Frequently Asked Questions

• When is the application due?
  Applications for summer admissions are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning January 15th.  We encourange all applicants to apply as early as possible.  A January application is particularly important for international students who may need extra time to complete the VISA process.  Applications will be accepted until April 15th (March 15th for international applicants).  Late applications may be considered, space permitting. 
• How is my application evaluated?
  The admissions committee considers each applicant's aggregate academic record, personal statement, letters of recommendation, as well as out-of-classroom activities such as research experience.  Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a GPA corresponding to B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher.  Non-native speakers of English must score a minimum of 600 (paper), 250 (computer) or 80 (iBT) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an overall score of 6.5 on the IELTS.  Successful applications often also completed college level courses in physics, mathematics, chemistry, and advanced biology.
  A full list of requirements can be found in the Graduate School Bulletin.
• Do I need to have an undergraduate degree in neuroscience?
  While we expect students to have sufficient background in biology, chemistry and mathematics to be prepared to study neuroscience, prior neuroscience coursework is not required. We have had successful students from backgrounds in mathematics, physics and chemistry among other disciplines.
• Do I need to have prior research experience?
  No.  While some students begin the program having done research, many have not.  One goal of the program is to give students the opportunity to develop research proficiency and experience a research environment. 
• Can the program be completed in 1 year?
  No. While students can complete the bulk of the coursework in 1 year, a research based thesis is a requirement of the program and 1 year is generally an insufficient amount of time to complete this work.  Students typically complete the program in 1.5-2 years. 
• Is this program a good gap year option prior to medical school?
  This program is geared toward neuroscience research.  We are a good fit for students applying to MD/PhD programs seeking to bolster their research credentials or students seeking to decide if a neuroscience research career is right for them.  Students seeking gap year neuroscience related coursework in preparation for applying to medical school might consider the Biophysics and Physiology MS program. 
• I completed a 3 year degree outside of the US. Can I apply?
  If the degree is equivalent to a US bachelor's degree you are eligible to apply.
• What are the tuition and fee rates?
  Tuition and fee rates can be found here.
• Are there opportunities for financial aid?
  While the Master’s Program in Neuroscience does not directly offer financial aid, many of our students are able to find Teaching Assistantships with the Undergraduate Biology department on campus.  Positions offer a stipend and 1 course tuition waiver.  Additional information on financial aid can be found on The Graduate School site.
• What have alumni gone on to do after completing the MS in Neuroscience?
  Well over half of our students have gone on to enter PhD programs in neuroscience or related fields.  Others have gone onto medical school or other healthcare-related programs.  About a quarter of our alumni continued on to conduct research in various biomedical industry positions.  Other career areas include medical writing, lab management, research program coordination, and education.