Program Overview

M.S. Neuroscience Track

The M.S. program is intended for students who desire training for technical positions in academia or industry. It is designed to give students:

• A broad knowledge of the fundamentals of neuroscience, which is provided by the Neuroscience Core and elective graduate courses that provide specialized education appropriate to the student's research area. The Neuroscience Core offers a comprehensive foundation in neuroscience, covering topics such as molecular and cellular neuroscience, systems neuroscience, and behavioral neuroscience. Elective graduate courses allow students to delve deeper into specific areas of interest, such as neuroplasticity, neuropharmacology, or neuroimaging. For example, students may choose to take courses in advanced neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, or neurochemistry to gain a more in-depth understanding of the neural systems and processes that underlie human behavior and disease.
• The ability to present their research in formal settings, which is developed through Seminars in Neuroscience. In these seminars, students and faculty present their research or lead discussions of recent journal articles, providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and the development of critical thinking and communication skills. Students learn to articulate their research questions, methods, and findings clearly and concisely, and to respond thoughtfully to questions and critiques from their peers.
• Research experience in the student's chosen specialty, which is gained through the design and implementation of a master's thesis. The course of study depends on the student's research area and academic history, and is determined by negotiation among the student, the student's adviser, and the advisory committee. For instance, a student interested in the neural basis of cognitive development may work with a faculty adviser to design a research project that investigates the relationship between brain structure and function in children with developmental disorders.

Program Requirements

• All master's students must take Seminars in Neuroscience every semester, where they present their research or lead discussions of recent journal articles. This seminar series provides a unique opportunity for students to engage with faculty and peers, to receive feedback on their research, and to develop their skills in scientific communication and critical thinking.
• At the end of their first year, students must provide an acceptable research proposal to their adviser and advisory committee. This proposal outlines the student's research question, methodology, and expected outcomes, and serves as a foundation for the development of their master's thesis.
• The M.S. degree requires a minimum of 45 total credit hours (including research and thesis), of which 30 hours must be formal coursework. Students are encouraged to finish the program within two years; the average is two and one-quarter years. The program's curriculum is designed to provide a balance of foundational knowledge, specialized training, and research experience, and to prepare students for careers in academia, industry, or government.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the M.S. Neuroscience Track includes:

• Neuroscience Core courses, which provide a comprehensive foundation in neuroscience and cover topics such as molecular and cellular neuroscience, systems neuroscience, and behavioral neuroscience.
• Elective graduate courses, which allow students to specialize in specific areas of interest, such as neuroplasticity, neuropharmacology, or neuroimaging.
• Seminars in Neuroscience, which provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and the development of critical thinking and communication skills.
• Research and thesis credits, which provide students with hands-on experience in designing, conducting, and presenting original research in neuroscience.

Research Experience

Research experience is a critical component of the M.S. Neuroscience Track, and is gained through the design and implementation of a master's thesis. Students work closely with a faculty adviser to develop a research project that investigates a specific question or problem in neuroscience, and to design and conduct experiments to test their hypotheses. The research experience provides students with hands-on training in scientific methodology, data analysis, and scientific communication, and prepares them for careers in academia, industry, or government. For example, a student may work with a faculty adviser to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive development in children with autism spectrum disorder, or to develop new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.