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.

The current degree requirements are below. Remember you are required to fulfill the requirements from the academic year you were admitted. Please refer to the handbook from your year of admission as needed.

30 credit hours and a thesis

Required Core (5-6 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 Requirements (1 credit hour)

• NEU 591 Neuroscience Research and Public Speaking Series  (1) 

Research (9 credit hours)

• NEU 592 Research (9)

Electives (8-9 credit hours)

The department and the student's advisor determine additional elective courses in conjunction with the student. Some examples include the following (not an exhaustive list):

• NEU 592 Research (additional)

• BIO 530 Scientific Teaching

• BIO 533 K-12 STEM Education & Outreach

• BIO 539 Computing for Research

• BIO 541 SOLS Seminar Series

• BIO 542 SOLS Current Topics in the Life Sciences

• BIO 543 Molecular Genetics and Genomics

• BIO 579 Data Analysis and Visualization in R

• BIO 591 Communication for Scientists

• BIO 591 Genetics and Genomics of Behavior

• BIO 620 Research Prospectus Writing

• MCB 500 Research Methods

• MCB 540 Functional Genomics

• MCB 591 Virology Journal Club

• MCB 598 Immunology: Molecular and Cellular Foundations

• MCB 598 Advanced Developmental Biology

• NEU 591 Data Analysis in Neuroscience

• NEU 598 Neurophysiology

• NEU 598 Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Aging Brain

• NEU 598 Brain and Emotion

Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)

• NEU 599 Thesis (*6 credits)

*Note: It is very important you do exactly 6 thesis credit hours. These 6 can be divided and taken over multiple semesters, but they must sum 6 credits exactly (no more, no less) to avoid issues when graduating. If you need to enroll in thesis or equivalent hours after meeting your 6 total, please take NEU 592 Research hours instead, which has no maximum limit.