Program Overview

Master of Science in Neuroscience

The Master of Science in Neuroscience program at Washington State University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the nervous system, from molecular events to integrative outputs such as behavior and autonomic control. The program includes classroom discussions of primary neuroscience literature, courses designed to teach scientific reasoning, and training in proposal writing and oral presentation skills.

Program Overview

• Total Graduate Faculty in Program: 50
• Total Core Graduate Faculty in Program: 35
• Graduate Students in Program: 3
• Students Receiving Assistantships: 1
• Priority Deadlines:
  • Fall: December 1
• Campus:
  • Pullman

Admission Requirements

To be considered for the Master of Science in Neuroscience program, applicants must submit an application through the WSU Graduate School website. The application must include:

• College transcripts (unofficial acceptable for initial review, official transcripts required upon admittance)
• Three letters of reference
• Resume or curriculum vita
• Personal statement (limited to 500 words)

The personal statement should outline the applicant's motivation for pursuing a Master's degree in Neuroscience, their research interests, and how they align with the current research interests of the Neuroscience faculty at WSU. Applicants must also identify a research mentor from the graduate faculty for the Program in Neuroscience prior to being admitted.

Degree Description

The program in Neuroscience at WSU is committed to providing equal opportunity in its services, programs, and employment for individuals with disabilities. Academically qualified students with disabilities are provided with access to individualized assistance consistent with their needs and the essential requirements of the program or course of study.

The program has students on two campuses, located in Pullman and Spokane, Washington. Students will be physically located on the campus where their mentor has their laboratory. All neuroscience applications are reviewed at the same location, regardless of the potential mentor's location.

Student Opportunities

In addition to learning how to read and evaluate scientific literature, students in the MS program will learn the fundamental aspects of experimental design and some technical skills used in neuroscience research. They also have the opportunity to participate in the professional development series administered through the Integrated Programs in Biomedical Sciences (iPBS).

Career Opportunities

Students completing their MS degree in Neuroscience can continue on to complete a PhD degree or enter directly into a research career in a government, academic, or industry laboratory (pharmaceutical or other biotech).

International Student English Proficiency Exams

International students may need to surpass the Graduate School's minimum English language proficiency exam scores for this program. The minimum scores are:

• 100 TOEFL
• 115 Duolingo
• 7 IELTS