Program Overview

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Introduction to the Neuroscience PhD Program

The Neuroscience PhD program is a member of the Interdisciplinary Biological and Health Sciences Consortium (IBHSC), which fosters a collaborative environment for research and study in the biological and health sciences. The Neuroscience Training Program (NTP) was established in 1971 and comprises more than 80 faculty members whose research interests range from molecular neurobiology to integrative systems.

Program Overview

The program is designed to prepare students for careers in research and teaching. On average, the number of students in the program is approximately 55. The program is best suited for students who are independent and wish to take a direct role in determining their graduate education. Training leads to the PhD degree in neuroscience or the MD/PhD degree in cooperation with the School of Medicine and Public Health.

Curriculum and Structure

The doctoral program of each graduate student in the training program is tailored to meet individual needs. Each student's program is supervised by an advisory committee of faculty members selected by the student in consultation with the major professor. During the first year, students complete three laboratory rotations. The central forum for intellectual exchange in the program is a neuroscience seminar, which meets weekly and is attended by neuroscience students and faculty.

Key Features of the Program

• The program prepares students for careers primarily in research and teaching in universities and colleges and careers outside of academia.
• Of the more than 200 students who have earned the PhD degree in the program, more than 95% have careers in biomedical science.
• The average time taken by students to complete the PhD degree is five years.

Admissions Requirements

General Requirements

• Fall Deadline: December 1
• Spring Deadline: The program does not admit in the spring.
• Summer Deadline: The program does not admit in the summer.
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Not required.
• English Proficiency Test: Refer to the Graduate School's policy.
• Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT): Not applicable.
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 letters are required.

Specific Requirements

• Course Prerequisites: College-level courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology are recommended.
• Degree: A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited US institution or comparable degree from an international institution is required.
• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts are accepted for the application process, but official transcripts are required upon recommendation for admission.
• Grade Point Average: A minimum undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00 on the equivalent of the last 60 semester hours or a master's degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required.
• Statement of Purpose: Describe research experience in 2 pages or less.
• Personal Statement: Describe future research interests and goals for graduate school and beyond in 2 pages or less.
• Resume or CV: A resume or CV is required and must be uploaded in the online application.
• Application Fee: A non-refundable $75 application fee must be paid by credit card or debit/ATM card.

Funding and Support

• Each student receives a stipend that covers tuition, fees, living costs, and health insurance and is guaranteed for five years if progress is satisfactory.
• Financial support is provided from the Program's NIH training grant, fellowships, and faculty research grants.
• Limited support is available for international students.

Curriculum Requirements

Mode of Instruction

• Face to Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.
• Online, Hybrid, Evening/Weekend, and Accelerated programs are not applicable.

Curricular Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 51 credits
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 32 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 26 credits must be graduate-level coursework.
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA required.

Assessments and Examinations

• Candidates must meet with their advisory committee once per semester until they become a dissertator and then once per year thereafter.
• The preliminary examination consists of two papers: a dissertation proposal and a critical research paper unrelated to the proposal.
• The final dissertation must be submitted to the advisory committee and an oral defense of the thesis must be given.

Required Courses

• Core Courses:
  • NTP/NEURODPT 610: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (4 credits)
  • NTP/NEURODPT/PSYCH 611: Systems Neuroscience (4 credits)
  • NTP 700: Professional Development for Biomedical Graduate Students (1 credit)
  • NTP 701: Experimental Design and Statistical Methodology (1 credit)
• One Mid-level Molecular/Cellular/Developmental Neuroscience Course
• One Mid-level Systems/Behavioral Neuroscience Course
• Seminar: Students are expected to be enrolled in the Neuroscience Seminar every Fall/Spring semester and complete 10 credits.
• Research: Complete at least 15 credits of the research course NTP 990.

Additional Coursework

• Complete other advanced courses or additional research credits as recommended by the advisory committee to meet minimum credit requirements.