Master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education, in eligible Fields of Study listed below: Chemistry Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering Engineering Geosciences Life Sciences Materials Research Mathematical Sciences Physics & Astronomy Psychology Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences STEM Education and Learning Research A complete list of eligible Major Fields of Study and their subfields are listed in the Appendix. If awarded, Fellows must enroll in a graduate degree program consistent with the Major Field of Study proposed in their application. A fellowship will not be awarded in a different Major Field of Study from that indicated in the application. Only research-based Master's and doctoral degrees in STEM or STEM education are eligible for GRFP support. Professional degree programs and graduate programs that are primarily course-based with no thesis are ineligible for GRFP support. Within eligible fields of study, there are ineligible areas of study and ineligible areas of proposed research. See below for ineligible areas of study and proposed research. Applications determined to be ineligible will not be reviewed. a) Ineligible degree programs Individuals are not eligible to apply if they will be enrolled in a practice-oriented professional degree program such as medical, dental, law, and public health degrees at any time during the fellowship. Ineligible degree programs include, but are not limited to, MBA, MPH, MSW, JD, MD, PharmD, DVM and DDS. Joint or combined professional degree-science programs (e.g., MD/PhD or JD/PhD) and dual professional degree-science programs are also not eligible. Individuals enrolled in a graduate degree program while on a leave of absence from a professional degree program or professional degree-graduate degree joint program are not eligible. b) Ineligible areas of study Individuals are not eligible to apply if they will be enrolled in graduate study focused on clinical practice, counseling, social work, patient-oriented research, epidemiological and medical behavioral studies, outcomes research (interventions, treatment, or therapies), and health services research. Ineligible study includes pharmacologic, non-pharmacologic, and behavioral interventions for physical or mental disease or disorder, prophylaxis, diagnosis, therapy, or treatment. Research to provide evidence leading to a scientific basis for consideration of a change in health policy or standard of care is not eligible. Graduate study focused on community, public, or global health, or other population-based research including medical intervention trials is also not eligible. c) Ineligible proposed research and limited exceptions to ineligible research: (i) Biological or psychological research for which the goals are directly human disease- or health- related, including the etiology, diagnosis of, and treatment and/or interventions for, physical or mental disease or disorder is not eligible for support, with limited exceptions for applicants in engineering, mathematical, physical, and computer or information sciences with health-related research topics (described below). Research activities using animal models of disease for developing or testing of drugs, procedures, or interventions for treatment of physical or mental disease or disorder are also not eligible. (ii) For applicants applying to degree programs in engineering, mathematical, physical, computer or information sciences disciplines, research with disease- or health-related goals (e.g., etiology-, diagnosis-, or treatment-related) that advance fundamental knowledge in engineering, mathematical, physical, computer or information sciences, is eligible for support. (iii) Certain areas of bioengineering research directed at medical use are eligible. These include research projects in bioengineering to aid persons with disabilities, or to diagnose or treat human disease or disorder, provided they apply engineering principles to problems in medicine while primarily advancing engineering knowledge. Applicants planning to study and conduct research in these areas of bioengineering should select biomedical engineering as the field of study. (iv) Certain areas of materials research directed at development of materials for use in biological or biomedical systems are eligible, provided they are focused on furthering fundamental materials research. (v) Research focused on basic questions in plant pathology is eligible, however, applied studies focused on maximizing production in agricultural plants or impacts on food safety are not eligible. (vi) Research with implications that inform policy is eligible. Research with the expressed intent to influence, advocate for or effect specific policy outcomes is not eligible. Applicants are advised to consult a faculty member, academic advisor, mentor, or other advisor for guidance on preparation of their research plans, and selection of Major Fields of Study and subfields.

V. Application Preparation And Submission Instructions

Fellowship applications must be submitted online using the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Application Module at https://www.research.gov/grfp/Login.do according to the deadline corresponding with the Field of Study selected in the application .

Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. local time as determined by the applicant's mailing address provided in the application. Applications received after the Field of Study deadline will not be reviewed . Applications submitted to a Field of Study deadline not in alignment with the proposed research plan will not be reviewed.

All reference letters must be submitted online by the reference writers through the NSF Reference Letter System in the Research.gov site ( https://www.research.gov/grfp/Login.do ) and must be received by the reference letter deadline (see Application Preparation and Submission Instructions/C. Due Dates of this Solicitation), of 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). No reference letters will be accepted via email. Reference letter writers cannot be family members of the applicant. Applicants are required to provide the name and contact information for three (3) reference writers from non-family members. Up to five (5) potential reference letter writers can be provided. Two reference letters from non-family members must be received by the reference letter deadline to be reviewed. If fewer than two reference letters (one or none) are received by the reference letter deadline, the application will not be reviewed.

Applicants must submit the following information through the GRFP Application Module: Personal Information; Education, Work and Other Experience; Transcript PDFs; Proposed Field(s) of Study; Proposed Graduate Study and Graduate School Information; the names and email addresses of at least three reference letter writers; Personal, Relevant Background and Future Goals Statement PDF; and Graduate Research Plan Statement PDF.

Only the information required in the GRFP Application Module will be reviewed. No additional items or information will be accepted or reviewed. Do not provide links to web pages within the application, except as part of citations in the References Cited section. Images must be included in the page limits. Review of the application and reference letters is based solely on materials received by the application and reference letter deadlines. No application materials will be accepted via email.

Applicants must follow the instructions in the GRFP Application Module for completing each section of the application. The statements must be written using the following guidelines:

  • standard 8.5" x 11" page size
  • 11 point or higher font, except text that is part of an image
  • Times New Roman font for all text, Cambria Math font for equations, Symbol font for non-alphabetic characters (it is recommended that equations and symbols be inserted as an image)
  • Cited references should include the name of the journal (abbreviations accepted).
  • 1" margins on all sides, no text inside 1" margins (no header, footer, name, or page number)
  • No less than single-spacing (approximately 6 lines per inch)
  • Do not use line spacing options such as "exactly 11 point," that are less than single spaced
  • PDF file format only

Compliance with these guidelines will be automatically checked by the GRFP Application Module. Documents that are not compliant will not be accepted by the GRFP Application Module. Applicants are strongly advised to proofread and upload their documents early to ensure they are format-compliant and that non-compliant documents do not delay upload of the complete application for receipt by the deadline. Applications that are not compliant with these format requirements will not be reviewed.

The maximum length of the Personal, Relevant Background and Future Goals Statement is three (3) pages (PDF). The maximum length of the Graduate Research Plan Statement is two (2) pages (PDF). These page limits include all references, citations, charts, figures, images, and lists of publications and presentations. Applicants must certify that the two statements (Personal, Relevant Background and Future Goals Statement, and Graduate Research Plan Statement) in the application are their own original work. As explained in the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG): "NSF expects strict adherence to the rules of proper scholarship and attribution. The responsibility for proper scholarship and attribution rests with the authors of a proposal; all parts of the proposal should be prepared with equal care for this concern. Authors other than the PI (or any co-PI) should be named and acknowledged. Serious failure to adhere to such standards can result in findings of research misconduct. NSF policies and rules on research misconduct are discussed in the PAPPG, as well as 45 CFR Part 689."

Both Personal and Research Plan statements must address NSF's review criteria of Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts (described in detail in Section VI). " Intellectual Merit" and "Broader Impacts" sections must be presented in individual separate sections, under individual separate headings, in each of the Personal and Research Plan statements. These separately headed sections cannot be combined into one section or combined with any other section. Applications that do not have separate headings and sections for Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts will not be reviewed.

Applicants must list their undergraduate institution, and all graduate institutions attended with a start date prior to the fall term in which the application is submitted. Transcripts are required for all degree-granting programs listed. Transcripts may be included for all other institutions listed in the Education section. If the applicant started at the current institution in the fall of the application year and the institution does not provide unofficial or official transcripts prior to completion of the first term, the applicant may submit a class schedule/enrollment verification form in place of a transcript. Second-year graduate students are strongly advised to submit an official transcript. If the transcript or enrollment verification form does not include the graduate enrollment start date, a Registrar-issued document that indicates graduate enrollment start date must be submitted.

At least one transcript must be included for the application to be accepted by the GRFP Application Module.

Transcripts must be uploaded through the GRFP Application Module by the Field of Study application deadline. Applicants should redact personally-identifiable information (date of birth, individual Social Security Numbers, personal financial information, home addresses, home telephone numbers and personal email addresses) from the transcripts before uploading. Transcripts must be uploaded as a PDF to be accepted by the GRFP Application Module. Transcripts must not be encrypted; the GRFP Application Module does not accept encrypted or password-protected transcripts.

Applicants who earned master's degrees in joint Bachelor's-Master's degree programs should submit transcripts that clearly document the joint program. If the transcript does not document the joint program and does not show that the Bachelor's and Master's degrees were conferred on the same date, applicants must upload a letter from the registrar of the institution certifying enrollment in a joint program, appended to the transcript for that institution. Failure to provide clear documentation of a joint program may result in an application being returned without review.

Failure to comply fully with the above requirements will result in the application not being reviewed.

Applications that are incomplete due to missing required transcripts and/or reference letters (fewer than two letters received), or that do not have "received" status in the Application Module on the application deadline for the selected Field of Study) will not be reviewed. Applicants are advised to submit applications early to avoid unanticipated delays on the deadline dates.

Reference Letters

Reference writers cannot be family members of the applicant. Applicants are required to provide the name and contact information for three (3) reference writers from non-family members. Up to five (5) potential reference letter writers can be provided. Two reference letters from non-family members must be received by the reference letter deadline for an application to be reviewed. If fewer than two reference letters (one or none) are received by the reference letter deadline, the application will not be reviewed.

No changes to the list of reference writers are allowed after the application is submitted. Applicants are strongly advised to check the accuracy of email addresses provided for reference writers before submitting their application. Applicants are strongly advised to contact potential reference writers and confirm their willingness to register in Research.gov and to submit a reference letter before the deadline for letters, before submitting their names.

All reference letters must be received through the NSF Reference Letter System by 5:00 p.m. ET (Eastern Time) on the letter submission deadline date (see the deadline posted in GRFP Application Module and in Application Preparation and Submission Instructions/C. Due Dates of this Solicitation). No exceptions to the reference letter submission deadline will be granted. Each letter is limited to two (2) pages (PDF). The GRFP Application Module allows applicants to request up to five (5) reference letters and to rank those reference letters in order of preference for review. If more than three reference letters are received, the top three letters according to ranked preference will be considered for the application. Reference writers will be notified by an email of the request to submit a letter of reference on behalf of an applicant. Reference writers will not be notified of the ranked preference for review provided by the applicant.

To avoid disqualifying an application, reference writers should upload the letter well in advance of the 5:00 p.m. ET deadline. No letters will be accepted via email. Letter writers will receive a confirmation email after successful upload via the GRFP Application Module.

For technical assistance with letter upload: NSF Help Desk: [email protected] ; 1-800-381-1532

Applicants must enter an email address for each reference writer into the GRFP Application Module. An exact email address is crucial to matching the reference writer and the applicant in the GRFP Application Module. Applicants should ask reference writers well in advance of the reference writer deadline, and it is recommended they provide copies of their application materials to the writers.

Applicant-nominated reference writers must first register in Research.gov then upload their letters through the NSF Reference Letter System. Reference letter requirements include:

  • Institutional or professional letterhead, if available
  • SIGNED by the reference writer, including the name, professional title, department, and institution
  • Two (2) page limit (PDF file format)
  • Standard 8.5" x 11" page size
  • 11-point or higher Times New Roman font and 1" margins on all sides
  • Single spaced using normal (100%) single-line spacing

The reference letter should address the NSF Merit Review Criteria of Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts (described in detail below). It should include details explaining the nature of the relationship to the applicant (including research advisor role), comments on the applicant's potential for contributing to a globally-engaged United States science and engineering workforce, statements about the applicant's academic potential and prior research experiences, statements about the applicant's proposed research, and any other information to aid review panels in evaluating the application according to the NSF Merit Review Criteria.

Application Completion Status

Applicants should use the "Application Completion Status" feature in the GRFP Application Module to ensure all application materials, including reference letters, have been received by NSF before the deadlines. For technical support, call the NSF Help Desk at 1-800-381-1532 or e-mail [email protected] .

Interdisciplinary Applications

NSF welcomes applications for interdisciplinary programs of study and research; however, data on interdisciplinary study is collected for informational purposes only. Interdisciplinary research is defined as "a mode of research by teams or individuals that integrates information, data, techniques, tools, perspectives, concepts, and/or theories from two or more disciplines or bodies of specialized knowledge to advance fundamental understanding or to solve problems whose solutions are beyond the scope of a single discipline or area of research practice" (Committee on Facilitating Interdisciplinary Research, Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy, 2004. Facilitating Interdisciplinary Research . National Academies. Washington: National Academy Press, p. 2).

Applications must be received by the deadline for the first Major Field of Study designated in the application. Applications will be reviewed by experts in the first Major Field of Study listed. If awarded, Fellows will be required to enroll in a degree program consistent with the Major Field of Study in which the application was funded.

Withdrawal of a GRFP application

To withdraw a submitted application, the applicant must withdraw their application using the Withdrawal option in the GRFP Application Module.

Applications withdrawn by November 15 of the application year do not count toward the one-time graduate application limit. Applications withdrawn after November 15 count toward this limit.

Cost Sharing:

Inclusion of voluntary committed cost sharing is prohibited.

Indirect Cost (F&A) Limitations:

No indirect costs are allowed.

Other Budgetary Limitations:

NSF awards $53,000 each year to the GRFP institution to cover the Fellow stipend and Cost of Education allowance for each NSF Graduate Research Fellow "on tenure" at the institution.

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Fellowship stipend is $37,000 for a 12-month tenure period, prorated in monthly increments of $3,083. The institutional Cost of Education allowance is $16,000 per tenure year per Fellow.

D. Application Submission Requirements

Applicants are required to prepare and submit all applications for this program solicitation through the GRFP Application Module. Detailed instructions for application preparation and submission are available at: https://www.research.gov/grfp/Login.do . For user support, call the NSF Help Desk at 1-800-381-1532 or e-mail [email protected] . The NSF Help Desk answers general technical questions related to the use of the system. Specific questions related to this program solicitation should be referred to the NSF program staff contact(s) listed in Section VIII of this solicitation.

VI. Application Review Information

A. merit review principles and criteria.

Applications are reviewed by disciplinary and interdisciplinary scientists and engineers and other professional graduate education experts. Reviewers are selected by Program Officers charged with oversight of the review process. Care is taken to ensure that reviewers have no conflicts of interest with the applicants. Applications are reviewed in broad areas of related disciplines based on the selection of a Field of Study (see Fields of Study in Appendix). Selection of a Major Field of Study determines the application deadline, the broad disciplinary expertise of the reviewers, and the discipline of the graduate degree program if awarded a Fellowship. Applicants are advised to select the Major Field of Study in the GRFP Application Module (see Fields of Study in Appendix) that is most closely aligned with the proposed graduate program of study and research plan. Applicants who select "Other" must provide additional information describing their studies.

Each application will be reviewed independently in accordance with the NSF Merit Review Criteria using all available information in the completed application. In considering applications, reviewers are instructed to address the two Merit Review Criteria as approved by the National Science Board - Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts ( NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide ). Applicants must include separate statements on Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts in their written statements in order to provide reviewers with the information necessary to evaluate the application with respect to both Criteria as detailed below. Applicants should include headings for Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts in their statements.

The following description of the Merit Review Criteria is provided in Chapter III of the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) :

All NSF proposals are evaluated through use of the two National Science Board approved merit review criteria. In some instances, however, NSF will employ additional criteria as required to highlight the specific objectives of certain programs and activities. The two merit review criteria are listed below. Both criteria are to be given full consideration during the review and decision-making processes; each criterion is necessary but neither, by itself, is sufficient. Therefore, proposers must fully address both criteria. (PAPPG Chapter II.D.2.d(i) contains additional information for use by proposers in development of the Project Description section of the proposal.) Reviewers are strongly encouraged to review the criteria, including PAPPG Chapter II.D.2.d(i), prior to the review of a proposal. When evaluating NSF proposals, reviewers will be asked to consider what the proposers want to do, why they want to do it, how they plan to do it, how they will know if they succeed, and what benefits could accrue if the project is successful. These issues apply both to the technical aspects of the proposal and the way in which the project may make broader contributions. To that end, reviewers will be asked to evaluate all proposals against two criteria: Intellectual Merit : The Intellectual Merit criterion encompasses the potential to advance knowledge; and Broader Impacts : The Broader Impacts criterion encompasses the potential to benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific, desired societal outcomes. The following elements should be considered in the review for both criteria: 1. What is the potential for the proposed activity to: a. Advance knowledge and understanding within its own field or across different fields (Intellectual Merit); and b. Benefit society or advance desired societal outcomes (Broader Impacts)? 2. To what extent do the proposed activities suggest and explore creative, original, or potentially transformative concepts? 3. Is the plan for carrying out the proposed activities well-reasoned, well-organized, and based on a sound rationale? Does the plan incorporate a mechanism to assess success? 4. How well qualified is the individual, team, or organization to conduct the proposed activities? 5. Are there adequate resources available to the PI (either at the home organization or through collaborations) to carry out the proposed activities?

Additionally, Chapter II of the PAPPG states:

Broader impacts may be accomplished through the research itself, through the activities that are directly related to specific research projects, or through activities that are supported by, but are complementary to, the project. NSF values the advancement of scientific knowledge and activities that contribute to achievement of societally relevant outcomes. Such outcomes include, but are not limited to: full participation of women, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); improved STEM education and educator development at any level; increased public scientific literacy and public engagement with science and technology; improved well-being of individuals in society; development of a diverse, globally competitive STEM workforce; increased partnerships between academia, industry, and others; improved national security; increased economic competitiveness of the US; and enhanced infrastructure for research and education.

Additional Solicitation Specific Review Criteria

Applicants are reviewed on their demonstrated potential to advance knowledge and to make significant research achievements and contributions to their fields throughout their careers. Reviewers are asked to assess applications using a holistic, comprehensive approach, giving balanced consideration to all components of the application, including the educational and research record, leadership, outreach, service activities, and future plans, as well as individual competencies, experiences, and other attributes. The aim is to recruit and retain a diverse cohort of early-career individuals with high potential for future achievements, contributions, and broader impacts in STEM and STEM education.

B. Application Review and Selection Process

Applications submitted in response to this program solicitation will be reviewed online by Panel Review.

The application evaluation involves the review and rating of applications by disciplinary and interdisciplinary scientists and engineers, and other professional graduate education experts.

The primary responsibility of each reviewer is to evaluate eligible GRFP applications by applying the Merit Review Criteria described in Section VI.A, and to recommend applicants for NSF Graduate Research Fellowships. Reviewers are instructed to review the applications holistically, applying the Merit Review Criteria and noting GRFP's emphasis on demonstrated potential for significant research achievements in STEM or in STEM education. From these recommendations, NSF selects applicants for Fellowships or Honorable Mention, in line with NSF's mission and the goals of GRFP. After Fellowship offers are made, applicants are able to view verbatim reviewer comments, excluding the names of the reviewers, for a limited period of time through the NSF GRFP Module.

VII. Award Administration Information

A. notification of the award.

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program applicants will be notified of the outcomes of their applications by early April of the competition year. The NSF publishes lists of Fellowship and Honorable Mention recipients on the GRFP Module at https://www.research.gov/grfp/Login.do in early April.

B. Award Conditions

NSF GRFP awards are made to the institution of higher education at which a Fellow is or will be enrolled. The awardee institution is responsible for financial management of the award and disbursement of Fellowship funds to the Fellow. The NSF GRFP award consists of the award notification letter that includes the applicable terms and conditions and Fellowship management instructions. All Fellowships are made subject to the provisions (and any subsequent amendments) contained in the document NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Administrative Guide for Fellows and Coordinating Officials .

NSF GRFP awards provide funds for NSF Fellows who have "on tenure" status. The institution will administer the awards, including any amendments, in accordance with the terms of the Agreement and provisions (and any subsequent amendments) contained in the document NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Administrative Guide for Fellows and Coordinating Officials .

The applicant must accept or decline the Fellowship by the deadline indicated in the award notification letter by logging into the GRFP Module at https://www.research.gov/grfp/Login.do with the applicant User ID and password. Failure to comply with the deadline and acceptance of Fellowship Terms and Conditions by the deadline will result in revocation of the Fellowship offer and render applicants ineligible to re-apply.

Terms and Conditions

Awardees must formally accept and agree to the terms and conditions of the Fellowship award. Acceptance of the Fellowship constitutes a commitment to pursue a graduate degree in an eligible science or engineering field. Acceptance of a Fellowship award is an explicit acceptance of this commitment and assurance that the Fellow will be duly enrolled in a graduate degree program consistent with the field of study indicated in their application by the beginning of the following academic year. Major changes in scope later in the graduate career require NSF approval. NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Administrative Guide for Fellows and Coordinating Officials includes the terms and conditions that apply to the Fellowship and subsequent institutional award, in addition to the eligibility requirements (U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident, degree requirements, and field of study) and Certifications in the application. Each institution, in accepting the funds, also certifies that the Fellows are eligible to receive the Fellowship under these terms and conditions. Fellows are expected to make satisfactory academic progress towards completion of their graduate degrees, as defined and certified by the Fellow's GRFP institution. In cases where Fellows have misrepresented their eligibility, or have failed to comply with the Fellowship Terms and Conditions, the Fellowship will be revoked, and the case may be referred to the Office of the Inspector General for investigation. This action may result in requiring the Fellow to repay Fellowship funds to the National Science Foundation.

An individual may not accept the Graduate Research Fellowship if the individual accepts or is supported by another federal graduate fellowship.

Responsible Conduct of Research

It is the responsibility of the Fellow, in conjunction with the GRFP institution, to ensure that all academic and research activities carried out in or outside the US comply with the laws or regulations of the US and/or of the foreign country in which the academic and/or research activities are conducted. These include appropriate human subject, animal welfare, copyright and intellectual property protection, and other regulations or laws, as appropriate. All academic and research activities should be coordinated with the appropriate US and foreign government authorities, and necessary licenses, permits, or approvals must be obtained prior to undertaking the proposed activities.

In response to the America COMPETES Act, all Fellows supported by NSF to conduct research are required to receive appropriate training and oversight in the Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research.

Research Involving Human Subjects

Projects involving research with human subjects must ensure that subjects are protected from research risks in conformance with the relevant Federal policy known as the Common Rule ( Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects , 45 CFR 690 ). All projects involving human subjects must either (1) have approval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB) before issuance of an NSF award; or, (2) must affirm that the IRB has declared the research exempt from IRB review, in accordance with the applicable subsection, as established in 45 CFR § 690.104(d) of the Common Rule. Fellows are required to comply with this policy and adhere to the organization's protocol for managing research involving human subjects.

Research Involving Vertebrate Animals

Any project proposing use of vertebrate animals for research or education shall comply with the Animal Welfare Act [7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq.] and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the Secretary of Agriculture [9 CFR 1.1-4.11] pertaining to the humane care, handling, and treatment of vertebrate animals held or used for research, teaching or other activities supported by Federal awards. In accordance with these requirements, proposed projects involving use of any vertebrate animal for research or education must be approved by the submitting organization's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) before an award can be made. For this approval to be accepted by NSF, the organization must have a current Public Health Service (PHS) Approved Assurance.

Projects involving the care or use of vertebrate animals at an international organization or international field site also require approval of research protocols by the US grantee's IACUC. If the project is to be funded through an award to an international organization or through an individual fellowship award that will support activities at an international organization, NSF will require a statement from the international organization explicitly listing the proposer's name and referencing the title of the award to confirm that the activities will be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws in the international country and that the International Guiding Principles for Biomedical Research Involving Animals (see: https://cioms.ch/ ) will be followed.

Legal Rights to Intellectual Property

The National Science Foundation claims no rights to any inventions or writings that might result from its fellowship or traineeship grants. However, fellows and trainees should be aware that the NSF, another Federal agency, or some private party may acquire such rights through other support for particular research. Also, fellows and trainees should note their obligation to include an Acknowledgment and Disclaimer in any publication.

C. Reporting Requirements

Acknowledgment of Support and Disclaimer

All publications, presentations, and creative works based on activities conducted during the Fellowship must acknowledge NSF GRFP Support and provide a disclaimer by including the following statement in the Acknowledgements or other appropriate section:

"This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program under Grant No. (NSF grant number). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation."

Annual Activities Report and Annual Fellowship Status Declaration

Fellows are required to submit an Annual Activities Report and to complete Fellowship Status Declaration by the deadline date each year (deadline notification sent by email), using NSF's GRFP Module. The GRFP Module permits online submission and updating of activity reports, including information on research accomplishments and activities related to broader impacts, presentations, publications, teaching and research assistantships, awards and recognitions, and other scholarly and service accomplishments. These reports must be reviewed and satisfactory progress verified by the faculty advisor or designated graduate program administrator prior to submission to NSF.

Fellows must declare their intent to utilize the Fellowship for the following year using the NSF GRFP Module. Failure to declare Fellowship status by the established deadline violates the terms and conditions for NSF Fellowship awards, and results in termination of the Fellowship.

Program Evaluation

The Division of Graduate Education (DGE) conducts evaluations to provide evidence on the impact of the GRFP on individuals' educational decisions, career preparations, aspirations and progress, as well as professional productivity; and provide an understanding of the program policies in achieving the program goals. Additionally, it is highly desirable to have a structured means of tracking Fellows beyond graduation to gauge the extent to which they choose a career path consistent with the intent of the program and to assess the impact the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship has had on their graduate education experience. Accordingly, Fellows and Honorable Mention recipients may be contacted for updates on various aspects of their employment history, professional activities and accomplishments, participation in international research collaborations, and other information helpful in evaluating the impact of the program. Fellows and their institutions agree to cooperate in program-level evaluations conducted by the NSF and/or contracted evaluators.

GRFP institutions are required to submit the GRFP Completion Report annually. The Completion Report allows GRFP institutions to certify the current status of all GRFP Fellows at the institution. The current status will identify a Fellow as: In Progress, Graduated, Transferred, or Withdrawn. For Fellows who have graduated, the graduation date is a required reporting element.

VIII. Agency Contacts

Please note that the program contact information is current at the time of publishing. See program website ( https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=6201 ) for any updates to the points of contact.

General inquiries regarding this program should be made to:

For questions related to the use of GRFP Application Module, contact:

The Graduate Research Fellowship Operations Center is responsible for processing applications and responding to requests for information. General inquiries regarding the Graduate Research Fellowship Program should be made to:

Graduate Research Fellowship Operations Center, telephone: 866-NSF-GRFP, 866-673-4737 (toll-free from the U.S. and Canada) or 202-331-3542 (international). email: [email protected] .

IX. Other Information

The NSF website provides the most comprehensive source of information on NSF Directorates (including contact information), programs and funding opportunities. Use of this website by potential proposers is strongly encouraged. In addition, "NSF Update" is an information-delivery system designed to keep potential proposers and other interested parties apprised of new NSF funding opportunities and publications, important changes in proposal and award policies and procedures, and upcoming NSF Grants Conferences . Subscribers are informed through e-mail or the user's Web browser each time new publications are issued that match their identified interests. "NSF Update" also is available on NSF's website .

Grants.gov provides an additional electronic capability to search for Federal government-wide grant opportunities. NSF funding opportunities may be accessed via this mechanism. Further information on Grants.gov may be obtained at https://www.grants.gov .

Students are encouraged to gain professional experience in other countries through their university graduate programs, and to participate in international research opportunities offered by NSF at: Office of International Science and Engineering (OISE) | NSF - National Science Foundation . Other funding opportunities for students are available at https://www.nsfgrfp.org/ .

About The National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent Federal agency created by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended (42 USC 1861-75). The Act states the purpose of the NSF is "to promote the progress of science; [and] to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare by supporting research and education in all fields of science and engineering."

NSF funds research and education in most fields of science and engineering. It does this through grants and cooperative agreements to more than 2,000 colleges, universities, K-12 school systems, businesses, informal science organizations and other research organizations throughout the US. The Foundation accounts for about one-fourth of Federal support to academic institutions for basic research.

NSF receives approximately 55,000 proposals each year for research, education and training projects, of which approximately 11,000 are funded. In addition, the Foundation receives several thousand applications for graduate and postdoctoral fellowships. The agency operates no laboratories itself but does support National Research Centers, user facilities, certain oceanographic vessels and Arctic and Antarctic research stations. The Foundation also supports cooperative research between universities and industry, US participation in international scientific and engineering efforts, and educational activities at every academic level.

Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with Disabilities (FASED) provide funding for special assistance or equipment to enable persons with disabilities to work on NSF-supported projects. See the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide Chapter II.F.7 for instructions regarding preparation of these types of proposals.

The National Science Foundation has Telephonic Device for the Deaf (TDD) and Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) capabilities that enable individuals with hearing impairments to communicate with the Foundation about NSF programs, employment or general information. TDD may be accessed at (703) 292-5090 and (800) 281-8749, FIRS at (800) 877-8339.

The National Science Foundation Information Center may be reached at (703) 292-5111.

The National Science Foundation promotes and advances scientific progress in the United States by competitively awarding grants and cooperative agreements for research and education in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering.

To get the latest information about program deadlines, to download copies of NSF publications, and to access abstracts of awards, visit the NSF Website at .

2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314

(NSF Information Center)

(703) 292-5111

(703) 292-5090

 

Send an e-mail to:

or telephone:

(703) 292-8134

(703) 292-5111

Privacy Act And Public Burden Statements

The information requested on the application materials is solicited under the authority of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended. It will be used in connection with the selection of qualified applicants and may be disclosed to qualified reviewers as part of the review process; to the institution the nominee, applicant or fellow is attending or is planning to attend or is employed by for the purpose of facilitating review or award decisions, or administering fellowships or awards; to government contractors, experts, volunteers and other individuals who perform a service to or work under a contract, grant, cooperative agreement, advisory committee, committee of visitors, or other arrangement with the Federal government as necessary to complete assigned work; to other government agencies needing data regarding applicants or nominees as part of the review process, or in order to coordinate programs; and to another Federal agency, court or party in a court or Federal administrative proceeding if the government is a party. Information from this system may be merged with other computer files to carry out statistical studies the results of which do not identify individuals. Notice of the agency's decision may be given to nominators, and disclosure may be made of awardees' names, home institutions, and fields of study for public information purposes. For fellows or awardees receiving stipends directly from the government, information is transmitted to the Department of the Treasury to make payments. See System of Record Notices , NSF-12, "Fellowships and Other Awards," 63 Federal Register 265 (January 5, 1998). Submission of the information is voluntary; however, failure to provide full and complete information may reduce the possibility of your receiving an award.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, an information collection unless it displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The OMB control number for this collection is 3145-0023. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 12 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions. Send comments regarding this burden estimate and any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:

Suzanne H. Plimpton Reports Clearance Officer Policy Office, Division of Institution and Award Support Office of Budget, Finance, and Award Management National Science Foundation Alexandria, VA 22314

X. Appendix

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS

Major Fields of Study

Note: Applications are reviewed based on the selection of a Major Field of Study. As an example, CHEMISTRY is a Major Field of Study, and Chemical Catalysis is a subfield under CHEMISTRY. A Fellowship can be accepted only in the Major Field of Study indicated in the application. Thus, an application that indicates CHEMISTRY as the Major Field of Study can be accepted in any subfield in CHEMISTRY, but cannot be accepted in CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, and ENGINEERING is a different Major Field of Study.

Selection of a Major Field of Study determines the application deadline, the broad disciplinary expertise of the reviewers who will review the application, and the discipline of the graduate program if the Fellowship is accepted. The subfield category designates specific expertise of the reviewers. Applicants can select "Other" if their specific subfield is not represented in the list of subfields under the Major Field of Study. The "Other" subfield category should be selected only if the proposed subfield is not covered by one of the listed subfields, and should not be used to designate a subfield that is more specific than the subfields listed.

Artificial Intelligence Chemical Catalysis Chemical Measurement and Imaging Chemical Structure, Dynamics, and Mechanism Chemical Synthesis Chemical Theory, Models and Computational Methods Chemistry of Life Processes Computationally Intensive Research Environmental Chemical Systems Macromolecular (including Polymer Chemistry), Supramolecular, and Nanochemistry Other (specify) Quantum Information Science Sustainable Chemistry

COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES & ENGINEERING

Accessibility Algorithms and Theoretical Foundations Artificial Intelligence Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality, Graphics, and Visualization Bioinformatics and Bio-inspired Computing Communication and Information Theory Computationally Intensive Research Computer Architecture Computer Security and Privacy Computer Systems Computer Vision Cyber-Physical Systems and Embedded Systems Cybersecurity Data Science, Data Mining, Information Retrieval and Databases Electronic Design Automation and Design of Micro and Nano Computing Systems Fairness, Explainability, Accountability and Transparency in Analytics Formal Methods, Verification, and Programming Languages Human Computer Interaction Information Sciences Machine Learning Natural Language Processing Other (specify) Parallel, Distributed, and Cloud Computing Quantum Information Science Robotics Scientific Computing Social Computing Software Engineering Wired and Wireless Networking

ENGINEERING

Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering Agricultural Engineering Artificial Intelligence Bioengineering Biomedical Engineering Chemical Engineering Civil Engineering Computationally Intensive Research Computer Engineering (including Networking) Cybersecurity Data Science Electrical and Electronic Engineering Energy and Power Engineering Environmental and/or Ecological Engineering Industrial Engineering & Operations Research Machine Learning Manufacturing Engineering Materials Science & Engineering (including Polymers, Ceramics, Semiconductors) Mechanical Engineering Microwave Electromagnetics Engineering Nuclear Engineering Ocean Maritime Engineering Optical Engineering Other (specify) Quantum Engineering Quantum Information Engineering Quantum Information Science Robotics, Control, Automation Systems Engineering Wireless Engineering

GEOSCIENCES

Aeronomy Artificial Intelligence Arctic-Antarctic Atmospheric Chemistry Biogeochemistry Biological Oceanography Chemical Oceanography Climate and Large-Scale Atmospheric Dynamics Coastal Marine Science Coastal Studies Computationally Intensive Research Earth System Science Environmental Science Geobiology Geochemistry Geochronology Geodynamics Geoinformatics Geology Geomorphology Geophysics Glaciology Heliospheric Physics Hydrology Magnetospheric Physics Marine Biology Marine Ecology Marine Geology and Geophysics Ocean Technology (ROVs, AUVs, sensors) Other (specify) Paleoclimate Paleontology and Paleobiology Petrology Physical and Dynamic Meteorology Physical Oceanography Quantum Information Science Remote Sensing Sea Ice Sedimentary Geology Solar Physics Tectonics Volcanology

LIFE SCIENCES

Artificial Intelligence Biochemistry Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Biophysics Cell Biology Computationally Intensive Research Developmental Biology Ecology Environmental Biology Evolutionary Biology Genetics Genomics Microbial Biology Neurosciences Organismal Biology Other (specify) Physiology Proteomics Quantum Information Science Structural Biology Systematics and Biodiversity Systems and Molecular Biology

MATERIALS RESEARCH

Artificial Intelligence Biomaterials Ceramics Chemistry of Materials Computationally Intensive Research Electronic Materials Materials Theory Metallic Materials Other (specify) Photonic Materials Physics of Materials Polymers Quantum Information Science

MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

Algebra, Number Theory, and Combinatorics Analysis Applied Mathematics Artificial Intelligence Biostatistics Computational and Data-enabled Science Computational Mathematics Computational Statistics Computationally Intensive Research Geometric Analysis Logic or Foundations of Mathematics Mathematical Biology Other (specify) Probability Quantum Information Science Statistics Topology

PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY

Artificial Intelligence Astronomy and Astrophysics Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics Computationally Intensive Research Condensed Matter Physics Nuclear Physics Other (specify) Particle Physics Physics of Living Systems Plasma Physics Quantum Information Science Solid State Physics Theoretical Physics

Artificial Intelligence Cognitive Neuroscience Cognitive Psychology Comparative Psychology Computational Psychology Computationally Intensive Research Developmental Psychology Industrial/Organizational Psychology Neuropsychology Other (specify) Perception and Psychophysics Personality and Individual Differences Physiological Psychology Psycholinguistics Quantitative Psychology Quantum Information Science Social/Affective Neuroscience Social Psychology

Anthropology, other (specify) Archaeology Artificial Intelligence Biological Anthropology Communications Computationally Intensive Research Cultural Anthropology

Cybersecurity Decision Making and Risk Analysis Economics Geography History and Philosophy of Science International Relations Law and Social Science Linguistic Anthropology Linguistics Medical Anthropology Other (specify) Political Science Public Policy Quantum Information Science Science Policy Sociology Urban and Regional Planning

STEM EDUCATION AND LEARNING RESEARCH

Artificial Intelligence Computationally Intensive Research Engineering Education Mathematics Education Other (specify) Quantum Information Science Science Education Technology Education

National Science Foundation

Ph.D. Degree Requirements

Degree requirements:.

  • A minimum of 135 units 
  • Complete all required courses with a grade of B or better
  • Pass a Qualifying Exam
  • Publish a minimum of one first author publication in a peer-reviewed journal on the topic of the dissertation
  • Pass the University Oral Exam (thesis defense)
  • Submit a Written Dissertation that is approved by the thesis committee

Please review the doctoral degree requirements in the  Stanford Bulletin . 

For additional information about minimum residency requirements for PhD students, please see the  Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures Handbook, Section 3.2 . 

Ph.D Program Overview and Degree Timeline

The Neurosciences Program teaches students how to approach and solve research problems by developing skills in modern methods of neuroscience research, the ability to appraise the scientific literature and make scientific judgements, to be self-confident and skillful in communicating research results and ultimately to function as independent creative neuroscientists. Students work closely with faculty, postdoctoral fellows and other students to achieve these goals.

  • Stanford Immersive Neuroscience: Incoming students attend the two-week Stanford Immersive Neuroscience course in early September. Comprised of lectures and labs, students learn a host of techniques in cellular and moledular aspects of neuroscience while getting to know and work with their classmates. 
  • Lab Rotations: Students complete at least 3 laboratory rotations to gain hands-on experience in a variety of approaches and methods, get to know faculty members and their laboratory groups, and gain information about the research area for their thesis.
  • Neuroscience Core Modules: These eight 3-week modules cover genetics, anatomy, development, molecular, cellular, cognitive, computational, and systems neuroscience.
  • NEPR 212: Responsible Conduct of Neuroscience
  • NEPR 209: Introduction to Mathematical Tools for Neuroscience
  • NEPR 280: Neuroscience Journal Club and Professional Development Series
  • BIOS 217: Foundations of Statistics and Reproducible Research
  • Meet the Faculty: The program hosts weekly talks with faculty as an introduction to research in program labs and explore options for rotations and thesis work. 
  • Fellowship Applications: Students may apply for extramural fellowships and grants for which they are eligible (e.g., NSF GRFP, HHMI)
  • Thesis Lab Selection: Students join a thesis lab at the end of the first year.
  • Individual Development Plan (IDP)   Meeting : After joining a lab, students meet with their mentor to complete the  Individual Development Plan (IDP) , a roadmap to complete their degree and pursue their chosen career path.
  • Courses to meet the Advanced Topic and Statistics requirement
  • Initiate Thesis Project: After settling into the thesis lab, the second year is spent developing a thesis project that will be proposed as part of the Qualifying Exam.
  • Fellowship Applications: Eligible students will apply for the NSF GRFP and other fellowships as applicable. 
  • Qualifying Examination: The Qualifying Exam is taken by the end of the second year in the program.
  • After successful completion of the Qualifying Exam, students will apply for Doctoral Candidacy and form their thesis committee . 
  • Annual Individual Development Plan (IDP)  - Students will complete the IDP with their thesis advisor annualy by August 31. 
  • Program Service: In the second year, students take on leadership roles in the program by serving as student representatives for admissions, curriculum, community activities, student speaker events, and the program retreat. Students may also begin doing work as Teaching Assistants at Stanford. 
  • Thesis Research: After passing the qualifying exam and advancing to doctoral candidacy, students will focus on their thesis research. 
  • Fellowship Applications: Eligible students will apply for the NIH NRSA by December of the third year and should also apply for other fellowships for which they are eligible.
  • Thesis Committee Meeting: Students will meet with their Thesis Committee at least once in the 3rd and 4th year to ensure progress towards successful completion thesis research.
  • Individual Development Plan (IDP) - Students will complete the IDP with their thesis advisor annually. 
  • Thesis Research:  Thesis research continues
  • Thesis Committee Meeting:  Students will meet with their Thesis Committee at least once in the 4th year to ensure progress towards successful completion thesis research. They should also map out a plan for submitting the required first author manuscript and discuss this with their committee. 
  • Individual Development Plan (IDP)  -  Students will complete the IDP with their thesis advisor annually. 
  • Thesis Committee Meetings:  Starting in the fifth year these meetings happen more frequently to ensure progress to complete the research project and final degree requirements - first author publication, thesis defense, and written dissertation. 
  • Thesis Defense - Students give a defense of their dissertation/thesis paper; this is a public seminar presenting their research findings that is followed by an Oral Examination conducted by their thesis committee. 
  • First Author Publication - Students publish a first-authored manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal. 
  • Written Dissertation - A written dissertation of their graduate research is the final requirement to complete the Ph.D. degree.
  • The Ph.D. program typically takes approximately five years to complete.

IMAGES

  1. PhD Program in Neuroscience

    md phd neuroscience programs

  2. Neuroscience Formal Seminar

    md phd neuroscience programs

  3. 10 Best Neuroscience PhD Programs Globally 2024

    md phd neuroscience programs

  4. The 2024 Safadi Lecture: Karl Deisseroth, MD, PhD

    md phd neuroscience programs

  5. Neuroscience Faculty Candidate Seminar

    md phd neuroscience programs

  6. Doing a PhD in Neuroscience

    md phd neuroscience programs

VIDEO

  1. Out-of body experiences, consciousness, and cognitive neuroprosthetics: Olaf Blanke at TEDxCHUV

  2. cancer, med school, and PhD program update

  3. Neuroscience Programs at Tufts Medical Center

  4. This is Your Brain on True Crime

  5. Application Webinar: Neuroscience MS Program

  6. Thesis Writing

COMMENTS

  1. M.D./Ph.D. Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience

    About the Program The M.D./Ph.D. Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience requires students to complete 19 credits in core neuroscience courses, compared to the 34 credits required for Ph.D. students. The remaining credits will be absorbed from medical coursework. The requirement for 11 electives and the following courses are waived for M.D./Ph.D. students: NSCI 5008: Organization of […]

  2. Home

    The Stanford Neurosciences Interdepartmental Program (IDP) offers interdisciplinary training leading to a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. The primary goal of the program is to train students to become leaders in neuroscience research, education and outreach. Graduates of the program will be innovators, investigators, and teachers whose programs and ...

  3. Program Description

    The program is supported in part by an ongoing training grant, and applications from interested students in the research line will be considered. Students who are interested in pursuing an MD/PhD may apply to the Neuroscience PhD Program, the Biophysics PhD Program, or one of the other programs within the Biosciences. For more general ...

  4. Neuroscience

    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.

  5. Admissions

    Community. 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.

  6. Apply

    Apply. The Program in Neuroscience (PiN) is a full-time lab-based PhD program comprising a core curriculum that encompasses the interrelated disciplines of neuroscience, elective requirements in computational neuroscience and neuroanatomy, and training across multiple research areas and techniques through first-year lab rotations and ...

  7. Neuroscience Graduate Program

    Our graduate program is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion with comprehensive opportunities to get involved and commit to making lasting change. The Neuroscience Graduate Program's ultimate goal is to prepare the future leaders in the field of neuroscience by providing the training and expertise necessary to succeed in any ...

  8. Harvard PhD Program in Neuroscience

    PhD Program in Neuroscience (PiN) Olumide Fagboyegun (G4, PiN) and Ella Perrault (G3, PiN) were among the 50 graduate students in science and their advisers who were named to the 2024 cohort of the Gilliam Fellows Program by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute on July 9. These student-adviser pairs are recognized for their outstanding research as well as their commitments to advancing equity ...

  9. Ph.D. in Neuroscience

    The first year of the graduate program begins with the Neuro Boot Camp in August. All newly admitted Neuroscience graduate students are required to attend a 2-week course intended to ensure that new recruits have a basic understanding of molecular biology, as well as the core skills required to use mathematical and computational approaches to analyze neural systems and neural data.

  10. Curriculum

    MD-PhD students are exempt from the MATLAB/Python bootcamp requirement; if they choose to complete the bootcamp, they are still required to complete an additional 4 credits of elective coursework. PiN strongly encourages MD-PhD students in the Pathways curriculum to take the quarter course NB315qc: Human Neuroanatomy and Neuropathology as one ...

  11. MD/PhD Program

    The Neuroscience GIDP participates in the University of Arizona's MD/PhD Program, designed to train physician scientists skilled in both experimental and clinical thinking.Entry begins with application through AMCAS to the UA College of Medicine MD/PhD Program. Students in this dual-degree program first complete their basic medical science courses, taking Step 1 of the National Board exams ...

  12. Neuroscience, Doctoral/PhD

    The Graduate Program in Neuroscience trains outstanding graduate students to earn a PhD degree in Neuroscience. We are an interdisciplinary program spanning several Departments in the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, and Nursing. ... Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 706-3100. Twitter; YouTube; Instagram; Facebook;

  13. Medical Neuroscience

    Medical Neuroscience — MD/PhD. Students in the Indiana University School of Medicine Medical Science Training Program (MD/PhD) can pursue a PhD through the Medical Neuroscience Graduate Program offered by Stark Neurosciences Research Institute. The Medical Science Training Program (MSTP) provides training for both the MD and PhD degrees in an ...

  14. Neuroscience

    Neuroscience Seminar. 1.0 cr. MST 601. MD-PhD Seminar. 1.0 cr/sem. Preliminary exam in neuroscience. Appropriate course in research ethics (e.g. RPG 504 or other appropriate to meet F30 fellowship requirements) At least one elective course (2.0+ credit hour) - course/s to be agreed on by mentor and program director. Neuroscience Program.

  15. MD-PhD Degree Programs by State

    Combined MD-PhD degree programs provide students the opportunity to earn both the MD and the PhD in areas pertinent to medicine. Below is a list of schools offering a combined MD-PhD degree, with links to their web sites. Please contact the institutions directly for curriculum information and admission requirements.

  16. Neuro at JAX

    The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Boston, MA, and The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) in Bar Harbor, ME, collaboratively offer Neurogenetics (Neuro at JAX) within the Neuroscience PhD Program.JAX is a premiere, non-profit institution for mammalian genetics and genomics research, focused on the study of health, disease, and treatment.

  17. Program Overview

    Program Overview and Milestones. The Neurosciences Program teaches students how to approach and solve research problems by developing skills in modern methods of neuroscience research, the ability to appraise the scientific literature and make scientific judgements, to be self-confident and skillful in communicating research results and ...

  18. Graduate Study

    Housing more than 80 faculty members with expertise across molecular, physiological, cellular, systems, cognitive, behavioral and disease-related neuroscience, the Institute for Neuroscience. graduate program fosters a dynamic and collaborative environment that drives cutting-edge research and training.

  19. Ph.D. Program in Educational Neuroscience (PEN)

    Advanced doctoral students in Gallaudet University's PhD Program in Educational Neuroscience (PEN) have studied the empirical foundations and methods from which the discipline draws its strength, in particular, Cognitive Neuroscience. Advanced doctoral students have also gained new knowledge into the optimal ways to marry scientific discoveries ...

  20. Shinn-Yi Chou, MD, PhD

    Shaligram D, Chou S, Chandra R, Song S, Chan V (2021). Addressing discrimination against Asian American and Pacific Islander youth the mental health providers role, J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 26;S0890-8567(21)02030-X. doi: 10.1016/j.jaac.2021.11.021.

  21. MD-PhD students

    PiN MD-PhD students are first admitted to the Harvard/MIT MD-PhD program and apply to PiN during their second medical school (M2) year. MD-PhD students typically complete their lab rotations during their M2 year and declare a thesis lab when they transition to the PhD. Course requirements. In addition to the required PiN core courses (G1: NB ...

  22. Master's in Neuroscience

    Study With One of the Nation's Top Neuroscience Masters Programs. Loyola University Chicago's Master's in Neuroscience was recently recognized as one of the nations top graduate programs by Best Value Schools, ranking #9 of the "Best 15 Masters in Neuroscience Programs 2024". Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding of neural systems ...

  23. Human Development, Ph.D.

    The highly ranked Human Development, Ph.D. program focuses on preparing students for research careers in educational psychology and developmental science. Emphasizing the importance of understanding human development across the lifespan, it addresses critical issues such as cognitive and emotional growth, social relationships and educational practices.

  24. Kabardino Balkarian State University Russia 2024-25: Fees ...

    Kabardino Balkarian State University Russia is a comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs in various fields. The University is Approved by the National Medical Commission of India and the World Health Organization. ... KBSU Russia is famous for its undergraduate medical programs if you ...

  25. NSF 24-591: NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)

    Joint or combined professional degree-science programs (e.g., MD/PhD or JD/PhD) and dual professional degree-science programs are also not eligible. Individuals enrolled in a graduate degree program while on a leave of absence from a professional degree program or professional degree-graduate degree joint program are not eligible.

  26. Kabardino-Balkarian State University

    Kabardino-Balkarian State University was formed in 1957 in Nalchik on the basis of Pedagogical college. On 50th anniversary Kabardino-Balkarian State University received the Certificate of Merit and a Medal from State Duma for its outstanding services and achievements. In 2008, the Kabardino-Balkarian State University was enlisted in 100 best ...

  27. About

    The signature feature of the Stanford Neurosciences Program is the combination of outstanding faculty researchers and exceedingly bright, energetic students in a community that shares a firm and longstanding commitment to understanding the nervous system at all its levels of function. Since 1962, the philosophy of the the interdepartmental PhD ...

  28. Degree Requirements

    Ph.D Program Overview and Degree Timeline The Neurosciences Program teaches students how to approach and solve research problems by developing skills in modern methods of neuroscience research, the ability to appraise the scientific literature and make scientific judgements, to be self-confident and skillful in communicating research results and ultimately to function as independent creative ...

  29. About University

    Kabardino-Balkaria State University formed in 1957 in Nalchik on the basis of Pedagogical college. On 50th anniversary Kabardino-Balkaria State University received Certificate of Merit and Medal from State Duma for its outstanding services and achievements. In 2008, the Kabardino-Balkaria State University enlisted in 100 best universities in ...

  30. Kabardino-Balkarian State University Faculty of Medicine

    Currently, Kabardino-Balkaria State University holds the 11th place among classical universities in the Russian Federation. The students are offered to improve their knowledge in huge scientific library with study hall. There are 67 departments at the University. The Faculty of General Medicine consists of 17 departments.