ROUTES OF ADMISSION

Students interested in pursuing graduate studies in the Neuroscience Program may enter through one of three routes: direct application to the Neuroscience Program, application through the Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS) or application through the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP).

Direct Application: This is the best route to the Neuroscience Program is for students who know they wish to pursue a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. This offers a first year curriculum that is focused almost exclusively on areas within neuroscience, and also includes elective course options in other areas of biomedical research. Students who join the Program directly may choose to do laboratory rotations with any of over 115 faculty members affiliated with the Neuroscience Program.

Application via the PIBS: The PIBS offers first year graduate students interested in biomedical research the chance to explore opportunities for advanced study in 13 different doctoral degree granting programs, which together include nearly 300 participating laboratories. The first semester of study includes core courses in areas of cellular and molecular biology common to many fields. This leaves time during the first year of study for students to select elective courses in potential areas of specialization, as well as for intensive research rotations. At the end of the first year students will select a degree program (e.g., Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Human Genetics, Neuroscience, etc.). Each year several PIBS students join the Neuroscience Program as second-year students.

Application via the MSTP: The MSTP is a joint effort of the graduate and medical schools to provide balanced training in science and medicine. Graduates of MSTP receive both M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. Students interested exclusively in obtaining a Ph.D. should apply for direct admission to the Neuroscience Program, or admission through PIBS.

When deciding which route of entry best suits your needs, please consider the following:
Students who come from a background in psychology or behavioral biology might prefer direct entry into the Neuroscience Program if their previous studies did not prepare them sufficiently to undertake a core curriculum with a heavy focus on cell and molecular biology.

The PIBS allows students maximal flexibility. It should be emphasized that the difference between first year curricula is primarily one of timing and not of program content. By the end of the second year of study, all Neuroscience Program students, regardless of route of admission, will have completed a sequence of Neuroscience courses that differs, at most, by one course, and all students will have carried out intensive Neuroscience research rotations

Students who are citizens or permanent residents of the United State will receive identical packages of financial support, regardless of whether they are admitted directly to the Neuroscience Program, or through PIBS.

International students wishing to apply for admission to the Neuroscience Graduate Program should apply via the Program in Biomedical Sciences (see the link below) and indicate Neuroscience as their preferred program.

For further information on applying to the MSTP or PIBS contact them directly at

All application materials need to be submitted on-line (except in rare circumstances with Neuroscience Program approval) except transcripts and letters of recommendation, when the recommender prefers to send a paper letter.

Please send one (1) set of transcripts directly to the Neuroscience Graduate Program Office. For letters of recommendation not submitted on-line, please have the recommender mail the letter directly to the Neuroscience Graduate Program at:

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