Master of Science in Neuroscience and Behavior

The Neuroscience and Behavior (NSB) Graduate Program at UMass Amherst provides exciting, cutting-edge research training across disciplines, including neuroendocrinology, cellular and molecular neuroscience, animal behavior and learning, and more. Youll benefit from state-of-the-art facilities for neural and behavioral studies at all levels of investigation, from molecules to whole organisms, and youll gain immediate hands-on experience by carrying out a Major Research Project during your first two years of graduate training. This program is available only to graduates of the University of Massachusetts Amherst or the four colleges in the Five College community who have worked as undergraduates in the lab of a faculty member in the Neuroscience and Behavior Program. Participating students will normally identify a faculty advisor in their junior year and become actively engaged in research throughout their senior year.

Undergraduate coursework of all applicants should include several semesters of biological science, organic chemistry and/or biochemistry, two semesters of mathematics (through calculus), one semester of statistics and at least two courses in neurobiology or physiological psychology. Outstanding applicants with some deficiencies in their undergraduate preparation may also be considered for admission. Individuals with a Master's degree in a life science discipline from another institution, as well as University of Massachusetts graduate students currently enrolled in participating departments, are eligible for admission to the program.

An initial evaluation of each applicant's record and credentials is the responsibility of an Admissions Committee composed of Neuroscience and Behavior core faculty members. Recommendations to the Dean of the Graduate School for acceptance originate from the Graduate Program Director in close consultation with the Admissions Committee and Neuroscience and Behavior Steering Committee.

Admissions criteria include a B average or above in undergraduate and/or graduate-level coursework, and at least two strong letters of recommendation from individuals who are able to assess the applicant's potential for a career in research and teaching in the field of Neuroscience and Behavior. Demonstrated potential for independent research is a particularly important criterion for admission to the program. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not used for determining admission and should not be submitted.
A minimum of two reference letters are required and they must be submitted no later than December 8. Additional letters also may be provided at the discretion of the applicant. Official transcripts of course work taken at other institutions also are required. Most successful applicants to the NSB Program have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or better. Completion of a bachelor's degree is required for admission to graduate study.

The Personal Statement is one of the most important and informative aspects of the application. This statement is read carefully by the Admissions Committee and by other faculty members who are interested in recruiting a student in any given year. In particular, the review committee needs to know about the life-sciences background of each applicant, why s/he wishes to pursue graduate study in neuroscience and behavior, and why the NSB Program has been selected by the applicant. Applicants should familiarize themselves with the current research interests of NSB faculty (provided on this website). If appropriate, the applicant should indicate which areas of research and faculty laboratories are of greatest interest. If one has not yet decided on a specific area of research interest, this should also be made clear in the Personal Statement.
IELTS - 6.5
TOEFL IBT - 80