The Neuroscience Ph.D. Program

In the first year of their Ph.D. program, students do 4 nine-week rotations in different laboratories of their choosing. First-year course work includes a core class in principles of neuroscience, and intensive graduate level seminars that give students experience in reading original research literature and making oral presentations. Graduate research advisors are typically chosen at the end of the first year.

In their second year, Neuroscience students obtain teaching experience and write a mentored research proposal. In subsequent years, all Neuroscience students present their ongoing research to the entire community in a weekly series of lunchtime graduate student talks (pizza provided). Most Neuroscience Ph.D. students complete their degrees in 5-6 years and go on to postdoctoral research in outstanding laboratories.

Our students compete successfully for prestigious fellowships and awards at both the pre- and postdoctoral levels. Former students from our program include many internationally recognized scientists at major institutions around the country and world-wide.