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Neuroscience in United States

Why Study Neuroscience in United States

• Studying Neuroscience in United States is a great choice, as there are 74 universities that offer PhD degrees on our portal.
• Over 957,000 international students choose United States for their studies, which suggests you’ll enjoy a vibrant and culturally diverse learning experience and make friends from all over the world.
• We counted 119 affordable PhD degrees in United States , allowing you to access quality higher education without breaking the bank. Moreover, there are 297 available scholarships you can apply to.

98  Neuroscience PhDs in United States

Neuroscience The University of Cincinnati Neuroscience Graduate Program is a degree-granting program of interdisciplinary... University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, Ohio, United States

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Explore your Neuroscience degree

Neuroscience delves into the complexities of the brain and nervous system, spanning molecular biology to cognitive processes. Specialisations include molecular neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, clinical neuroscience, computational neuroscience, and neuroimaging. Students explore brain anatomy, neural signalling, cognitive processes, and diseases. Courses cover neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry, and research methods. Practical lab work and research experience are often integral. Skills needed include analytical thinking and a solid foundation in biology and chemistry. Career opportunities include neuroscientist, clinical neuropsychologist, neurology consultant, pharmaceutical researcher, and science communicator, with advanced degrees leading to specialized roles and research.

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Neuroscience Track

program completion rate

job placement rate

Guaranteed 5-year internal fellowship

includes full tuition, stipend and benefits

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

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

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

Ongoing research in this program includes:

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

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

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

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

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

Ben Rabichow Ph.D. student, Neuroscience Track

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

Francis Shue Ph.D. student, Neuroscience Track

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

Lingxiao Wang Ph.D. student, Neuroscience Track

Recent thesis topics

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

Your future

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

Meet the director

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

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

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

Browse a list of Neuroscience Track faculty members

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. 

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.

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 .

Interdisciplinary Training in the Neurosciences

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

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

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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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Best Neuroscience PhD Programs: Careers, and More [2024]

Are you looking for the best neuroscience PhD programs of 2024? You’re lucky because I have compiled the best neuroscience PhD programs list. Before we get into the individual programs, let’s first dive into what neuroscience is.

Neuroscience is a branch of biological science studying the brain, emphasizing its biochemistry, molecular biology, psychology, and anatomy to understand human and animal behavior. It offers an in-depth understanding of brain diseases and abnormalities so we can develop solutions using studies with neuroscientific models.

An expert neuroscientist can make significant contributions to society, and a PhD in neuroscience will equip you to pursue a prestigious career in the field. According to Salary Expert , the average annual salary of neuroscience PhD holders is $113,946. That number is expected to rise to $129,991 by 2028, making this one of the highest-paying PhDs .

Ready to find your dream PhD program in neuroscience? Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Best Neuroscience PhD Programs

Harvard university, harvard medical school.

Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience (PiN)

The Neurobiology Department of Harvard Medical School is the first research department in the world to take an interdisciplinary, systemic approach to studying the human brain. This program is one of the more competitive PhDs in neuroscience and offers a wide range of electives in a flexible format. Students can easily balance their coursework and lab work with hybrid and online learning.

• Courses : Quantitative methods for biologists, rotations in neuroscience, and discipline of neuroscience.
• Duration : 3 years or more
• Delivery : On-campus
• Tuition : Full funding
• Financial aid : Full tuition/stipend support, health insurance, childcare support, parental support, and travel allowance.
• Acceptance rate:  5%
• Location : Boston, Massachusetts

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Brain and Cognitive Sciences PhD Program

MIT’s Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences claims to produce the world’s sharpest and most innovative brain scientists. This PhD program enables students to pursue cutting-edge research that seeks to push the boundaries of neuroscientific knowledge.

• Courses : Molecular & cellular neuroscience, computational cognitive science, and statistics for neuroscience research.
• Duration : 5 years plus
• Tuition : $29,875 per term
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, loans, and health insurance.
• Acceptance rate : 7.3%
• Location : Cambridge, Massachusetts

Stanford University, School of Medicine

Neurosciences Ph.D. Program

Stanford is one of the leading research universities in the world. This PhD program is one of 14 “Biosciences Home Programs” offered by the institution’s School of Medicine. One of the best neuroscience PhD programs the USA provides, it enables students to design their post-graduate studies by working collaboratively with an extensive network of faculty and labs.

• Courses : Responsible conduct of neuroscience, neuroscience systems core, and neurogenetics core.
• Credits : 135 units
• Duration : 5 years
• Tuition : Refer tuition page
• Financial aid: Fellowships, grants, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and veteran benefits.
• Acceptance rate : 5.2%
• Location : Stanford, California

Princeton University, Graduate School

Ph.D. in Neuroscience

Princeton University is a globally acclaimed school with a long list of Nobel laureates and other honors. This one in our list of the best neuroscience PhD programs emphasizes hands-on experience, encouraging students to apply the concepts they learn in lectures in the lab.

• Courses : Cellular & circuits Neuroscience, computational neuroscience, and Statistics for Neuroscience.
• Tuition : $59,710 per year
• Financial aid : Fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, external funding, travel grants, veteran benefits, and loans.
• Acceptance rate : 5.6%
• Location : Princeton, New Jersey

Yale University, School of Medicine

Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program

Yale is another world-renowned university with several cultural centers to preserve the institution’s unique cultural identity. This interdepartmental PhD program is called a “department without walls” as it allows students to explore every aspect of neuroscience with the help of over 100 faculty members from more than twenty departments.

• Courses : Principles of neuroscience, foundations of systems neuroscience, and bioethics in neuroscience.
• Duration : Up to 7 years
• Tuition : $48,300 per year
• Financial aid : Fellowships, awards, research assistantships, loans, and travel funds.
• Acceptance rate : 6.5%
• Location : New Haven, Connecticut

The University of California San Francisco, Weill Institute for Neurosciences

Neuroscience Graduate Program

The University of California San Francisco is a big name committed to diversity and follows the JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion) approach to promote a positive campus environment. This post-graduate program allows students to work collaboratively with faculty members across various departments who are well-known names in their respective fields.

• Courses : Cellular & molecular neuroscience, systems & behavioral neuroscience, and computational neuroscience.
• Duration : 4 – 6 years
• Tuition : $11,442 per year
• Financial aid : Fellowships, awards, grants, and teaching assistantships.
• Acceptance rate : 3.7%
• Location : San Francisco, California

Brown University

Brown University is located in the culturally diverse city of Providence, Rhode Island. The program emphasizes intellectual freedom and has an “Open Curriculum” system at the undergraduate level, which confirms this. This PhD in neuroscience program involves various experimental approaches, including a Graduate Partnership Program (GPP) with NIH (National Institutes of Health).

• Courses : Advanced molecular & cellular neurobiology, advanced systems neuroscience, and neuroanatomy.
• Tuition : $8,207 per course
• Financial aid : Full funding, stipend, health insurance, grants, fellowships, and teaching assistantships.
• Acceptance rate : 7.7%
• Location : Providence, Rhode Island

Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine

Neuroscience Training Program

The Neuroscience Department at Johns Hopkins University was one of the country’s first academic centers for Neuroscience. Its PhD program is well-regarded, offering students ample opportunities for lab rotations, a wide selection of electives, and seminar series from eminent national and international scholars.

• Courses : Neuroscience cognition, quantitative methods for the brain sciences, and neuron models.
• Duration : 3 years plus
• Tuition : Full tuition, stipend, and benefits
• Financial aid:  Fellowships, loans, scholarships, and grants.
• Acceptance rate : 11.1%
• Location : Baltimore, Maryland

California Institute of Technology, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering

Neurobiology Graduate Program

Caltech is a private institution dedicated to excellence in technological education and research. This Ph.D. program allows students to conduct advanced research in molecular mechanisms of nervous system development, the evolution of the brain and behavior in primates, neuroscience of brain disorders, and neuro-engineering.

• Courses : Tools of neurobiology, molecular, cellular, and developmental neurobiology, and circuits, systems, and behavioral biology.
• Credits : 54 units (6 quarter courses)
• Tuition : $56,364 per year
• Financial aid : Teaching assistantships, fellowships, loans, research assistantships, and full funding.
• Acceptance rate : 6.7%
• Location : Pasadena, California

The University of Chicago, Biological Sciences Division

PhD Program in Computational Neuroscience

The University of Chicago is a renowned institution that has pioneered neuroscience research by eminent scientists like K. C. Cole, Stephen Polyak, and Jack Cowan. The school’s PhD in Computational Neuroscience offers an in-depth understanding of how various neural components affect human and animal behavior.

• Courses : Cellular neurobiology, methods in computational neuroscience, and behavioral neuroscience.
• Tuition : $19,035 per quarter
• Financial aid : Grants, fellowships, awards, stipends, and research assistantships.
• Location : Chicago, Illinois

What Do I Need to Get a PhD in Neuroscience?

You’ll need an undergraduate degree in biological sciences or a related field. Some programs may also require a master’s in a relevant field; others may ask for GRE scores as part of the application process. You must complete coursework, research, and a dissertation paper throughout the program, meet teaching requirements and seminars, and pass qualifying examinations.

What to Consider When Choosing a Neuroscience PhD Program

Neuroscience is a highly specialized field that often involves interdisciplinary research. Therefore, looking for programs offering specializations in your areas of interest and with faculty members who are experts in these fields is essential. It’s also vital to consider applicable tuition, other fees, location, and whether the program offers the type of study you want (on-campus, online, or hybrid learning).

Once you decide on the best neuroscience PhD program for you, laying some groundwork is a good idea. This will help you create a more robust application and better prepare for the program. Read up on the latest neuroscience research and think about potential subjects for your dissertation. Build your sector network and start making connections that will help you with your studies and beyond.

Why Get a Doctorate in Neuroscience?

A doctorate in neuroscience can make you a valuable expert in one of the top branches of the biological sciences. You’ll have plenty of opportunities in this field to perform exciting, valuable, and innovative research.

This advanced degree will also qualify you for many well-paid roles, including:

• Medical Science Liaison ( $149,911 )
• Senior Clinical Research Associate ( $114,764 )
• Neuroscientist ( $81,661 )
• Research Scientist ( $87,532 )
• Program Director, Healthcare ( $87,780 )
• Assistant Professor, Postsecondary/Higher Education ( $73,907 )

PhD in Neuroscience: Key Facts

What is the average cost of a phd in neuroscience.

The cost of completing a Ph.D. in neuroscience varies depending on factors like the school, the program, and other expenses like accommodation. A reputable PhD in neuroscience program can range anywhere from $10K to $60K per year.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Neuroscience?

Getting a PhD in Neuroscience usually takes between 3 and 7 years.

What Skills Do You Gain from a PhD in Neuroscience?

A PhD in Neuroscience awards you a range of skills, most notably:

• The ability to develop testable neuroscientific hypotheses  and conduct studies using experimental, statistical, and literature review methods.
• Laboratory skills  related to  researching behavioral Neuroscience concepts.
• Scientific written communication skills.

PhD Neuroscience Program Statistics

• A PhD in neuroscience program can expect hundreds of applicants — the average is around 170 .
• Most neuroscience PhD candidates have an undergraduate degree in psychology, biology, or neuroscience , though they may have backgrounds in other fields, even non-science ones such as business or humanities.
• Most schools only accept a few neuroscience PhD candidates a year based on stringent criteria. For example, The University of Texas at Dallas accepts an average of 10-20 students per year.

Key Takeaways

With intake numbers for PhDs in neuroscience programs being relatively small, it’s essential to start preparing early to assemble the most robust application possible. Once you get accepted into your dream program, the future will be bright, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating a 10% growth in jobs for medical scientists between 2022 and 2032. From high salary prospects to the opportunity to make valuable contributions to society, you’re sure to have a rewarding career as a neuroscientist!

If you’re deciding between neuroscience and psychology, check out our guides to the best Master’s in Psychology  and the best online PhD in Psychology programs .

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive are neuroscience doctoral programs.

Neuroscience PhD programs can be highly competitive. Even when there are hundreds of applicants, only 10 or so may be accepted each year by each program. Therefore, it’s essential to have a strong academic record and prepare a compelling application to be accepted into your dream program.

Do Neuroscientists Need a PhD?

This depends on the exact neuroscience role you want. Typically, you’ll need a PhD in neuroscience to work as a research scientist, senior research associate, or neuroscience professor at a post-secondary school. However, you may be eligible for entry-level neuroscience roles with an undergraduate or master’s degree .

Does Harvard Have a Neuroscience Major?

Yes, Harvard University offers one of the USA’s most reputable neuroscience doctorate programs .

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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Program Overview and Milestones

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

• Incoming students attend a two-week boot camp in early September. Comprised of lectures and labs, students learn a host of techniques in cellular and molecular aspects of neuroscience.
• Students enroll in Core courses and Journal Club, complete additional course requirements , and attend Superfriends talks given by senior Neuroscience students.
• Weekly faculty talks are hosted so students may learn about ongoing research in Neuroscience program labs. 
• 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.
• Students apply for extramural fellowships and grants for which they are eligible (e.g., NSF GRFP, HHMI)
• Students join a thesis lab at the end of the first year.
• The second year is occupied by the initiation of a thesis project . The Qualifying Examination is taken by the end of the second year in the program.
• Students continue to enroll in coursework to fulfill degree requirements, participate in Journal Club, and attend Superfriends talks.
• Students apply for extramural grants and fellowships for which they are eligible (e.g., NSF GRFP, NDSEG)
• Second year students also take on leadership roles in the program by serving as Student Representatives for Admissions, Community activites, Student Speaker events, the SNI Speaker Series, and Website/Communications.
• Students meet at least annually with their Thesis Advisory Committee to ensure progress towards successful completion thesis research.
• Students apply for fellowships and grants for which they are eligible (e.g., NIH NRSA, HHMI)
• Students continue to participate in Journal Club and attend Superfriends to gain experience reviewing scientific publications and giving public presentations.
• Students use the Individual Development Plan to create a roadmap to complete their degree and pursue their chosen career path.
• Students continue to meet regularly with the Thesis Advisory Committee to ensure progress towards successful completion of thesis research.   
• Students apply for fellowships and grants for which they are eligible.
• Senior students in Years 4+ talk about their own research and graduate student experiences at Superfriends gatherings.
• Students give their Thesis Defense , a public seminar presenting the student's research findings followed by an oral examination of the candidate by the Thesis Committee.
• Students publish a first-authored article and submit a written dissertation prior to being conferred the Ph.D. degree.
• The Ph.D. program typically takes approximately five years to complete.

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UCLA Graduate Programs

Graduate Program: Neuroscience

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

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

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

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

Visit the Neuroscience’s faculty roster

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

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

• Admission Requirements
• Program Statistics

(310) 206-4407

[email protected]

MAJOR CODE: NEUROSCIENCE

Neuroscience, Ph.D.

Navigating the nervous system..

Merging biological, cognitive and computational neurosciences, this interdisciplinary program provides the broad academic foundation and diverse research experiences you need to study and contribute to the scientific understanding of brain and spinal cord function.

The program addresses all aspects of the highly integrated field, including the study of the nervous system biology, the cognitive and behavioral processes, and the applications of mathematics and computer science to understand and model neurological function.

As a student in the program, you will focus your degree work in an area of the field that interests you and best prepares you for your career and research goals. Areas of specialization include neurobiology, cognitive neuroscience, and computational neuroscience.

The program is offered in collaboration with a nearby partner university, giving you access to faculty expertise, research facilities and resources at both institutions.

This program could be a good fit if you:

• Want to work in a research-intensive field
• Have exceptional analytical, investigative and problem-solving skills
• Have a related academic background in biology, psychology, or computer/mathematical sciences

Career Outcomes

With this degree, you could become a/an:

• Neuroscientist
• Neuroanatomist
• Neurobiologist
• Neurochemist
• Neuropharmacologist
• Neurophysiologist
• Neuropsychologist
• Neuroradiologist
• Physiological psychologist
• Psychobiologist
• Biological psychologist
• Psychophysicist

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The Neuroscience Graduate Program promotes interdisciplinary research that crosses traditional disciplinary and departmental boundaries, while providing a strong foundation in the core concepts of neuroscience. Research in the program employs an impressive array of techniques and encompasses multiple levels of investigation from genes, molecules, and cells to neural networks, systems, and behavior.

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Welcome to Stanford Neurosciences

The Stanford Neurosciences Interdepartmental Program (IDP) offers interdisciplinary training leading to a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. The primary goal of the program is to train students to become leaders in neuroscience research, education and outreach. Graduates of the program will be innovators, investigators, and teachers whose programs and pursuits are founded on research. The signature feature of the Stanford Neurosciences IDP is the combination of outstanding faculty researchers and exceedingly bright, energetic students in a community that shares a firm and longstanding commitment to understanding the nervous system at all its levels of function.

Program News

Admissions Information Session

Join us virtually to learn more about the Stanford Neurosciences PhD program and the admissions process.

Monday, October 2, 2023

11:00 am - 12:00 pm PST

Registration:  https://stanford.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pD6dbNZZTpyFF8mlFAxNYQ

Thank You, 2022-23 Student Reps and Committee Members!

2022-23 was a busy and engaging year in the program. Thank you to the Student Reps and Committee Members who led the way in bringing the community together!

Krishna Shenoy, engineer who reimagined how the brain makes the body move, dies at 54

Shenoy was a pioneer of neuroprosthetics, a field that paired chips implanted in the brain with algorithms able to decipher the chatter between neurons, allowing people with paralysis to control computers and mechanical limbs with their thoughts. Read more

Virtual Information Session - Monday, October 3, 2022

Virtual Information Session - Monday, October 4, 2021

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Tirin Moore wins 2021 Pradel Research Award

Dr. Shah elected as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science

Dr. Jeffrey Goldberg elected to National Academy of Medicine

Incorporating Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression Training for our incoming class

Thomas R. Clandinin elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Kevin Guttenplan recognized by Biosciences Excellence in Teaching Award

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President Marc Tessier-Lavigne donates Gruber Neuroscience Prize money to support Neuro grads who are under-represented