online neuroscience degree phd

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The field of neuroscience deals with the biology, anatomy, physiology and chemistry of the brain and its relationship to the functions of the human body. Neuroscientists study all aspects of the brain and its functions, and perform research to discover new information about the brain and its systems, including treatment of brain diseases.

Some neuroscientists are medical doctors who work in the field of patient research and treatment, while others are traditional research scientists who only work with patients in an auxiliary capacity, and spend their time focusing on laboratory experiments and data.

A neuroscience PhD does not provide a medical degree; those who wish to work as neurosurgeons or pathologists also pursue a separate medical degree. Neuroscientists with a PhD normally limit themselves to theoretical work, although they may participate in treatments and operations for research purposes.

What Do You Need?

A degree in neuroscience requires students to be proficient in sciences, especially life sciences. Neuroscientists must study all aspects of the body to see how physical systems interact with the brain, and must have a good foundational understanding of medicine and how treatments affect the neurosystems of the body.

A candidate for a neuroscience degree will also need good skills in math, and should possess good critical thinking skills. Neuroscientists will also need a certain amount of interpersonal skills if they are to work with subjects or patients.

Neuroscience is divided into several subcategories depending on which aspect of this science a student is pursuing. Most programs require students to be proficient in more than one area, although specialization at the PhD level is common. Neuroscience generally focuses on the structure and function of the brain itself, such as in the fields of biochemistry and anatomy; the applied sciences related to the treatment of the brain, such as pharmacology and medical imaging; and the theoretical research about the function of the brain in humans, such as learning and memory.

Neuroscience PhD Programs

There are over 340 schools in the United States which offer some form of neuroscience PhD programs, whether online, offline, or hybrid. Not all schools offer specializations in all fields, and some fields require very specialized training and equipment. Prospective students should research the specific programs available at the school of their choice to ensure that the school offers the sub-area in which they are interested.

This type of graduate program is heavily reliant on laboratory work; therefore, most programs will be limited in the amount of online classes offered, although traditional classes may supplement curriculum by online study and demonstration.

Below are a few representative schools which offer both online and offline versions of the neuroscience PhD.

University of Greenwich

The University of Greenwich offers a PhD in Consciousness Studies, a field related to neuroscience. This program can be completed completely online, and is useful in the fields of nursing, chiropractic, and social work. Practitioners of alternative medicine disciplines may also wish to expand their knowledge by pursuing this field. Many research opportunities are available all over the world with holistic medical practices.

University of Greenwich, Taylors Road, Norfolk Island, South Pacific, 2899. www.cms.gre.ac.uk .

Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt offers an Interdisciplinary Graduate Program (IGP) in the biological sciences leading to a PhD in neuroscience. The Vanderbilt Brain Institute is a state-of-the-art facility offering extensive research opportunities for students, and is a leading facility for research of the brain.

Vanderbilt offers two tracks for neuroscience graduates: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, and Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience. Most classes will be held on campus in a laboratory setting, although some of the content classes may be available online or through hybrid venues. This research university offers financial aid for potential candidates and is set in a large-city environment with access to several research hospitals.

Vanderbilt University, 702 Light Hall, 1161 21st Avenue SE, Nashville, TN 37232. 615-322-7001. bret.mc.vanderbilt.edu .

University of Virginia

UVA offers degrees in several biomedical fields, including neuroscience. Research specialties include Behavior Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience, Developmental Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, and Neurophysiology.

While the first two semestersí classes may be offered in online or hybrid formats, the remaining classes will likely be hands-on laboratory research classes. Financial aid must be arranged through outside agencies. The setting for the college is a smaller town, but research opportunities at major hospitals are located a short distance away in both the Washington Metro and Baltimore areas and other cities in Virginia.

University of Virginia, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programs, P.O. Box 800738, Charlottesville, VA 22908. 434-924-2181. www.medicine.virginia.edu .

Texas A&M University

The graduate program at Texas A&M offers PhD degrees in Biochemistry & Structural Biology (BSB), Systems & Integrative Biology (CIB), Cell & Molecular Biology (CMB), Microbial & Molecular Pathogenesis (MMP), Neurosciences (NS), and Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics (PET). Students in these programs can also choose an interdisciplinary research project jointly with students in other areas.

While online classes are not common, some curriculum may be offered in at least a hybrid format. Financial aid must be obtained through outside sources, but the small campus and intimate setting provide a great deal of one-on-one training and mentoring during the program. Research opportunities abound outside of College Station at major Texas research hospitals.

Texas A&M University Science Health Center, College of Medicine, Medical Science Interdisciplinary Program, 110 Reynolds Medical Building, College Station, TX 77843. 979-845-0370. medicine.tamhsc.edu .

University of Alabama at Birmingham

For students wishing to focus on the function of vision in neuroscience, the University of Alabama offers a specific PhD in vision-related fields of neuroscience through their School of Optometry. This program uses interdisciplinary research to focus on applied and theoretical research related to vision. Financial aid is offered, and opportunities for practical, hands-on research are numerous.

University of Alabama at Birmingham. UAB School of Optometry, 1530 3rd Avenue SO, WORB 601A, 924 South 18th Street, Birmingham, AL 35294. 205-934-8227. www.uab.edu .

Wake Forest University

Wake Forest offers joint degrees of PhD/MBA in the field of neuroscience. The program is structured around applied research and offers research opportunities in several related biology and neuroscience fields. Located in the ìresearch triangleî of North Carolina, research laboratories are numerous and students can craft a program which meets their specific research needs. Financial aid is not available through the school but research grants and other monies may be secured through outside sources.

Wake Forest University, Biomedical Science, Bowman Gray Campus, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157. 336-716-9437. graduate.wfu.edu .

Washington State University

Washington State University offers a campus-based program leading to a PhD in Neuroscience in the field of veterinary medicine. A heavily research-based program, the PhD degree typically takes from four to five years to complete. Few online classes are offered. Financial aid packages are available, and the small-town setting and small classes offer more personal attention than larger universities. Research opportunities are available at regional animal hospitals and medical centers, as well as through government veterinary agencies.

Washington State University, P.O. Box 646520, 110 McCoy Hall, Pullman, WA 99164-6520. 509-335-7675. www.vetmed.wsu.edu .

Cornell University

Cornell offers a PhD in neuropharmacology, the science of using drugs to treat brain disorders and improve brain functions. Located in New York City, this research university offers many opportunities for practical application and research at area hospitals and research facilities. Financial aid is not available through the school, although private scholarships and funds may be available.

Cornell University. 1300 York Avenue, Box 70, New York, NY 10065. 212-746-6250. www.cornell.edu .

Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech offers a PhD degree in Applied Physiology, which focuses on motor functions and treatment of motor diseases. This program is campus-based and offers opportunities for cooperation with other disciplinary areas.

Financial aid is not offered through the school for this program, although research grants and other forms of financial assistance can be applied for through outside agencies. Located in downtown Atlanta, research opportunities for this program abound at area research facilities, hospitals, and joint efforts with other schools.

Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Applied Physiology. 281 Ferst Drive, Weber 113, Atlanta, GA 30332-0356. 404-894-1029. www.ap.gatech.edu .

Loyola University Chicago

Loyola offers a PhD in Neurobiology, the study of the structure and function of the brain. This campus-based program also includes study in Cell Biology and Anatomy. The degree is geared toward a career in research of neuroscience topics in pure science, although some applied topics may also be available.

Financial aid is not available through the school, but the small setting allows research candidates to receive personal attention for their topics. Research opportunities are available at regional hospitals.

Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 First Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153. 708-216-3603. www.stritch.luc.edu .

Northwestern University

Northwesternís Interdisciplinary Biological Science department, IBiS, covers over 70 areas of biological science, allowing students to choose from a multitude of possible theoretical and applied research topics. Classes are campus-based and lead to a PhD in neuroscience with concentrations in specific fields chosen by candidates based on research preferences. With an average price per year of $50,000, IBiS provides $27,000 per year in stipends, health insurance through the University, and tuition remission. Other financial aid is available from various sources.

Northwestern University. 2-100 Hogan Hall, 2153 North Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208-3500. 847-467-0451. www.ibis.northwestern.edu .

Roehampton University

Roehampton offers a course in Clinical Neuroscience with focus on recent medical advances in this field. Students may choose theoretical or applied programs with research in functions of neuroscience. Financial aid is available from various sources for both British and international students. Research opportunities with London hospitals are also available.

Roehampton University, Downshire House, Roehampton Lane, London, England, SW15 4HT. 011+44-20-8392-3192. www.roehampton.ac.uk .

Job Outlook for Neuroscience PhDs

According to www.bls.gov , the outlook for jobs in all medical science fields remains strong. Medical scientists with dual degrees in science and medicine, such as a PhD in neuroscience and an MD, will experience the most opportunity for job growth, although all medical science jobs are expected to grow at a much faster than average rate in the next ten years as healthcare needs continue to increase.

As the federal government has experienced an increase in healthcare funding, more research grants are being made available, providing more jobs for these scientists. Students with both medical and theoretical degrees have a competitive edge in securing funding from both public and private grants, and have greater opportunities to work in a hands-on environment to conduct research. Medical scientists of all types are less likely to lose their jobs during recessionary times than other fields.

Top Ranked Doctoral Programs

Search for other great programs, 9 responses to “neuroscience programs”.

Hello. Your listing regarding a Drexel University Online PhD program in neuroscience is incorrect. Please note that Drexel University Online does not offer a PhD in this specialty. Julia Hardy Richardson Marketing Manager Drexel University Online

I am looking for an online school that offers a neuroscience bachelors degree. Either that or a bachelors in Psychology with an emphasis in neuroscience. Something like that. Please help!

Although educational offerings are growing, it may be difficult to find a bachelor level degree in neuroscience. It is not really until the graduate level that begin to specialize like that. Your best bet is either psychology with biological electives or vice versa.

i have done M.Sc. in zoology (3 years bachelor +2 years masters) can i apply for phd. program in neuroscience.can i obtain a scholarship for the same :i am not financially sound are there any means i can do phd. with a job ? what is actually neuroscience.

can anyone after reading neuroscience practice medicine. can anyone after doing 4 years bachelors in pharmacy; medical lab technology(BMLT) ;BPH(public health) ;speech pathology(BASLP) apply for phd. in neuroscience. After phd. in neuroscience what can we become ? a medical doctor or a professor. can anyone with a bachelor in science(bsc) apply for phd. in neuroscience.

Can anyone tell me if the U of Greenwich is legitimate? I have tried to look for the website and such on the net and have not found anything that offers credibility to the university. The program on consciousness sounds so interesting…but. thanks.

I am looking for an online PhD in a field related to neuroscience. I contacted the University of Greenwich UK to ask about the PhD in consciousness studies and they said that they do not offer any such degree. Any help please?

I am looking for an online university that offers neuroscience PHD degree.

I am looking for an online university that offers PHD in computational neuroscience. any help?

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Neuroscience Ph.D. Program

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

Program Overview

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

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

Bruce Carter

Director of Graduate Studies in Neuroscience

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

• 615-936-3041
• 625 Light Hall

View profile

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

Individualized Attention

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

Career Outlook

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

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

Areas of Concentration

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

Cognitive & Systems

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

Cellular & Molecular

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

Cellular & Molecular Application Tip

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

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

Grants and Awards

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

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

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

Training in Fundamental Neuroscience T32 Grant

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

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

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

Rebecca A. Ihrie

Associate Professor, Cell & Developmental Biology and Neurological Surgery

• 615-936-2951
• B2317 Medical Center North

View Profile

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

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.

Neuroscience

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

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

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

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

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

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

Personal Statement

Standardized tests.

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

See list of Neuroscience faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

Neuroscience, PHD

On this page:, at a glance: program details.

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Neuroscience

Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. Studies in neuroscience can be multifaceted and combine physiology, anatomy, molecular biology, developmental biology, cytology, computer science and mathematical modeling to understand the fundamental and emergent properties of the many different cells in the brain and how they interact and coregulate each other.

Students integrate several levels of analysis --- molecular, cellular, systems, behavioral and cognitive --- to investigate basic, translational and clinical questions about the relationship between the brain and behavior.

The PhD program in neuroscience includes aspects of graduate-level training from many different units on campus as well as from the program's partner institutions distributed across the greater Phoenix area. Partner institutions include Barrow Neurological Institute, Translational Genomics Research Institute, University of Arizona College of Medicine and Sun Health Research Institute.

Interdisciplinary Partners

The program’s interdisciplinary faculty consists of people from various schools and departments at ASU, and from outside organizations. Therefore, some faculty members are not physically located on any of the ASU campuses.

• Barrow Neurological Institute
• College of Medicine-Phoenix, Dept. of Basic Medical Sciences
• Translational Genomics Research Institute

Program Faculty   PhD Students

Courses and electives, school of biological and health systems engineering.

• BME 521 Neural Basis of Motor Control (3)
• BME 532 Prosthetic and Rehabilitation Engineering (3)
• BME 561 Clinical Neuroscience (3)
• BME 568 Neural Plasticity and Neurorehabilitation (3)

School of Life Sciences

• BIO 451/551: Cell Biotechnology Laboratory (4)
• BIO 465/598: Neurophysiology (3)
• BIO 515: Science, Technology and Public Affairs (3)
• NEU/BIO 598: Neural Development (3)
• MCB 555: Advanced Molecular and Cellular Biology (3)
• BIO 543: Molecular Genetics and Genomics (3)
• NEU 598: Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Aging Brain (3)
• NEU 598: Genetics and Genomics of Behavior (3)
• NEU 591: Biotechnology Viruses as Tools (3)
• NEU 591: Data Analysis and Visualization in R (3)
• BIO 514: Statistical Models for Biology (4)

School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences

• APM 530: Mathematical Cell Physiology (3)
• APM 531: Mathematical Neuroscience I (3)
• APM 532: Mathematical Neuroscience II (3)
• APM 598: Introduction to Deep Neural Networks (3)
• APM 494/598: Data Analysis in Neuroscience (3)

Department of Psychology

• PSY 591: Neuroanatomy (4)
• PSY 528: Sensation and Perception (3)
• PSY 591: Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (3)
• PSY 591: Neuropsychopharmacology (3)
• PSY/NEU 598: Visual Cognitive Neuroscience (3)
• PSY 591: Neuroscience of Attention (3)
• PSY 591: Behavioral Neuroscience of Women's Health (3)
• PSY 591: Advanced Neurobiology of Cognition (3)
• NEU 591: Neurobiology of Social Behavior (3)
• NEU 598: Brain and Emotion (3)

College of Health Solutions - Speech and Hearing Sciences

• SHS 513 Neurophysiology of the Auditory System (3)
• SHS 519 Auditory Pathologies and Disorders (3)
• SHS 545 Speech Perception by the Hearing Impaired (2)
• SHS 567: Neural Bases of Communication Disorders (3)
• SHS 575: Aphasia and Related Neurogenic Language Disorders (3)
• SHS 576: Neuromotor Speech Disorders (3)
• SHS 598: Health Neuroscience (3)

Neuroscience PhD Student Highlights

Joanna Winstone

Congratulations to Joanna Winstone, the Velazquez lab, and TGen collaborators for their recent publication! 

https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-science/2022/08/29/az-researchers-want-to-know-if-glyphosate-exposure-impacts-brain/10303589002/

Samantha Harker

Congratulations for recently becoming one of 25 students in the US that were awarded the Quad Fellowship! (Left-to-right: Dr. Candace Lewis (co-mentor), Samantha Harker, and Dr. Blair Braden (co-mentor))

Link: https://news.asu.edu/20221209-global-engagement-2-asu-students-receive-prestigious-quad-fellowships

Samantha Scott

Congratulations for publishing your recent research in Dr. Neisewander’s laboratory examining the utility of a serotonin 1B receptor agonist, CP94253, in a model of psychostimulant use disorders!

Link: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1020146

Application and admission information

How to apply.

Applications open September 1 for admission in Fall of the following year. The application deadline is December 1 . We accept applications for Fall semesters only. We cannot guarantee that applications received after the December 1 deadline will be considered for admission.

All applicants must apply by filling out ASU's Graduate Admissions application. All application materials must be submitted through the application or to Graduate Admissions directly. Please do not mail or email any documents to the School of Life Sciences. 

Required materials and information include the following:

• 1-2 page personal statement
• An up to date CV or resume
• The names of relevant SOLS faculty you have been in touch with who you might be interested in being supervised by
• Unofficial transcripts and English proficiency test scores (if applicable)
• The names and emails of at least 3 recommenders to write you letters of recommendation

Application review process and timeline

Following the December 1 deadline, faculty will begin reviewing applications. Applicants should monitor their My ASU priority tasks to ensure there are no missing materials in their application.

Faculty will decide which applicants they would like to invite to our Graduate Recruitment Weekends (GRWs), typically held in February. Applicants will hear from the School of Life Sciences in January if they are invited to participate in the GRWs.

Admission decisions will begin after the GRWs, and applicants typically receive final decisions by April 1.

Requirements

Minimum requirements for admission include the following:

• Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• There are other ways to demonstrate English proficiency beyond the tests, so please refer to ASU's English proficiency webpage to review how you might satisfy requirements

Desired qualifications typically seen in competitive candidates:

• Research experience and a letter of recommendation from a faculty research supervisor
• English proficiency scores that meet these teaching assistant language proficiency requirements

Please note that the GRE is not required.

Students offered admission to a PhD program in the School of Life Sciences will typically receive a funding offer as well. While individual funding offers may differ to some degree, they typically include teaching assistant and/or research assistant positions each semester (summer optional) for 5 years. These positions provide financial coverage through the following:

• A standard salary stipend paid biweekly
• Tuition remission covering enrollment in 6-18 credit hours for fall and spring semesters and 1-14 credit hours for summer semesters
• Health insurance coverage

To discover more, check out the ASU Graduate College's funding opportunities !

Degree Requirements

Curriculum plan options.

• 84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (8 credit hours) BIO 610 Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research in Life Sciences (1) NEU 556 Human Systems Neuroscience (4) NEU 576 Advanced Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (3)

Electives or Research (58 credit hours)

Other Requirements (6 credit hours) NEU 558 Neuroscience Journal Club (3) NEU 591 Seminar (3)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) NEU 799 Dissertation (12)

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Regular admission may be granted to applicants who have achieved the minimum cumulative GPA requirement or better in the last two years of work leading to a bachelor's degree and who are competitive in the applicant pool as evidenced by letters of recommendation. Particular attention is paid to research experience and overall preparation in problem-solving abilities as evidenced by previous coursework and research experiences.

There are no specific undergraduate course requirements other than those implied by the degree requirements described above. Most students are expected to have had coursework in biology, chemistry and math.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• academic record form
• personal statement
• curriculum vitae or resume
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Research experience is a desired qualification.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, learning outcomes.

• Effectively communicate neuroscientific concepts, both orally and in writing.
• Execute an independent research plan of their own design that tests hypotheses related to neuroscience.
• Apply core neuroscientific concepts to address fundamental questions regarding nervous system function and associated pathologies.

Career Opportunities

A doctorate in neuroscience provides strong preparation for academic careers at every level, from community colleges to research universities. Graduates also apply the skills and knowledge obtained in this program in government careers in federal and state agencies, in industry (biotech, medical or pharmaceutical), as well as in nongovernmental organizations.

Career examples include:

• health care scientists in academic, private and industrial labs
• principal investigators in government labs and nonprofit organizations
• professors or instructors in universities and colleges
• science teachers in elementary and high schools

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-1768

Brain and Cognitive Sciences PhD Program

Graduate students in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences are among the sharpest, most innovative brain scientists to be found anywhere. In a given year the department admits 5 to 10 percent of applicants, and our PhD program is consistently ranked among the best in the world. Students work hard to get here, and they are highly valued in the BCS community.

Innovative:  Our students often take on riskier projects and pilot studies that probe the edges of our technical and scientific knowledge. They can move among projects more easily, and their successes lay the foundation for not only their careers but the future directions of their mentors’ labs.

Collaborative:  Our students bring bold, fresh thinking to the department, and exploring these potentially transformative ideas often means reaching across boundaries of lab, center, and department to build new collaborations. Graduate students help BCS mesh with the rest of MIT.

Supportive: Graduate students are the most frequent mentors of undergraduate students in UROPs , actively guiding and developing those who will become the next generation of top-tier graduate students. BCS graduate students also are helping make sure the department is a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable community.

Overview of the Program

Graduate students in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences work with an advisor and advisory committee to pursue an innovative and rigorous program of original research. Students should aim to complete their PhD in five to six years.  

• Students take three to four of their required six courses
• Students complete required Responsible Conduct in Science training.
• Students complete a minimum of three lab rotations by March 31.
• Students select a thesis advisor by April 30.    
• Students complete the remaining two to three of their academic course requirements by the end of the Spring Term.
• Students complete teaching assistant training and their first teaching (TA) requirement.
• Students form their qualifying exam advisory committee, have their first committee meeting, and turn in the completed committee meeting form to BCS HQ by the end of the Spring Term.   
• Students complete the second teaching (TA) requirement.
• Students complete the written and oral qualifying exam in October or November.  
• Students form a thesis committee, submit a written thesis proposal to their committee, orally present their proposal to the thesis committee, and receive committee approval, before the end of the Spring Term.
• Students must meet with their thesis committee once per year.
• Students take the final steps to completing the PhD oral examination (also known as the thesis defense) and submission of the approved written dissertation.

For detailed information on courses, rotations, and other program requirements, see Program Details .

Neuroscience, PhD

School of medicine.

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

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

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

Financial Aid

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

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

Admission Requirements

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

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

NOTE: The Neuroscience Program DOES NOT require GRE scores. 

Program Requirements

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

Seminar Program

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

Requirements for the PhD Degree

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

Training Facilities

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

Combined M.D./Ph.D. Program

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

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PHD, Neuroscience

UGA’s Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Graduate Program trains doctoral students using novel, multidisciplinary approaches to study the brain and behavior preparing them to address major neurologic and neurodegenerative diseases of the 21st century.

Degree Type: Doctoral

Degree Program Code: PHD_NEUR_BT

Degree Program Summary:

The Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Ph.D. Program at the University of Georgia (UGA) was approved by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents in 2005 and instituted in 2006. The Neuroscience Program was established in conjunction with the Biomedical and Health Science Institute (BHSI), and the BHSI serves as its administrative home. The purpose of the BHSI is to facilitate and promote interdisciplinary research and instructional efforts at UGA in the fields of biomedical and health sciences. The BHSI is comprised of three divisions: Neuroscience, One Health, and Basic and Translational Biomedical Sciences. The Neuroscience Ph.D. Program at UGA involves more than 30 faculty representing 14 departments. The Program awards doctoral degrees in Neuroscience. The Neuroscience Ph.D. Program provides graduate students with the broad academic background, technical expertise, clinical exposure, and scientific scholarship necessary to continue their careers in neuroscience research. A major goal of this research is to provide society with the basic information about nervous system function that is critical for developing treatments for neurological and behavioral disorders. Scientific study of the nervous system is thus essential for overall health and well-being. Damage or disorders in this system may result in severe impairment to the patient and costs billions of dollars to diagnose and treat each year. Examples of brain disorders that exact a devastating toll on the nation’s health include traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, stroke, depression, schizophrenia, and drug abuse, to name but a few. Furthermore, as biomedical research progresses, it has become increasingly clear that the nervous system is critically involved in all diseases, not just behavioral and neurological disorders. Brain function influences the onset and progression of illnesses ranging from infectious disease to cancer to diabetes. Behavior, which is the manifestation of brain functions, is probably the most important factor in determining disease onset. Examples of behaviors directly influencing health include exercise, diet, smoking, and illicit drug use. Understanding how the brain regulates these behaviors may yield the most important information about how to prevent major diseases.

Degree Awarded: PhD

Degree Code: PHD_NEUR

The goals of the BHSI are to: offer a number of broadly based, interdisciplinary graduate degrees which will facilitate the recruitment of graduate students in the areas of interest to the BHSI; provide a “seamless” application and administration process for interdisciplinary grant applications; serve as a focal point at UGA for future biomedical and/or health science related initiatives both on campus and with outside partners establish a prominent public profile for UGA biomedical and health sciences research; enhance UGA public service and outreach in the biomedical and health fields.

Based on the range of current activity, existing strengths, and opportunities for expansion, the Institute is structured with three program areas, each led by a Divisional Chair: the Division of Basic and Translational Biomedical Sciences – Chair, Kojo Mesa Wilmot, Ph.D.; the Division of Neuroscience – Chair, Phil Holmes, Ph.D; the Division of One Health – Chair, Susan Sanchez, Ph.D.

Admissions to the graduate program in Neuroscience will follow the guidelines of the University of Georgia Graduate School. However, competitive candidates will score at least 1000 combined verbal and quantitative on the GRE and have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Given the biological and molecular nature of neuroscience, it is also recommended that students have a background in upper division biology, as well as chemistry, biochemistry and/or cell biology.

Multiple departments participate in the Neuroscience Ph.D. program at the University of Georgia. This interdisciplinary nature of neuroscience requires study across a range of topics. Thus, students will be interacting with faculty in multiple departments.

Departments with faculty represented in the Neuroscience Ph.D. program include:

• Animal and Dairy Science
• Biological and Agricultural Engineering
• Cellular Biology
• Communication Sciences and Special Education
• Educational Psychology and Instructional Technology
• Foods and Nutrition
• Kinesiology
• Physiology and Pharmacology
• Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences
• Small Animal Medicine

The Ph.D. program in Neuroscience at the University of Georgia has three areas of content focus. These include the following:

• Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology
• Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging
• Systems Neuroscience

Locations Offered:

Athens (Main Campus)

College / School:

Biomedical and Translational Sciences Institute

Department:

Neuroscience

Graduate Coordinator(s):

Jesse Schank

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Behavior, Cognition, and Neuroscience

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Study the Brain and the Mind

The PhD in Behavior, Cognition, and Neuroscience (BCaN) is a multidisciplinary, interdepartmental program that applies biological and psychological principles to behavior and cognition . In this program, you will gain academic expertise through laboratory experience and core coursework while broadening your knowledge and research skills through electives and special seminars.

We apply a flexible approach to your education, providing a broad-based curriculum, specialized research training , and quality teaching opportunities. Our doctoral students concentrate on one of the traditional areas of behavior, cognition, or neuroscience or combine portions of these areas for individually tailored regimens specifically suited to their interests.

Our faculty members are active scientists with fully equipped laboratories who provide individual mentorship throughout the program. You will receive in-depth, apprenticeship-style training, working closely with faculty. Our complete program of classes, research, teaching practica, and grantsmanship training will prepare you for an academic teaching position and to perform independent and funded research in behavioral neuroscience.

This program is designated as a STEM degree program.

Rigorous, Research-Centered Education

The BCaN PhD is a rigorous and uniquely flexible 54-credit hour program. Focusing on one of the traditional areas of behavior, cognition, or neuroscience or combining elements of these areas, you will develop an individualized course of study to pursue your academic and research interests.

You will build a solid foundation in biology and psychology through required and elective coursework and take advantage of faculty expertise by engaging in special topic seminars. In the course of your in-depth laboratory research training, you will perform original experiments under the guidance of a faculty member. With this apprenticeship-style training, your master’s thesis, and your dissertation research, you will engage in research every semester . This combination of an advanced scientific education and extensive hands-on experience will prepare you for your research career .

Students who enter the program without an MA in psychology will complete one over the course of the doctoral program. Students are admitted for full-time study only. See complete Admissions & Course Requirements .

Active Scientists Dedicated to Your Success

BCaN is a multidisciplinary research program , and our faculty works in diverse areas of specialization. The faculty includes distinguished experts from our psychology, biology, chemistry, health studies, computer science, and physics departments. The small program size allows you to work closely with our dedicated faculty. Rather than rotating through different laboratories, you will work with a single mentor throughout the program. With this one-on-one mentorship , you will develop the laboratory and professional skills necessary to succeed in your field of interest.

Study and Work in the Neuroscience Research Hub

Boasting a number of private and public research institutions, the capital area is a national hub for neuroscience research . AU’s strategic position in DC and our affiliations with prestigious area institutions such as the National Institutes of Health, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and Georgetown Medical School provide countless resources and opportunities for collaboration.

The world’s largest neuroscience conference, the Society for Neuroscience meeting, is held in DC once every three years, providing AU students with the unique opportunity to attend lectures by leading experts, present their own findings , and network with researchers from around the world.

Your Path to a Successful Career

Our graduates typically take post-doctoral positions in clinics or laboratories. There, they utilize their skills and training to pioneer exciting new research in their fields of expertise. Those with a passion for teaching find plenty of opportunities to share their insights with students of every level.

Though our graduates work around the world, some choose to stay in the nation’s capital. The DC area offers career paths in research and science policy , at federal agencies, or at area institutions such as the National Science Foundation, American Association for the Advancement of Science, or the MITRE Corporation. No matter the path they take, students leave the program with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

About the Program

The Neuroscience PhD Program at UC Berkeley is a unique, diverse PhD training program that offers intensive, integrated training in multiple areas of neuroscience research.

The program includes approximately 65 training faculty from different campus departments, with expertise ranging from molecular and cellular neuroscience to systems and computational neuroscience to human cognitive neuroscience.

We provide a highly interdisciplinary, intellectually dynamic training environment of coursework, research training, professional development, and mentoring, within a strong research program that produces fundamental advances in knowledge and novel techniques.

Visit Department Website

Admission to the University

Applying for graduate admission.

Thank you for considering UC Berkeley for graduate study! UC Berkeley offers more than 120 graduate programs representing the breadth and depth of interdisciplinary scholarship. The Graduate Division hosts a complete list of graduate academic programs, departments, degrees offered, and application deadlines can be found on the Graduate Division website.

Prospective students must submit an online application to be considered for admission, in addition to any supplemental materials specific to the program for which they are applying. The online application and steps to take to apply can be found on the Graduate Division website .

Admission Requirements

The minimum graduate admission requirements are:

A bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution;

A satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale; and

Enough undergraduate training to do graduate work in your chosen field.

For a list of requirements to complete your graduate application, please see the Graduate Division’s Admissions Requirements page . It is also important to check with the program or department of interest, as they may have additional requirements specific to their program of study and degree. Department contact information can be found here .

Where to apply?

Visit the Berkeley Graduate Division application page .

Admission to the Program

Applicants to the program should have a bachelor's degree from a four-year college and at least one year of laboratory experience. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is optional. For more information on our program requirements go to:  https://neuroscience.berkeley.edu/grad/admissions .

Doctoral Degree Requirements

Normative time requirements, normative time to advancement.

Normative time to advancement is 2 years.

Step I: Lab Rotations and Presentations, First Year Classes

During the first year of graduate study, each neuroscience graduate student spends three 10-week periods performing research projects in different faculty laboratories. Rotations allow students to identify the laboratory in which their thesis research will be performed. The goal is also to expose students to different techniques and approaches in neuroscience and to provide training in experimental design, critical analysis of data, and presentation of research findings. Rotation research is graded and receives academic credit. This is accomplished by enrolling in NEU 291A/B, a year-long course, during the rotation year. Also during the first-year students take NEU 210A/B Methods & Career Skills Classes which  introduce a broad range of modern neuroscience research methods in didactic lectures and provide advising in initial career skills.  NEU  210A (Fall) includes a survey of cutting-edge research methods, advising on how to choose a thesis mentor, training in scientific rigor and reproducibility, and an introduction to the use and misuse of statistics in neuroscience research. NEU  210B (Spring) includes in-depth training on how to give a top-notch scientific talk, advising on how to write effective research papers, and on scientific project management. Additional classes taken during the first year in the program include: at least 2 Foundational Requirement courses, NEU 294 our "Brain Lunch" seminar (more on these below), as well as MCELLBI 293C " Responsible Conduct in Research". MCELLBI 293C is taken during the spring of their first year  to ensure that research trainees receive ample training in Responsible Conduct in Research, and to gain an understanding of federal, state, and UC Berkeley policies and resources available to further support their research endeavors.

Step II: Second Year Classes, QUALIFYING EXAM

Students in the second year of study have been placed in a thesis lab and begin enrolling in NEU 292 Neuroscience Graduate Research and NEU 295 Neuroscience Research Review under their research mentor each semester. They additionally  complete their  Foundational Requirement courses and enroll in NEU 294 our "Brain Lunch" seminar (more on these below) . In the Fall of their second year, students begin their professional development in teaching Neuroscience courses which includes enrolling in a one semester 300-level pedagogy course (more on teaching below). 

During the spring semester of Year 2, students complete an oral qualifying exam.  The examination has three parts: Research Proposal, Related Research Areas, and Foundational Questions in Neuroscience. The research proposal is in the form of a written, NIH-style grant proposal, which is turned in to the committee, and then defended orally. Related Research Areas are identified cooperatively by the student and his/her committee prior to the exam, and are chosen to be complementary to the main research proposal subject. These areas are examined orally. The Foundational Questions in Neuroscience are designed to test broad knowledge in Neuroscience. These are a published list of questions, the same for all students, that are available upon entry to the program. These questions are designed to test basic common knowledge of neuroscience facts and principles, and a subset of them are examined orally during the qualifying exam. During the exam, students must demonstrate the ability to recognize fundamentally important research problems, propose relevant experimental approaches, and display comprehensive knowledge of appropriate disciplinary areas and related subjects.  Students must pass the qualifying examination before advancing to doctoral candidacy.

Normative Time in Candidacy

Normative time in candidacy is 3 years. 

Step III: Dissertation

Students undertake research for the PhD dissertation under a four-person committee in charge of their research and dissertation. Students do original research using a wide variety of cutting-edge neuroscience methods. During this time, students must meet at least annually with their thesis committee to discuss dissertation progress, review experimental results, set goals, and ensure students are adhering to appropriate timelines to completion. The students then write a dissertation based on the results of their research. 

During their time in candidacy, students continue to enroll in NEU 292 Neuroscience Graduate Research and NEU 295 Neuroscience Research Review under their research mentor each semester and complete any remaining course requirements.

STEP IV: Dissertation Presentation/Formal Exit Seminar

There is no formal defense of the completed dissertation. However, Neuroscience students are required to publicly present a thesis seminar about their dissertation research in their final year.  On completion of the research and approval of the dissertation by the committee, the students are awarded the doctorate.

Total Normative Time

Total normative time is 5 years.

Pedagogy, Rotations, Ethics, & Seminar Courses 

Students must take all of the following courses. Pedagogy, Rotations, and Ethics courses are taken in year 1. Brain Lunch Seminar is taken in Years 1, 2, and 4.

Graduate Research and Research Review

Beginning in the second year after placement in a faculty research lab, students enroll in the following two courses under their research mentor each semester until they graduate.

Foundational courses: One Graduate Course in Each category

Students can either take one graduate-level course from each category, or three graduate level courses from two areas, plus a selected advanced undergraduate course from a third area. Graduate level courses are numbered 200 and above. Advanced undergraduate courses are numbered 100-199. They are taken in years 1–2.  Courses offered will vary depending on the semester.  The courses below are samples of courses that fulfill the area requirements.

1. Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience

2. Circuits, Systems, and Computational Neuroscience 

3. Cognition, Brain, and  Behavior 

One course on statistical analysis or quantitative methods

Students must complete a 1-semester course in Applied Statistics in Neuroscience, or an equivalent approved course in statistics or quantitative analysis methods. This can be completed at any time prior to the semester of graduation, but is typically taken in years one-three. Students with prior appropriate coursework or whose thesis research uses substantial quantitative methods can use that prior experience to fulfill this requirement, subject to approval by the Head Graduate Adviser.

One Graduate Elective Course

Students must take one additional elective course. This can be either a graduate-level seminar or graduate-level lecture course, and can be 1 unit or more. This is typically taken in years three-four. You may also select a foundation course as an elective. Consult your thesis adviser and thesis committee to select the most appropriate course for you .

Required Professional Development

Presentations.

During their fourth year of study, students are required to make a presentation on the progress of their thesis work while enrolling in NEU 294 (Neuroscience Graduate Student Presentation Seminar, also known as "Brain Lunch"), a journal club, for a letter grade.

Neuroscience students are required to serve as graduate student instructors (GSIs) within the Neuroscience department for two semesters. Whenever possible, GSI assignments are determined with an eye toward student research interests. Teaching occurs during one semester of the second year and one semester of the third year. Teaching affords students supervised experience in a variety of educational situations, including labs, discussion sections, and demonstrations. GSIs also participate in record-keeping, grading, advising, and student consultations.

To help prepare students to GSI, students participate in a one day teaching conference and take an online teaching ethics course prior to teaching their first course. In addition, students enroll in a one semester pedagogy course to provide them with an orientation to the teaching strategies and methods of their discipline and to support them throughout their first semester of teaching.  GSIs are evaluated by both supervising faculty and the students they teach. These evaluations become a permanent part of the student file. Deserving GSIs are nominated for the Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award.

NEU 210A Neuroscience Research Design and Analysis 1 Unit

Terms offered: Fall 2024 Professional core competency training for graduate students involved in neuroscience research at Berkeley. Includes survey of modern research methods, and professional skills including principles of experimental design and data reproducibility. Neuroscience Research Design and Analysis: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in the Neuroscience PhD program or consent of instructor

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 8 weeks - 1.5 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: One and one-half hours of lecture per week for 8 weeks.

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Neuroscience/Graduate

Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.

Instructors: Feldman, Neuroscience Graduate Advisors, Guest faculty speakers

Formerly known as: Neuroscience 290A

Neuroscience Research Design and Analysis: Read Less [-]

NEU 210B Neuroscience Career Skills 1 Unit

Terms offered: Not yet offered Professional core competency training for graduate students involved in neuroscience research at Berkeley. Includes training in giving scientific presentations, scientific writing, and project management. Neuroscience Career Skills: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1.5 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: One and one-half hours of student presentation and discussion meetings per week for 6 - 11 weeks depending on the number of students enrolled in the course.

Formerly known as: Neuroscience 290B

Neuroscience Career Skills: Read Less [-]

NEU C241 Proseminar: Cognition, Brain, and Behavior 3 Units

Terms offered: Not yet offered A survey of the field of biological psychology. Areas covered are (a) cognitive neuroscience; (b) biological bases of behavior; (c) sensation and perception (d) learning and memory, (e) thought and language. Proseminar: Cognition, Brain, and Behavior: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture per week.

Grading: Letter grade.

Formerly known as: Psychology 210A

Also listed as: PSYCH C210A

Proseminar: Cognition, Brain, and Behavior: Read Less [-]

NEU 242 Reinforcement Learning and Decision-making 3 Units

Terms offered: Not yet offered The focus of the course is on weekly readings of recent papers in Reinforcement Learning and Decision-Making. The instructors have created a topical list of recent papers published in leading journals. We selected the papers because they sounded important and/or interesting. We have not necessarily read them. This should help you to not only learn about the field, but also learn to spot and critique a bad paper. Typical topics that are covered include: dopamine and temporal difference learning, model-based learning, cognitive maps in the hippocampus and beyond, economic choice, and the role of replay. Reinforcement Learning and Decision-making: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: NEU 100B or equivalent undergraduate-level systems and cognitive neuroscience courses

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: Two hours of seminar per week.

Reinforcement Learning and Decision-making: Read Less [-]

NEU 250 Circuit and Systems Neuroscience 3 Units

Terms offered: Not yet offered This is a graduate-level course on current topics in circuit and systems neuroscience. Topics include sensory coding, neural circuit computations, plasticity and learning, hippocampal function, motor control, and circuits for innate behaviors. Circuit and Systems Neuroscience: Read More [+]

Formerly known as: Molecular and Cell Biology C262/Neuroscience C262

Circuit and Systems Neuroscience: Read Less [-]

NEU 260 Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024 This course covers molecular and cellular aspects of cellular excitability (including membrane potential, action potential generation, spike propagation, and ion channel structure and function), synaptic transmission and plasticity, and sensory systems. Primary reading material will be research papers. We will provide references to textbook chapters for background and review. This will be an interactive course in which you will be expected to be an active participa nt. Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: NEU 100A or equivalent undergraduate-level molecular and cellular neuroscience course

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for NEU 261 after completing MCELLBI C261 .

Formerly known as: Neuroscience 261

Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology: Read Less [-]

NEU C260 Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2013 This course covers molecular and cellular aspects of cellular excitability (including membrane potential, action potential generation, spike propagation, and ion channel structure and function), synaptic transmission and plasticity, and sensory systems. Primary reading material will be research papers. We will provide references to textbook chapters for background and review. This will be an interactive course in which you will be expected to be an active participant. Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology: Read More [+]

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for NEU C260 after completing MCELLBI 260, or MCELLBI C261 .

Formerly known as: Molecular and Cell Biology C260/Neuroscience C260

Also listed as: MCELLBI C260

NEU 271 Functional MRI Methods 2 Units

Terms offered: Not yet offered This graduate course will provide a complete introduction to the theoretical and practical skills needed to conduct human functional MRI experiments. Topics to be covered include: MRI physics, BOLD signals and functional imaging, data preprocessing, data analysis and interpretation. The course will consist of lectures, practical lab sessions, and group work. Some sessions will take place in the Henry J. Wheeler Brain Imaging Center, where students will learn how to conduct their own MRI experiments. Functional MRI Methods: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: The course is open to all graduate students who are potential or current users of fMRI, and to others working in fMRI labs (upon permission of the instructor)

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Two hours of lecture per week.

Functional MRI Methods: Read Less [-]

NEU C272 Modern Optical Microscopy for the Modern Biologist 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023 This course is intended for graduate students in the early stages of their thesis research who are contemplating using modern microscopy tools as part of their work. It endeavors to cut through the confusion of the wide array of new imaging methods, with a practical description of the pros and cons of each. In addition to providing an intuitive physical understanding how these microscopes work, the course will offer hands on experience with cutting-edge microscopes where students will be able to see firsthand how different imaging modalities perform on their own samples, and where they will be able to access computational tools for the visualization and analysis of their data. Modern Optical Microscopy for the Modern Biologist: Read More [+]

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for MCELLBI 205 after completing MCELLBI 205, or MCELLBI 205. A deficient grade in MCELLBI 205 may be removed by taking MCELLBI 205, or MCELLBI 205.

Instructors: Betzig, Ji

Formerly known as: Molecular and Cell Biology 205

Also listed as: MCELLBI C205/PHYSICS C218

Modern Optical Microscopy for the Modern Biologist: Read Less [-]

NEU 273 Applied Statistics for Neuroscience 2 Units

Terms offered: Not yet offered This intermediate-level statistics class is tailored for PhD students in neuroscience and related fields, emphasizing a collaborative learning approach. Led by a GSI with faculty oversight, students actively engage in discussions, presentations, and exercises. The course focuses on understanding statistical methods' applications, assumptions, and limitations in neuroscience research, as well as their implementation in Python. Covering traditional statistics and data modeling, students learn to analyze data and design experiments effectively. It's a dynamic format that requires students' active participation and commitment to reading and practical exercises. Applied Statistics for Neuroscience: Read More [+]

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: Three hours of seminar per week.

Applied Statistics for Neuroscience: Read Less [-]

NEU 290 Seminars 1 - 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024 Course that focuses on topical subjects in specific fields of neuroscience. Seminars: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-3 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: One to three hours of seminar per week.

Formerly known as: Neuroscience 299

Seminars: Read Less [-]

NEU 291A Neuroscience Introduction to Research 4 - 12 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024 Closely supervised, intensive laboratory experimental research under the direction of an individual faculty member. For first-year neuroscience graduate students, this course will provide an introduction to experimental methods and research approaches in the different areas of neuroscience. Course sequence includes 3 ten-week laboratory rotations spread out over the fall and spring semesters. Credit and grade to be awarded upon completion of the full sequence. Neuroscience Introduction to Research: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 12-36 hours of laboratory per week

Additional Format: Twelve to thirty six hours of laboratory per week.

Grading: Letter grade. This is part one of a year long series course. A provisional grade of IP (in progress) will be applied and later replaced with the final grade after completing part two of the series.

Formerly known as: Neuroscience 291A

Neuroscience Introduction to Research: Read Less [-]

NEU 291B Neuroscience Introduction to Research 4 - 12 Units

Terms offered: Not yet offered Closely supervised, intensive laboratory experimental research under the direction of an individual faculty member. For first-year neuroscience graduate students, this course will provide an introduction to experimental methods and research approaches in the different areas of neuroscience. Course sequence includes 3 ten-week laboratory rotations spread out over the fall and spring semesters. Credit and grade to be awarded upon completion of the full sequence . Neuroscience Introduction to Research: Read More [+]

Grading: Letter grade. This is part two of a year long series course. Upon completion, the final grade will be applied to both parts of the series.

Formerly known as: Neuroscience 291B

NEU 292 Neuroscience Graduate Research 3 - 12 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024 For graduate students in neuroscience in their second or later years. Individual research under faculty supervision. In this course each graduate student conducts basic thesis and dissertation research after successful completion of the first-year laboratory rotation, Neuroscience 291A-291B. Laboratory work provides the basis for students' thesis research, preparation for the preliminary examination, and continued progress toward completion of Ph.D. dissertation. Neuroscience Graduate Research: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in the Neuroscience PhD Program; advanced approval from instructor

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 9-36 hours of laboratory per week

Summer: 10 weeks - 13.5-54 hours of laboratory per week

Additional Format: Nine to thirty six hours of laboratory per week. Thirteen and one-half to fifty four hours of laboratory per week for 10 weeks.

Formerly known as: Neuroscience 292

Neuroscience Graduate Research: Read Less [-]

NEU 294 Neuroscience Graduate Student Presentation Seminar 1 Unit

Terms offered: Fall 2024 This course provides a holistic approach to graduate neuroscience education, with a focus on three key areas: 1) Improving research presentation skills: Fourth and fifth-year students present seminars on their dissertation research, emphasizing conceptual organization, data presentation, and summarization. 2) Exploring current neuroscience topics: Faculty speakers discuss advanced technical methods, analytical techniques, and preparing grant applications. 3) Seminar readiness: Students engage with seminar speakers during class sessions, reviewing articles authored by upcoming speakers and related publications. Neuroscience Graduate Student Presentation Seminar: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of seminar per week

Additional Format: One hour of seminar per week.

Formerly known as: Neuroscience 294

Neuroscience Graduate Student Presentation Seminar: Read Less [-]

NEU 295 Neuroscience Research Review 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024 For graduate students in neuroscience in their second or later years. Two hours of seminar per week which complements the individual laboratory work under faculty supervision. Seminar will review current scientific literature and discuss original research performed by faculty, postdoctoral fellows, scientists, and graduate students in individual faculty laboratories. Neuroscience Research Review: Read More [+]

Summer: 6 weeks - 5 hours of seminar per week 8 weeks - 3.5 hours of seminar per week 10 weeks - 3 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: Two hours of seminar per week. Three hours of seminar per week for 10 weeks. Three and one-half hours of seminar per week for 8 weeks. Five hours of seminar per week for 6 weeks.

Formerly known as: Neuroscience 293

Neuroscience Research Review: Read Less [-]

NEU 296 Neuroscience Colloquium 0.0 Units

Terms offered: Not yet offered Meetings for the presentation of original work by faculty, visiting lecturers, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students. Neuroscience Colloquium: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1.5 hours of colloquium per week

Additional Format: One and one-half hours of colloquium per week.

Neuroscience Colloquium: Read Less [-]

Contact Information

Department of neuroscience.

134 Barker Hall

[email protected]

Department Chair

Dan Feldman

130 Barker Hall

[email protected]

Program Director/Head Graduate Advisor

Frédéric Theunissen

[email protected]

Graduate Program Manager/Advisor

Leleña Avila

Graduate Program Coordinator/Advisor

Print options.

When you print this page, you are actually printing everything within the tabs on the page you are on: this may include all the Related Courses and Faculty, in addition to the Requirements or Overview. If you just want to print information on specific tabs, you're better off downloading a PDF of the page, opening it, and then selecting the pages you really want to print.

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

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.

Educational Neuroscience (Ph.D.)

Join a world leader in educational neuroscience and gain a better understanding of how the brain learns. Deepen knowledge about developmental, cognitive, and affective processes while contributing to the design of educational interventions and policies.

Quick links

• Admissions Checklist
• Request More Information
• Request Information

Program Overview

Housed within the Vanderbilt Neuroscience Graduate Program , our program offers an unparalleled platform from which students can become expert in neuroscience research methods ranging from single-cell recording in primates through to functional magnetic resonance imaging in children. World-class neuroimaging facilities at the Vanderbilt University Institute for Imaging Sciences (VUIIS) combine with an array of the world's leading neuroscientists, making Vanderbilt an international hub for cutting-edge neuroscience research.

Educational Neuroscience is distinguished from traditional cognitive neuroscience by its focus on research questions that have direct educational relevance. Ideal candidates will typically be learning sciences, psychology or neuroscience graduates and will have some form of research experience. Preference will be given to students whose research interests closely align with a specific primary advisor. Faculty advisors are neuroscience training faculty affiliated with the Vanderbilt Brain Institute with a stated emphasis in educational neuroscience.

Program Structure and Requirements

Program Facts

Program Director: James Booth Education Coordinator: Ally Jacobs Admission Term: Fall Credit Hours: 72 Application Deadline: December 1

Brain Development Lab

Education and Brain Sciences Lab

Numerical Brain Lab

Multisensory Lab

• Application Process

Neuroscience, MS

• Program description
• At a glance
• Degree requirements
• Admission requirements
• Tuition information
• Application deadlines
• Career opportunities
• Contact information

Biopsychology, Brain, Neurodegeneration, Neuroscience, approved for STEM-OPT extension, neurobiology

Recent breakthroughs have revolutionized our understanding of the biological basis of nervous system functions. Are you interested in learning more or in conducting innovative research in neuroscience? This program provides a foundation to help you start a career in a wide range of related fields.

The MS program in neuroscience provides advanced knowledge on fundamental neuroscientific concepts, the neurobiological substrates of behavior, and cutting-edge experimental techniques for studying brain function. An important underlying theme of the program is to understand the genetic, molecular, cellular and circuit-level changes associated with neurodegenerative diseases, altered brain development, and neuropsychiatric disorders.

In addition to mentored research opportunities with internationally recognized experts, students also have opportunities to explore recent primary literature and hone communication, presentation and professional skills.

GI Bill® benefits

This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/ .

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe

30 credit hours and a thesis

Required Core (5 or 6 credit hours) BIO 610 Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research in Life Sciences (1) NEU 556 Human Systems Neuroscience (4) or NEU 576 Advanced Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (3) NEU 558 Neuroscience Journal Club (1)

Other Requirement (1 credit hour) NEU 591 Seminar (1)

Research (9 credit hours) NEU 592 Research (9)

Electives (8 or 9 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) NEU 599 Thesis

Additional Curriculum Information Students choose either NEU 556 or NEU 576 as part of their core course requirements. Students who choose NEU 576 complete an additional credit hour of elective coursework in order to achieve the 30 credit hours required for the program. Students should contact the program advisor for a list of approved electives.

Students take NEU 599 in their last semester.

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in the life sciences, psychology, engineering or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants are required to submit:

• graduate admissions application and application fee
• official transcripts
• personal statement
• professional resume
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Admission Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency.

Applicants will need to provide three letters of recommendation from people who can speak to their academic experiences, qualifications and potential. Recommenders will receive an email with instructions but are able to submit their recommendation entirely online. Submission of a traditional hard-copy letter is not necessary.

In one- to two- single-spaced pages using Arial font, applicants should discuss their research interests and experience. Applicants should indicate what their goals are in obtaining a graduate degree; why the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University is suited to the pursuit of their degree; and list any publications, honors, awards or society memberships they have.

The Master of Science program in neuroscience prepares graduates for entry into advanced research or clinical training programs; technical positions in academia, industry and health care-related fields; or employment in sectors focused on education, consulting, law, pharmaceuticals and artificial intelligence.

Career examples include:

• clinical research assistant
• data analyst in neuroscience or artificial intelligence
• laboratory technician
• medical writer
• pharmaceutical sales representative
• public health position related to neurological disorders
• technologist in medical imaging or genetic counseling

School of Life Sciences | LSA 181 [email protected] 480-965-1768 Admission deadlines

Undergraduate Research in Neuroscience

Getting involved in research .

Doing research in a faculty laboratory is a way to experience the real process of science and the search for new knowledge.  Most Neuroscience labs have undergraduates as part of their research team.  Those students get to apply their classroom knowledge and problem-solving skills to help make discoveries.  Students usually work as part of teams supervised by PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, under the guidance of the faculty member.  Student research may involve hands-on experiments, working with human subjects, analyzing data, developing research tools, or working with computational models.  

How to find a research lab position

There are several ways to find a research position.  To start, talk to classmates, staff undergraduate advisers, and your graduate student instructors (GSIs).  Read about the research focus of faculty members on the Neuroscience Department faculty page , which gives links to individual lab research websites.   Think about what scientific questions or approaches you are interested in.  Then, either apply to a structured research program, or contact individual faculty to express your interest in their research and see if a position is available.

Structured research programs

University Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP)

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF)

Biology Scholars Program

Amgen Scholars Program

and more at the research.berkeley.edu website

Apply directly to a neuroscience faculty lab

This is the most common way that students find a research position in a neuroscience lab.  Here are tips on how to proceed:  Check out the Neuroscience Department faculty page , or the broader Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute faculty page , to determine which labs you are interested in.  Before contacting the professor, read the research description on their laboratory website, and review some of their recent publications.  (You are not expected to understand the articles completely, but if you understand the general questions and approach, you will be more convincing when you contact them.).  Then email the professor to express interest in their work and in joining their research team, and request an appointment.  It's a good idea to include your resume and unofficial transcript in the email.  

During your appointment, discuss what you find interesting about their work, tell them about your goals, and ask if they would be willing to accept you into their lab.  Remember, it can be competitive to get into a lab, so you should approach this with focus and professionalism like you would for a job search.

Non-Neuro and Off-Campus Research Opportunities

Neuroscience majors who want research experience don't have to limit themselves to NEU Department labs.  There are many positions available on campus in other departments, and off-campus.  You can apply either through the structured research programs, or by contacting individual faculty.  Other relevant departments at Berkeley include:

Anthropology

Bioengineering

School of Public Health

Off-campus, you can find many opportunities at UCSF , which includes laboratories at the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland.

Expectations for a lab research position

The specific expectations, including the number of hours per week and duration of commitment, vary from lab to lab.  It is common to spend 10-12 hours per week on your research project.  Many labs will ask for a 1-year commitment.  Student research can be for credit, or can be paid, or can be on a volunteer basis (see below).  This depends on the lab and their resources, and the type of project.  You will have a project supervisor within the lab who will train you on all the needed methods, and will supervise your work. You may also be required to complete training courses or certifications that are needed for your research.

Research credit and honors research

Students can obtain course credit for their independent lab research by enrolling in NEU 99/199 and NEU 191 courses

Outstanding seniors can also undertake the Neuroscience Honors program , in which students perform laboratory research in fall and spring of their final year, culminating in a research presentation and a formal honors thesis.  Honors students enroll in NEU 196A/196B for their honors research.  Students who are interested in pursuing honors are strongly encouraged to look for a research position in a lab during the first semester of their junior year.  Students typically perform a year of research in a lab before undertaking their honors research in that lab.

Gunther Stent Neuroscience Research Scholars Program

The Stent Neuroscience Research Scholars Program recognizes students who have a passion and strong talent for research, and provides financial support for them to conduct targeted research or scholarship in the laboratory of an established Neuroscience Department faculty member for one year.  The goal is to allow students who have shown strong initial success in research to be able to immerse themselves in a research experience with a leading faculty member.  

This research scholars program is named for Professor Gunther S. Stent, who was an early molecular biologist and visionary neuroscientist at UC Berkeley. 

The program provides financial support in the form of a research stipend ($7500 for the 2024-2025 academic year) to support an undergraduate research during their junior or senior year.  Students must have already identified a faculty mentor and demonstrated successful initial research in that faculty laboratory.  The award will recognize both the student and the faculty mentor.

Faculty mentors must apply on behalf of the faculty-student pair.  Students also fill out an information form.  Please see the Stent Neuroscience Research Scholars page  for more information.  The application deadline for AY2024-25 is Aug 23, 2024.  We anticipate funding two scholars for this year.  Interested students should contact their faculty mentor to apply.

Research Experience Pathways (REP) Program

The REP-Neuroscience Program (REP Neuro) is an inclusive undergraduate research program focused on connecting work-study eligible Berkeley undergrads with Berkeley neuroscience laboratories for research experience, career mentorship, and scientific training. 

REP is a year-long program.  Students apply to REP, and each accepted student is matched to a specific project in a faculty lab, and works with their graduate student mentor to learn the ins-and-outs of that research project. In the spring, each REP student participates in the REP spring colloquium to present a poster of their scientific work. During the year, students also join weekly seminars with their REP community -- learning alongside their peers about the field of neuroscience, the path to graduate school, and career opportunities that await them as neuroscientists. REP Neuro provides financial support for student research via payment to students based on work study. REP students must have minimal or no prior research experience, and must be work-study eligible. 

Applications are accepted each summer for the fall cohort.  The deadline for Fall 2024 was June 30, 2024.

For more details, see the  REP Neuro website  or email  [email protected]

Southern Illinois University

Graduate degree programs, on this page, degree programs, certificate programs.

/https://siu.edu/search-results.php

Last Updated: Aug 06, 2024, 03:59 PM

Are you ready to take your education and personal growth to the next level? Look no further than Southern Illinois University! We offer a wide range of options for those seeking post-baccalaureate certificates, online Master's programs, and residential Master's or Doctoral programs. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills in a specific field, advance your career, or delve into cutting-edge research, SIU has plenty of available options to suit your ambitions.

Accountancy - M.Acc.

Degrees offered:.

• M.Acc. in Accountancy
• Concurrent Degree Program: Law (J.D.) / M.Acc.
• See Business Administration for Ph.D. in Accounting

Areas of Interest: Auditing and Accounting Information Systems - M.Acc. Taxation - M.Acc. General - M.Acc.

On Campus - Yes Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - no test required Deadlines - None

Visit the Accountancy Program for Full Details

Agribusiness Economics - M.S.

• M.S. in Agribusiness Economics
• Concurrent Degree Program - M.B.A. / M.S.
• See Environmental Resources Policy for Ph.D.
• See Agricultural Sciences for Ph.D.

Areas of Interest: Agribusiness Economics - M.S. Agricultural Services - M.S. Concurrent Degree Program with Business Administration (COB) - M.S. / M.B.A.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - no test required Deadlines - None

Visit the Agribusiness Economics Program for Full Details

Agricultural Sciences - Ph.D.

• Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences

Areas of Interest: Agricultural Economics - Ph.D. Agricultural Systems and Education - Ph.D. Animal Science - Ph.D. Crop Science and Environmental Management - Ph.D. Food and Nutrition - Ph.D. Forestry - Ph.D. Horticulture - Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE Deadlines - None

Visit the Agricultural Sciences Program for Full Details

Animal Science - M.S.

• M.S. in Animal Science

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE Deadlines - Fall - March 1 Spring - September 2

Visit the Animal Science Program for Full Details

Anthropology - M.A., Ph.D.

• M.A. in Anthropology  (currently unavailable)
• Ph.D. in Anthropology  (currently unavailable)

Areas of Interest: Archaeology - M.A., Ph.D Physical / Biological - M.A., Ph.D. Sociocultural - M.A., Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - None Tests Required - GRE (600/250/100 TOEFL required for all internationals) Deadlines - None

Visit the Anthropology Program for Full Details

Architecture - M.Arch.

• On-Campus Degree Path starts in the Summer term – 15 month program
• Online Degree Path starts in the Fall term

Areas of Interest: General

On Campus - Yes Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - no test required Deadlines - February 1

Visit the Architecture Program for Full Details

Art and Design - M.F.A.

• M.F.A. in Art and Design

Areas of Interest: Ceramics - M.F.A Design - M.F.A Drawing - M.F.A Glass - M.F.A Metalsmithing/Blacksmithing - M.F.A Painting - M.F.A Printmaking - M.F.A Sculpture - M.F.A

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - no test required Deadlines - Fall - Feb 15 Applications accepted for Fall ONLY

Visit the Art and Design Program for Full Details

Aviation Management - M.S.

• M.S. in Aviation Management  – Online Program

On Campus - No Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - no test required Deadlines - None

Visit the Aviation Management Program for Full Details

Behavior Analysis and Therapy - M.S.

• M.S. in Behavior Analysis and Therapy (on-campus and 100% online options available)
• Ph.D. in Psychology available

Areas of Interest: Autism Child Abuse and Neglect Experimental Analysis of Behavior Behavioral Economics Applied Behavior Analysis Become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

On Campus - Yes Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE required for the Psychology – Behavioral Analysis and Therapy Specialization Ph.D. program Deadlines - Feb. 1, 2024 is last day to submit applications for Fall 2024 admission.

Visit the Behavior Analysis and Therapy Program for Full Details

Biological Sciences / MEDPREP - M.S.

• M.S. in Biological Sciences

Areas of Interest: MEDPREP - The concentration in MEDPREP / MS program is the only area of interest available through the Biological Sciences program. All other areas of the Biological Sciences program remain closed. If you have not applied to the MEDPREP program, you cannot apply for the Biological Sciences MS program.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - no test required Deadlines - May 1 - Accepting Applications for Summer ONLY

Visit the Biological Sciences Program for Full Details

Biomedical Engineering - M.S., M.E.

• M.S.in Biomedical Engineering
• M.E. in Biomedical Engineering

Areas of Interest: Bioinformatics Computational Medicine - M.S., M.E. Biomedical Imaging - M.S., M.E. Biomedical Instrumentation - M.S., M.E. Biomechanics and Biomaterials - M.S., M.E. Modeling and Simulation of Biomedical Processes - M.S., M.E.

On Campus - Yes Online - M.E. only Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE Deadlines - None

Visit the Biomedical Engineering Program for Full Details

Biomedical Science - M.S.

• M.S. in Biomedical Science

Visit the Biomedical Science Program for Full Details

Business Administration - M.B.A., Ph.D.

• M.B.A.: Master of Business Administration - Online Only
• Ph.D. in Business Administration

M.B.A. Concentrations: General Analytics for Managers

Ph.D. Areas of Interest: Finance Marketing Accounting Management

On Campus - Ph.D. only Online - M.B.A. only Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - Ph.D. - GMAT (preferred score 600) or GRE Deadlines - Ph.D. admissions in even numbered years for Fall entry term ONLY Online M.B.A. admissions annually for Summer entry term ONLY

Visit the Business Administration Program for Full Details

Business Analytics - M.S.

• M.S. in Business Analytics - Online Progam

Visit the Business Analytics Program for Full Details

Chemistry - M.S., Ph.D.

• M.S. in Chemistry
• Ph.D. in Chemistry

Areas of Interest: Analytical - M.S., Ph.D. Biochemistry - M.S., Ph.D. Inorganic - M.S., Ph.D. Materials - M.S., Ph.D. Organic - M.S., Ph.D. Physical - M.S., Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE General Exam Deadlines - Fall - February 1 Spring - August 1

Visit the Chemistry Program for Full Details

Civil and Environmental Engineering - M.S., M.E.

• M.S. in Civil Engineering
• M.E. in Civil Engineering
• See Engineering Science for Ph.D.

Areas of Interest: Environmental - M.S., M.E. Geotechnical - M.S., M.E. Hydraulic and Water Resources - M.S., M.E. Structural - M.S., M.E.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE for M.S. Only Deadlines - Fall - March 1 Spring - September 1 Summer - March 1

Visit the Civil and Environmental Engineering Program for Full Details

Communication Disorders and Sciences - M.S.

• M.S. in Communication Disorders and Sciences

Areas of Interest: Speech and Language Pathology - M.S.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE is optional Deadlines - Summer - February 1st Applications accepted for Summer Term only

Visit the Communication Disorders and Sciences Program for Full Details

Communication Studies - M.A., Ph.D.

• M.A. in Communication Studies
• Ph.D. in Communication Studies
• *Theater Applicants - For M.F.A. admission, apply to the Theater department. For Ph.D. level admission, apply to the Communication Studies Ph.D. program and note a specialization in Theater on the departmental application. ALL theater applicants (M.F.A. and Ph.D.) should contact Professor Jacob Juntunen in Theater (phone: 618-453-5747 or email:  [email protected] ) for information about the application process and procedures.

Areas of Interest: Intercultural Communication and Pedagogy - M.A., Ph.D. Gender, Sexuality and Communication - M.A., Ph.D. Performance Studies - M.A., Ph.D. Rhetoric and Society Theater - M.A. Theater-Playwriting - Ph.D. Theater-History and Criticism - Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE is optional. Students wishing to be considered for fellowships with the Graduate School should submit GRE scores. (600/250/100 TOEFL required for all international students) Deadlines - Fall - January 1 Applications accepted for Fall ONLY. Theater applicants can apply for any term.

Visit the Communication Studies Program for Full Details

Computer Science - M.S., Ph.D.

• M.S. in Computer Science
• Ph.D. in Computer Science

Areas of Interest: Artificial Intelligence, Soft computing and Multi-Agent Systems - M.S., Ph.D. Bioinformatics - M.S., Ph.D. Computer Graphics and Human Computer Interaction - M.S., Ph.D. Data Management - M.S., Ph.D. Distributed and Parallel Computing - M.S., Ph.D. Networks and Security - M.S., Ph.D. Pattern Recognition, Visualization and Multimedia Processing - M.S., Ph.D. Software Engineering - M.S., Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE for Ph.D. only Deadlines - Master's - Fall - February 15 Master's - Spring - September 15 Ph.D. - Fall - December 31

Visit the Computer Science Program for Full Details

Counseling and Rehabilitation Education - M.S.

• M.S. in Counseling and Rehabilitation Education

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - None Deadlines - Fall - 1st Friday in July Spring - 1st Friday in October Summer - 1st Friday in March

Visit the Counseling and Rehabilitation Education Program for Full Details

Creative Writing - M.F.A.

• M.F.A. in Creative Writing

Areas of Interest: Poetry - M.F.A. Fiction - M.F.A.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE recommended but not required Deadlines - Fall - February 1

Visit the Creative Writing Program for Full Details

Criminology and Criminal Justice - M.A., Ph.D.

• M.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Areas of Interest: Corrections - M.A., Ph.D. Crime Prevention - M.A., Ph.D. Juvenile Justice - M.A., Ph.D. Law and Society - M.A., Ph.D. Policing - M.A., Ph.D. Policy Analysis and Evaluation - M.A., Ph.D. Spatial Analysis of Crime - M.A., Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE (not required for admission to the MA program) Deadlines - None

Visit the Criminology and Criminal Justice Program for Full Details

Curriculum and Instruction - M.S.Ed., Ph.D.

• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
• M.S.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
• Ph.D. in Education : Curriculum and Instruction

Areas of Interest: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment - M.S.Ed., Ph.D. Human Development and Family Studies- Ph.D. Learning Systems Design Technology - M.S.Ed., Ph.D. Language, Literacies, and Culture - Ph.D. Mathematics Education - Ph.D. Science Education - Ph.D. Secondary Biology, Chemistry, English-Language Arts, History, and Mathematics - MAT Social Science Education - Ph.D. STEM Education - Ph.D. Teacher Leadership - Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE - Ph.D. ONLY Deadlines - MAT - Fall - April 15 M.S.Ed - Fall - July 1/Spring - October 15/Summer - April 1 Ph.D. - Fall - February 1/Spring - September 1/Summer - February1

Visit the Curriculum and Instruction Program for Full Details

Cybersecurity and Cyber Systems - M.S.

• M.S. in Cybersecurity and Cyber Systems
• Interdisciplinary program between the School of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering and the School of Computing

Areas of Interest: Cybersecurity Cyber Systems

On Campus - Yes Online - Coming Soon Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - no test required Deadlines - None

Visit the Cybersecurity and Cyber Systems Program for Full Details

Doctor of Medical Science - DMSc

• Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)

Areas of Interest: Doctorate Education for PAs

Application Criteria: PA degree from an ARC-PA accredited PA program Active or maintained NCCPA certification Curriculum vitae or résumé Personal Statement 1-3 letter(s) of recommendation

On Campus - No Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - NCCPA Board Certification Deadlines - Two cohort start options per year: Summer semester (May/June) and Spring semester (January) Deadline to apply is 8 weeks before each cohort start

Visit the Doctor of Medical Science Program for Full Details

Economics - M.A., M.S., Ph.D.

• M.A. in Economics
• M.S. in Economics
• Ph.D. in Economics

Areas of Interest: Economic Development - M.A., M.S., Ph.D. International Economics - M.A., M.S., Ph.D. Monetary Economics - M.A., M.S.

Visit the Economics Program for Full Details

Education - Ph.D.

Areas of Interest: Curriculum and Instruction Educational Administration Workforce Education and Development, currently transitioning to… Organizational Learning, Innovation, and Development

Visit the Education Program for Full Details

Educational Administration - M.S.Ed., Ed.D., Ph.D.

• M.S.Ed. in Educational Administration
• Ph.D. in Education: Educational Administration
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Administration

Areas of Interest: Educational Administration - M.S., Ph.D. Endorsement Program (requires M.S.Ed.)

Visit the Educational Administration Program for Full Details

Electrical and Computer Engineering - M.S., M.E., Ph.D.

• M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
• M.E. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Concurrent Degree Program - Law (J.D.) / M.S. in ECE

Areas of Interest: Bioinformatics and Biomedical Instrumentation - M.S., Ph.D. Computer Engineering and Embedded Systems - M.S., Ph.D. Electromagnetics and Optics/Photonics - M.S., Ph.D. Nano Electronics and Emerging Technologies - M.S., Ph.D. Networks - M.S., Ph.D. Power Systems and Control - M.S., Ph.D Security - M.S., Ph.D. Telecommunications and Signal Processing - M.S., Ph.D. VLSI and Design Automation - M.S., Ph.D JD/ECE Concurrent Degree Program - M.S.

On Campus - Yes Online - M.E. only Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE - Required for Ph.D and M.S. Deadlines - None

Visit the Electrical and Computer Engineering Program for Full Details

Engineering Science - Ph.D.

• Ph.D. in Engineering Science
• Ph.D. Coop Program Available with SIUE - See Department for Details

Areas of Interest: Civil and Environmental Engineering - Ph.D. Electrical and Computer Engineering - Ph.D. Industrial and Quality Engineering - Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering and Energy Processes - Ph.D.

Visit the Engineering Science Program for Full Details

English - M.A., Ph.D.

• M.A. in English
• Ph.D. in English

Areas of Interest: Literary Studies - M.A., Ph.D. Rhetoric and Composition - M.A., Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - no test required Deadlines - M.A. - January 1 Ph.D. - January 1

Visit the English Program for Full Details

Environmental Resources Policy - Ph.D.

• Ph.D. in Environmental Resources and Policy

Areas of Interest: Earth and Environmental Processes - Ph.D. Energy and Mineral Resources - Ph.D Environmental Policy and Administration - Ph.D. Forestry, Agricultural and Rural Land Resources - Ph.D. Geographic Information Systems and Environmental Modeling - Ph.D. Water Resources - Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE Deadlines - Fall Admission ONLY

Visit the Environmental Resources Policy Program for Full Details

Forestry - M.S.

• M.S. in Forestry

Areas of Interest: Forest Resource Management – M.S. Ecological Restoration – M.S. Fire Science – M.S. Recreation Ecology – M.S. Human Dimensions of Natural Resource Management – M.S. Wildlife Conservation and Management – M.S. Watershed Management – M.S. Hydrology and Soil Science – M.S.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE Deadlines - Fall - Second Saturday in July Spring - Last Saturday in November Summer - Last Saturday in March

Visit the Forestry Program for Full Details

Geography and Environmental Resources - M.S.

• M.S. Geography and Environmental Resources
• See Environmental Resources and Policy for Ph.D.

Areas of Interest: Agricultural Geography - M.S. Applied Cartography and Geographic Visualization - M.S. Climate and Water Resources - M.S. Climatology - M.S. Conservation - M.S. Environmental Sustainability - M.S. Geographic Information Science - M.S. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - M.S. Land Use - M.S. Natural Hazards - M.S. Natural Resource Management - M.S. Remote Sensing - M.S. Rural Geography - M.S.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE recommended but not required Deadlines - Fall Admission ONLY - February 1

Visit the Geography and Environmental Resources Program for Full Details

Geology - M.A., M.S.

• M.S.in Geology (Fall Admission ONLY)
• M.A. in Geology
• See Geosciences for Ph.D.

Areas of Interest: Active Tectonics - M.A., M.S. Applied Seismology and Potential-Field Geophysics - M.A., M.S. Coal and Energy Resource Geology - M.A., M.S. Environmental Geology - M.A., M.S. Environmental Geochemistry - M.A., M.S. Environmental Geophysics - M.A., M.S. Geomorphology - M.A., M.S. Hydrogeology - M.A., M.S. Low-Temperature Geochemistry - M.A., M.S. Ore Deposits and Economic Geology - M.A., M.S. Organic Geochemistry - M.A., M.S. Paleontology, Micropaleontology, and Paleoecology - M.A., M.S. Petrology - M.A., M.S. Pleistocene Geology - M.A., M.S. Sedimentation and Stratigraphy - M.A., M.S. Structural Geology - M.A., M.S.

Visit the Geology Program for Full Details

Geosciences - Ph.D.

• Ph.D. in Geosciences

Areas of Interest: Biogeochemistry - Ph.D. Earth Surface Processes - Ph.D. Energy and Mineral Resources - Ph.D. Geophysics and Tectonics - Ph.D. Paleobiology - Ph.D.

Visit the Geosciences Program for Full Details

Health Administration - M.H.A.

• Master of Health Administration

Areas of Interest: Health Administration

On Campus - Yes Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - All international applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by submitting an approved English Language Competency Test score with their application. These applicants must have one of the following minimum scores for consideration:

• 550 on the paper-based TOEFL
• 80 on the internet-based TOEFL
• 6.5 on the IELTS
• 105 on the Duolingo English Exam

This applies to all international applicants. No waivers or exemptions will be provided. Students must provide a copy of their scorecard, verifying test results, with their application to the MHA.

Given the accelerated nature of the MHA, the academic program does not agree to or approve late arrivals. Deadlines - None

Visit the Health Administration Program for Full Details

Health Informatics - M.H.I.

• Master of Health Informatics

Areas of Interest: Health Informatics

Visit the Health Informatics Program for Full Details

Higher Education - M.S.Ed.

• M.S.Ed. in Education
• Certificate in College Teaching

Areas of Interest: College Student Personnel (CSP) - M.S.Ed.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE or MAT Deadlines - None

Visit the Higher Education Program for Full Details

History - M.A., Ph.D.

• M.A. in History
• Ph.D. in Historical Studies

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE (no longer required), TOEFL required for all internationals Deadlines - Fall - January 15 Spring - November 1

Visit the History Program for Full Details

Human Sciences - M.S.

• M.S. Human Sciences

Areas of Interest: Exercise Science Nutrition and Dietetics Sport and Recreation Studies Interdisciplinary

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - no test required Deadlines - Fall - July 15 Spring - November 15 Summer - April 15

Visit the Human Sciences Program for Full Details

Linguistics - M.A.

• M.A. in Linguistics

Areas of Interest: Phonetics and phonology Morphology and syntax Sociolinguistics and applied linguistics

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - 90 on TOEFL (internet-based) or 7.0 on IELTS for international students who are not native speakers of English Deadlines - January 15 - to be considered for fellowships February 25 - to be considered in the first round of funding for teaching assistantships April 25 - to be considered in the final round of funding for teaching assistantships July 25 - to seek admission without funding

Visit the Linguistics Program for Full Details

Mass Communication and Media Arts - M.F.A., Ph.D.

• M.F.A. in Mass Communication and Media Arts
• Ph.D. in Mass Communication and Media Arts

Areas of Interest: Interdisciplinary Media Arts (film, photo, video, sonic, intermedia) - M.F.A. Mass Communication and Media Arts - Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE - Ph.D. ONLY, 100 TOEFL required for all internationals Deadlines - Fall - March 1

Mathematics - M.A., M.S., Ph.D.

• M.S. in Mathematics
• Ph.D. in Mathematics
• Certificate in Dual Credit Mathematics

Areas of Interest: Applied Math - M.S., Ph.D. Probability and Statistics - M.S., Ph.D. Pure Math - M.S., Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE recommended but not required Deadlines - Fall - January 31 Spring - October 1 Summer - January 15 *Late applications will be considered if there are openings for admission / assistantships

Visit the Mathematics Program for Full Details

Mechanical Engineering and Energy Processes - M.S.

• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Areas of Interest: Chemical Engineering - M.S. Energy and Fuels - M.S. Material Engineering - M.S. Material Science - M.S. Mechanical Systems - M.S. Thermal and Fluid Science - M.S.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE Deadlines - Fall - March 1 Spring - October 1 Summer - March 1

Visit the Mechanical Engineering Program for Full Details

Media Theory & Research - M.A.

• M.A. in Media Theory and Research

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE, 600/250/100 TOEFL required for all internationals Deadlines - Fall - February 1

Visit the Media Theory & Research Program for Full Details

Medical Dosimetry - M.S.

• M.S. in Medical Dosimetry

On Campus - No Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - no test required Deadlines - Fall Semester Admission Only January 1 for Track One applications and No Deadline for Track Two applications

Visit the Medical Dosimetry Program for Full Details

Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry - M.S., Ph.D.

• M.S. in Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry
• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry

Areas of Interest: Bacteriology - M.S., Ph.D. Biochemistry - M.S., Ph.D. Biophysics - M.S., Ph.D. Cancer Biology - M.S., Ph.D. Cell Biology - M.S., Ph.D. Developmental Biology - M.S., Ph.D. Genetics - M.S., Ph.D. Immunology - M.S., Ph.D. Microbial Physiology - M.S., Ph.D. Microbiology - M.S., Ph.D. Molecular Biology - M.S., Ph.D. Mycology - M.S., Ph.D. Public Health Laboratory Science - M.S., Ph.D. Structural Biology - M.S., Ph.D. Virology - M.S., Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE recommended but not required Deadlines - None

Visit the Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry Program for Full Details

Molecular, Cellular, and Systemic Physiology - M.S., Ph.D.

• M.S. in Molecular, Cellular and Systemic Physiology
• Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular and Systemic Physiology

Areas of Interest: Cancer Biology - M.S., Ph.D. Endocrinology - M.S., Ph.D. Metabolism - M.S., Ph.D. Neuroscience - M.S., Ph.D. Reproductive Biology - M.S., Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE Deadlines - January 31

Visit the Molecular, Cellular, and Systemic Physiology Program for Full Details

Music - M.M.

• M.M. in Music

Areas of Interest: Collaborative Piano - M.M. Music History and Literature - M.M. Music Education - M.M. Performance (Orchestral Instruments, Guitar, Piano, Vocal, Orchestral Conducting, Wind Conducting, Choral Conducting) - M.M. Music Theory and Composition - M.M.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - None Deadlines - February 15th (for priority consideration)

Visit the Music Program for Full Details

Occupational Therapy

• OTD in Occupational Therapy

Accreditation Status:

The entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, offered through the School of Health Sciences within the College of Health and Human Sciences, has been granted candidacy status for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its Web address is  www.acoteonline.org .

Consistent with ACOTE policy, the OTD program must have a pre-accreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted accreditation for students to be eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, (NBCOT) Certification Examination. After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. 

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE requirement waived for Fall 2022 and Fall 2023, will be required for Fall 2024. See admission criteria . Deadlines - Applications are now open

Visit the Occupational Therapy Program for Full Details

Organizational Learning, Innovation, and Development - M.S.Ed., Ph.D.

• M.S.Ed. in Organizational Learning, Innovation, and Development (online only)
• Ph.D. in Education : Workforce Education and Development

On Campus - Yes Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE required for Ph.D.

• Contact Program for details
• M.S.Ed. - Applications accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer
• Ph.D. - Applications accepted for Fall

Visit the Organizational Learning, Innovation, and Development Program for Full Details

Pharmacology & Neuroscience - M.S., Ph.D.

• M.S. in Pharmacology & Neuroscience
• Ph.D. in Pharmacology & Neuroscience

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required:

• GRE: Required for international applicants, optional but recommended for domestic applicants.
• English proficiency test (International students only - TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo accepted)

Deadlines - February 15 for Fall semester admission

Visit the Pharmacology & Neuroscience Program for Full Details

Philosophy - M.A., Ph.D.

• M.A. in Philosophy
• Ph.D. in Philosophy

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required:  GRE Deadlines - February 14

Visit the Philosophy Program for Full Details

Physician Assistant - M.S.P.A., D.M.Sc.

• M.S.P.A. in Physician Assistant Studies
• (For D.M.Sc. please see Doctor of Medical Science)

On Campus - Yes Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required:  None Deadlines :

• Summer Admission ONLY. Apply by November 1 (unless extended with notice).
• Complete and submit a PA program application at  https://caspa.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login
• Courses begin either during the last week of May or during the first week of June, depending upon the calendar year.

Visit the Physician Assistant Program for Full Details

Physics - M.S., Ph.D.

• M.S. in Physics
• Ph.D. in Applied Physics
• Experimental Physics : Magnetism, Magnetocaloric materials, Gas Adsorption, Nanomaterials, Transport properties, Energy Storage Materials, Novel Functional Nanostructures, Semiconductor Physics, Laser Spectroscopy, Optical Physics, Biomedical Optical and Laser Spectroscopy Research, Optical spectroscopy, Spintronics, Thin Film Heterostructures, Quantum materials - M.S., Ph.D
• Theoretical Physics: Soft Condensed Matter Theory, Quantum Computing, Quantum Error Correction, Quantum Information Theory, Computational Materials Physics - M.S., Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required: GRE required for Ph.D. only Deadlines :

• Fall semester: Jan 15th
• Spring semester: Oct 15th

Visit the Physics Program for Full Details

Plant Biology - M.S., Ph.D.

• M.S. in Plant Biology
• Ph.D. in Plant Biology

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required: 550/213/79-80 TOEFL required for all internationals Deadlines : None

Visit the Plant Biology Program for Full Details

Plant, Soil and Agricultural Systems - M.S.

• M.S. in Plant and Soil Science

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required: None Deadlines : None

Visit the Plant, Soil and Agricultural Systems Program for Full Details

Political Science - M.A., Ph.D.

• M.A. in Political Science
• Ph.D. in Political Science
• Expects Verbal and Quantitative scores sum to 300 or higher
• 600/250/100 TOEFL required for all internationals

Deadlines : Fall - January 15

Visit the Political Science Program for Full Details

Population Health - Ph.D.

• Ph.D. in Population Health - Fall admission only

On Campus - Yes Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : None Deadlines : April 1st

Visit the Population Health Program for Full Details

Professional Media & Media Management Studies - M.S.

• M.S. in Professional Media and Media Management Studies

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : 600/250/100 TOEFL required for all internationals Deadlines : Fall - February 1

Visit the Professional Media & Media Management Studies Program for Full Details

Psychology - M.A., M.S., Ph.D.

• Accelerated M.S. in Applied Psychology ( only current SIU undergraduate students can apply)
• Ph.D. in Psychology – Applied Psychology, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, and Clinical Psychology (Adult/Child)

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : GRE required for the Psychology – Behavioral Analysis and Therapy Specialization Ph.D. program Deadlines : 

• December 1st for Clinical Psychology is last day to submit applications for Fall 2024 admission
• February 1st for Applied Psychology and Brain and Cognitive Sciences is last day to submit applications for Fall 2024 admission

Visit the Psychology Program for Full Details

Public Administration - M.P.H.

• M.P.A. in Public Administration - Online only
• Concurrent Degree Program - Law (J.D.) / M.P.A.

On Campus - No Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : None Deadlines : N/A

Visit the Public Administration Program for Full Details

Public Health - M.P.H.

• M.P.H. in Public Health
• Concurrent Degree Program - Ph.D / M.P.H.
• Concurrent Degree Program - M.D. / M.P.H.

On Campus - No Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : None Deadlines : Summer - May 1 (Summer Admission Only)

Visit the Public Health Program for Full Details

Public Safety Administration - M.S.

• M.S. in Public Safety Administration

On Campus - Yes Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : None Deadlines : Fall - July 15 Spring - December 1 Summer - May 15

Visit the Public Safety Administration Program for Full Details

Quality Engineering and Management - M.S.

• M.S. in Quality Engineering and Management

On Campus - Yes Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : None Deadlines : Fall - April 1 Spring - October 1 Summer - February 1

Visit the Quality Engineering and Management Program for Full Details

Radiological Sciences - M.S.

• M.S. in Radiological Sciences

Visit the Radiological Sciences Program for Full Details

Social Work - M.S.W.

• M.S.W. in Social Work
• Concurrent Degree Program - Law (J.D.) / M.S.W..

On Campus - Yes Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : None

Visit the Social Work Program for Full Details

Sociology - M.A., Ph.D.

• M.A. in Sociology
• Ph.D. in Sociology

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : GRE Deadlines : January 1

Visit the Sociology Program for Full Details

Speech Communication - M.A., Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required :

• GRE - optional. Students wishing to be considered for fellowships with the Graduate School should submit GRE scores.
• 600/250/100 TOEFL or IELTS score of 7 required for all international students, unless from a country on the  exempt list

Deadlines : Fall - January 1 Applications accepted for Fall ONLY. Theater applicants can apply for any term.

Visit the Speech Communication Program for Full Details

Strategic Analytics - M.S.

Visit the Strategic Analytics Program for Full Details

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - M.A.

• M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : 90 on TOEFL (internet-based) or 7.0 on IELTS for international students who are not native speakers of English Deadlines : January 15 - to be considered for fellowships February 25 - to be considered in the first round of funding for teaching assistantships April 25 - to be considered in the final round of funding for teaching assistantships July 25 - to seek admission without funding

Visit the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Program for Full Details

Theater - M.F.A.

• M.F.A. in Theater
• Ph.D. - Visit Communication Studies for information

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : None Deadlines : N/A

Visit the Theater Program for Full Details

Workforce Education and Development - M.S.Ed., Ph.D.

On Campus - No Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : GRE required for Ph.D. Deadlines : M.S.Ed. - Applications accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer Ph.D. - Applications accepted for Fall Contact Program for details

Visit the Workforce Education and Development Program for Full Details

Zoology - M.S., P.S.M., Ph.D.

• P.S.M. in Zoology
• M.S. in Zoology
• Ph.D. in Zoology

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : GRE optional Deadlines : N/A

Visit the Zoology Program for Full Details

Discover how our specialized certificates will equip you with the skills and knowledge to stand out in your desired field. Unleash your potential and make a meaningful impact in today's competitive professional landscape.

Neuroscience Institute

Summer undergraduate research program in computational neuroscience.

Undergraduates interested in receiving research training in computational neuroscience are encouraged to apply to an NIH-sponsored summer program at the Neuroscience Institute in Pittsburgh, PA. The environment at Carnegie Mellon University has much to offer to students interested in computational approaches. We benefit from a partnership with the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, a joint interdisciplinary program of Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. Starting on May 27, 2024 and continuing through August 3, 2024, a select group of talented undergraduates will embark on a 10-week residential program that provides intensive, mentored research experiences in computational and theoretical neuroscience. Admitted students will receive a stipend of $4500, travel to/from Pittsburgh, PA,  and university dormitory housing.

The core of the program is the opportunity to carry out an individual mentored research project working closely with a faculty mentor. Other aspects of the scientific program include: faculty research talks, student presentations and discussion of articles from the scientific literature, presentations on career options and scientific ethics, and a concluding symposium in which students present their research.

This program is intended for students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. after graduation. Any undergraduate may apply, but we are especially interested in attracting students with strong quantitative backgrounds. Many of our trainees are from colleges and universities that do not have extensive research programs, but all must be United States citizens or permanent residents, must be enrolled at a 4-year accredited institution, and must be in their sophomore or junior year at the time of application.  We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students and we encourage applications from women, under-represented minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

The application for the Summer 2024 program is now available.

Application Receipt Deadline: February 15, 2024.

In addition to the online application, please email the following items to [email protected] :

• A brief (one page) essay about your interest and experience in neural computation
• Official transcript from the institution you are attending
• Two letters of reference from someone who knows you well professionally or academically (for example, a professor, teacher or your employer). NOTE: You should contact your recommenders and ask them to email letters directly to [email protected] .

Applications are due February 15, 2024.

Upnc research from previous summers.

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Moses V. Chao

New York University Langone Medical Center

Moses V. Chao PhD is Professor of Cell Biology, Neuroscience & Physiology and Psychiatry at the NYU Langone Medical Center. He received his BA degree from Pomona College and his PhD in biochemistry from UCLA. After postdoctoral research at Columbia University, his laboratory defined the genes encoding the NGF receptor and identified mechanisms used by trophic factors to change synaptic plasticity. Chao served as Senior Editor for the Journal of Neuroscience for eleven years and as a member of the Scientific Advisory Boards for the Simons Foundation, Target ALS, the Pershing Square Foundation, the Pritzker Foundation and the Weizmann Institute. Previously he served as an advisor for the Vollum Institute, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, the European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), the Danish Neuroscience Institute and the Max Planck Institute. He was the past Chair of the Glaucoma Research Foundation Advisory Board; the Christopher Reeve Foundation Review Committee; and the New York Spinal Cord Injury Research Board. Chao was elected President of the Society for Neuroscience in 2012. He is a Fellow of the AAAS and a recipient of a Zenith Award from the Alzheimer’s Association, an NIH Jacob Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship and the Julius Axelrod Prize.

Research Interests

Dr. Chao’s research is focused on how nerve growth factors affect neuronal and glial cell function. Neurotrophic factors, such as NGF and BDNF (Brain-derived neurotropic factor), are potent signaling molecules that were originally characterized for their ability to regulate neuronal growth, survival and differentiation during early development. However, in the adult, these trophic factors are involved in synaptic plasticity and neuropsychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, pain, injury and mood disorders. BDNF has also been directly linked to metabolic syndromes, such as obesity and hyperphagia. An unexplored area is how BDNF receptor signaling influences signaling from the periphery to the brain. Recently it has been realized that mature post-mitotic neurons can become independent of trophic factors for survival. The future aim is to understand how trophic factor independence is achieved, which may represent a key factor in neurodegenerative diseases, as well as longevity. A primary objective of the research is to identify biochemical steps in signaling used by trophic factors and other neuropeptides, such as oxytocin, to understand how specificity is encoded in cell-cell communication in the nervous system.

Membership Type

Election Year

Primary Section

Section 24: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Secondary Section

Section 22: Cellular and Developmental Biology

Bachelor’s Degree in Physics Online

Learn More About The Program

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Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physics

Become a professional problem-solver by earning a bachelor’s in physics from liberty university.

If you enjoy analyzing a situation, figuring out how machines work, or experimenting with new ideas, then a career in physics may be the right fit for you. Liberty University offers a 100% online Bachelor of Science in Physics that can help you meet your professional goals.

Physics is a versatile science that places a heavy emphasis on logic, reason, and problem-solving. While these skills can be applied to a variety of fields, our physics degree specifically prepares you for roles as a mechanical engineer, particle accelerator operator, data analyst, physicist, and more. By partnering with Liberty, you can start your career in physics, meet your professional goals, and make an impact on the scientific community.

How Do Physics Labs Work Online?

Three of our physics courses contain laboratory components. The labs are designed to be comparable to those in a residential setting, with the aim being to help you solidify the textbook concepts through firsthand experience. The labs leverage our university MATLAB site license, which allows for real-time data acquisition from an electronic sensor that is shipped to you in a lab kit – whether it be to measure motion, magnetic fields, light intensity, etc.

You’ll then analyze the data in MATLAB, which gives you valuable experience using industry-grade software. After successfully completing the lab courses, you can prepare to handle electronics, microcontrollers, and sensors as well as perform data analysis with MATLAB – all skills that can strengthen your skill set as an aspiring physicist, engineer, or other technical professional. 

What Will You Learn in Liberty University’s B.S. in Physics?

Upon graduation, you will be able to:

• Systematically explore physical phenomena by setting up experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting the results.
• Understand fundamental physics principles as well as foundational concepts within its branches of mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics.
• Understand how the cosmos and laws of physics support a creator and biblical worldview.
• Use mathematical techniques for problem-solving.

Potential Careers for B.S. in Physics Graduates

• Data analyst
• Lab technician
• Mechanical engineer
• Optical engineer
• Particle accelerator operator
• Research associate

Benefits of Pursuing Your B.S. in Physics with Liberty University

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• We are  recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your online degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university. 
• Gain the technical knowledge and research skills you’ll need to work as a physicist – all 100% online!
• The bachelor’s in physics can be completed in just 3.5 years.

Military Benefits

Service is important to us, so whether you’re currently serving in the Armed Forces, have served, or are married to someone who serves, we’re here to serve you. Liberty’s military benefits are available to:

• Active duty service members of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/retirees
• Spouses of service members and veterans/retirees
• Current Department of Defense employees

We are proud to support you in your pursuit of a flexible and affordable online education by offering you the following benefits: 

• Tuition discounts – $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses
• Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $565 per course)
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
• Potential college credit for military training

Credit Hours

100% online, 8-week courses

Interested in studying on campus?

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total

Next Start Date

Aug 19, 2024

Accreditation

Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

“In the times in which we’re living today, Liberty University’s mission , the mission of training up a generation of Champions for Christ in literally every occupation, has never been more important .”

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE

Experience That Matters to You

As an accredited Christian college with a 7,000-acre campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University offers you an education that is both academically challenging and rooted in a biblical worldview.

At Liberty, you’ll benefit from 35+ years of learning, growing, adapting, and innovating for the distance learner — and more than a decade of researching the needs of the online student. You can be confident that we’ve taken the time to learn what’s important to you.

And what’s that?

• Affordability
• Accessibility
• Academic Quality

These important factors challenged us to find new financial solutions, get ahead of industry trends, and blaze trails into cutting-edge career fields — and it’s paid off. That’s the difference experience makes.

Ranked in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America   and recognized by multiple institutions for   academic quality, affordability, and accessibility.

Why Choose Liberty University?

Enjoy flexible courses.

Choose from a wide variety of programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level, most of which are 100% online*. With an 8-week format and 8 start dates per year, it’s easy to fit your courses around your schedule!

* Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.

Maximize Your Time

Start and finish your degree faster! Liberty requires no standardized testing for admission, and you can transfer previous course credit — transfer in up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree and up to 50% of a master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral degree — or discover how your life, career, or military experience may count toward your college degree.

Grow in Your Faith

All of our courses are taught from a Christian perspective, and our faculty see themselves as mentors. Our mission is to Train Champions for Christ — we’re committed to championing you as you study to go further in your field, become a leader in your industry, or start a new career.

Access Academic Support

Throughout your educational journey, you will have access to academic resources that will aid in the completion of your degree. Services include our Jerry Falwell Library, writing center, tutoring, study aids, IT assistance, 30+ tutorial videos, live webinars, and personalized help from our academic advising team.

An Online Education with On-Campus Benefits

Cheer on 20 NCAA Division I games that air nationwide

Graduate with your peers

Be inspired by world-renowned speakers at Convocation

Why we’re nonprofit.

As a nonprofit (not-for-profit) university, Liberty is in the business of training skilled professionals to make a difference in the world – not gaining profit, revenue, or producing dividends for shareholders. In keeping with our commitment to your education, we invest our resources back into degree programs and into your student experience.

While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university and has not increased tuition for 9 straight years. Lower tuition means less student loan debt for students.

For Liberty University, nonprofit is more than a status; it is a valuable opportunity to invest in the lives of students who will go out and impact the world.

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Financing Options

Financial aid.

Nearly 80% of all Liberty students in an online program are awarded financial aid. Virginia residents may qualify for additional aid — learn more !

Corporate Tuition Assistance

Deferred – If your company reimburses you for the cost of your education, you pay only a portion of your balance up front. You submit your grades to your employer who pays you, and then you pay the remaining balance for your classes.

Tuition Discounts

Qualified military service members, veterans, and their spouses can receive up to 55% off their tuition rate for eligible programs!

Contact one of our Admissions Counselors for more information by calling (800) 424-9595 .

Apply FREE This Week*

*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, Non-Degree Seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and Certificates.

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